Skip to content
4.8(1666 reviews)

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

4005 Sandpiper Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, United States

Plain-text version · Virginia Beach (plain text)

Recommended Camping Products

BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware Mini Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit with Pot and Pan Set for Hiking 8pcs Set
BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware Mini Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit with Pot and Pan Set for Hiking 8pcs Set

【Lightweight and Small】Camping cookware set weights 1.72 lbs/0.78kg.Folding handle design and compact size,easy to take and save your space.. 【Built To Last and Easy Clean】BeGrit Camping pot set heat quickly and is survival gear that is built to last. 410 stainless steel material, make it easy to clean and more durable.. 【Handy and Multipurpose】All in 1 small package,Camping Cookware set for 1-2 people.Satisfying the requirement of cooking heartedly, stir-frying, boiling or frying.It is perfect to camping, hiking, backpacking, picnics, outdoor adventures, and other outdoor activities.

Buy Now on Amazon
Portable Power Station 300W 257wh Lithium Battery Bailibatt Small Portable Generator for Home Use Camping Travel Emergency Hunting Outdoor, Large Power Bank with AC Outlet for Laptop
Portable Power Station 300W 257wh Lithium Battery Bailibatt Small Portable Generator for Home Use Camping Travel Emergency Hunting Outdoor, Large Power Bank with AC Outlet for Laptop

BailiBatt Portable Power Station – Weighing just 4.6 lbs, it's perfectly suited as a portable generators for home use, camping, and outdoor adventures. The portable power equipped with 69,600mAh capacity, it can charge multiple small devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and cameras.. Stable & Efficient Outputs - This portable power bank features built-in dual 120V pure sine wave AC outlets and 12V/120W DC outputs, delivering stable power for electronics. With 300W total capacity, it can run up to 8 devices simultaneously (total load must not exceed 300W).. Ready for Camping/Home Backup - This portable generator features a 257Wh Grade-A battery pack with excellent thermal stability and safety, supporting 1500+ charge cycles. Ideal portable power station for camping outdoor and home use.

Buy Now on Amazon
Coleman Sundome Camping Tent with Rainfly, 2/3/4/6 Person Tent Sets Up in 10 Mins, Weatherproof Shelter for Camping, Festivals, Backyard, Sleepovers, & More
Coleman Sundome Camping Tent with Rainfly, 2/3/4/6 Person Tent Sets Up in 10 Mins, Weatherproof Shelter for Camping, Festivals, Backyard, Sleepovers, & More

WEATHERTEC PROTECTION — Tub-style floor, welded corners, inverted seams and taped rainfly work together to keep water out and help block wind and rain for a reliable, weatherproof shelter.. SETS UP IN MINUTES — Snag-free continuous pole sleeves and pre-attached poles let you pitch the tent in about 10 minutes — ideal for camping, festivals, backyard getaways and sleepovers.. WELL-VENTILATED COMFORT — Two large windows and a ground vent promote airflow to reduce condensation; roomy interior and generous center height provide improved headroom and sleeping comfort.

Buy Now on Amazon
Joyinrute Alumnimun Rooftop Tent Hard Shell with Winter Insulation, Pop Up 2 Person Roof Top Hardshell for Camping Truck Van Suitable for Jeep SUV Car
Joyinrute Alumnimun Rooftop Tent Hard Shell with Winter Insulation, Pop Up 2 Person Roof Top Hardshell for Camping Truck Van Suitable for Jeep SUV Car

High quality aluminum alloy material:Made of high quality aircraft grade aluminum, not easy to aging and thermal expansion and contraction,super durable,exceptional load-bearing capacity. If it's made of plastic,easy to aging and nondurable.. Quick opening and closing: The tent is equipped with 4 high-strength hydraulic support rods, which provide strong support and ensure smooth opening and closing operations, providing a more convenient user experience.. Disassemble winer thermal liner: Provides better insulation and windproof performance, keeping you warm and comfortable even when camping in winter, and is easy to disassemble, making it a true all-weather rooftop tent.

Buy Now on Amazon
Coleman PEAK1 Premium Waterproof Backpacking Tent Withstands 45MPH Winds Wide Door Star View Window & Footprint Included Available in 1/2/3/4/6 Person
Coleman PEAK1 Premium Waterproof Backpacking Tent Withstands 45MPH Winds Wide Door Star View Window & Footprint Included Available in 1/2/3/4/6 Person

Premium Gear: Designed to inspire and elevate your outdoor adventures. Wind & Rain Resistant: Withstands winds up to 45 mph and features a waterproof fabric with a 2,000mm waterhead rating. Star-gazing Window: Unzips for spectacular star views and optimal airflow

Buy Now on Amazon
18/8 Stainless Steel Camping Cook Pot Set of 4 pcs, Camping Messware Kit, Camping Cooking Set, Backpacking Camping Cookware, Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit
18/8 Stainless Steel Camping Cook Pot Set of 4 pcs, Camping Messware Kit, Camping Cooking Set, Backpacking Camping Cookware, Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit

Versatile Cookware: This 4-piece camping pots and pans set includes 2 deep pcs pots,1 pc fry pan ,1pc tray.. Premium Materials: This 4-piece camping cooking set is made of durable 18/8 stainless steel, perfect for outdoor adventures.. Secure Grip: Foldable handles of the camping cookware provide a secure, comfortable grip when cooking over campfires or stoves.

Buy Now on Amazon

About This Campsite

Welcome to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Nestled in the serene coastal wetlands of Virginia, the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers an immersive nature experience for visitors of all ages. This wildlife refuge is a sanctuary for flora and fauna, providing miles of trails for hiking, walking, and biking. Whether you're yearning to observe wildlife, enjoy a peaceful beach walk, or explore miles of secluded coastline, this park is a splendid escape from city life.

Visitor Information & Tips

  • The refuge is well-maintained with accessible areas for different mobility levels, though some areas may not be suited for all visitors.
  • Entrance to the refuge is $5 per vehicle, while bikers and hikers are admitted for free. National park passes are accepted.
  • The refuge is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Pets are not allowed during your visit.
  • Preparations are essential: bring bug spray, sunscreen, food, and water, as there are no facilities for purchasing amenities inside.
  • Amenities are limited; the visitor center has selective hours and bathrooms may not always be available.
  • If you plan on kayaking or canoeing, bring your own equipment. There is a launch area near the main parking lot.

What to Expect

Visitors can revel in the rich biodiversity, spotting diverse wildlife such as birds, rabbits, turtles, and fish. The refuge’s untouched beaches provide a rare chance to connect with nature, reminiscent of times before extensive development.

Overall Thoughts

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a delightful retreat into the wonders of nature, perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers. Despite some limitations on amenities, the tranquility and natural beauty make it a destination worth visiting. Always be prepared with necessities and be mindful of the natural environment to ensure a pleasant visit.

Photos

Photos provided by Google

Reviews

Reviews provided by Google

John Hannan

07/14/2024

This is an emersive experience with nature in the protected Virginia coastal wetlands. With the exception in one area, intentional littering, the property is well maintained and is inclusive to visit for everyone. Not all, but many areas are mobility friendly. This is a great place to visit with the whole family. There's plenty of hiking trails, flora, and fauna to observe. We saw rabbits, rodents, turtles, snakes, birds, crabs, and insects. So bring bug spray. There's not much shade, so bring the sunblock or appropriate attire. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle. All national park passes are accepted here, or you can even purchase one at the entrance. Bikers and hikers are admitted in for free. It's opened a half hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. No pets or animals are allowed on your visit. You can enjoy walking, biking, or hiking with miles of trails. You can visit the coastline without swimming. On the back bay side, you can bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard to enjoy while being responsible to the environment. There's a launch area just off the parking lot by the handicap parking spaces. There's a welcome center with artifacts and info when open. You'll find the only parking and restrooms here. All trails start from this central location. We visited during a rain storm, so many pictures have puddles. Also, bring all essentials with you. You will not find food, drink, or gas to buy once inside. Get out and explore.

Brian j

05/13/2024

Wonderful gem of a remote beach. Very uncrowded but we went in early May. Pristine beaches and you get a sense of how things were before development. Nice place for an easy hike or beach walk. Only downside was the limited hours for the visitors center and locked bathrooms. I'm sure it's better when things get busier.

Serena Liao

04/02/2024

We biked to False cape state park from here, didn’t have time to walk around and the visitor center wasn’t open on our visit, but we had a great time in the nature. The ride to the Wash Woods is long (with kids) and MTB or fat tire is definitely recommended. The visitor center of False Cape is open everyday, which is nice, limited space but kids were excited about getting the Jr ranger badge. Today’s highest was 76F, which felt hot in the marshland with no shade, so wouldn’t do in the summer time.

RickAndZoesBigAdventureTime !

03/16/2024

Love this place. Great easy hiking/walking for the whole family. Great boardwalks, bathrooms, and other park amenities. Whenever we get the chance to make it out this way, we always stop in. I've never had to pay a fee to get in, which makes it all the better. Always a great time. 10/10 highly recommend. **As with any park or preserve, watch for snakes!!! See pictures!!!**

Violet Hairr

03/20/2024

So beautiful and they have more than just a port a potty (important for me) saw fish jumping and beautiful sunset (on the bay side) the place is pretty active especially near sunset(don't blame them and it was a beautiful day)

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge — the United States's Camp Guide