The entrance fee admits the holder and accompanying passengers in a private vehicle; or the holder and family (spouse, children, and parents) if on foot or bicycle. Annual and lifetime passes can be obtained at the main entrance (when staffed) or at the Visitor Contact Station from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. The following summarized the available passes and entrance fees.
| Pass Type | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Single visit permit (foot or bike - entitles permittee and accompanying spouse, children, and parents to enter) | $2 |
| Daily | Single visit permit (private motor vehicles) | $4 per vehicle |
| Daily | Commercial vans/buses (20 or fewer people) | $20 per vehicle |
| Daily | Commercial vans/buses (over 20 people) | $30 per vehicle |
| Daily | Under age 16 | FREE |
| Annual | Current Duck Stamp - Valid July 1 - June 30 | $15 |
| Annual | Golden Eagle Passport - Valid one year from purchase date | $25 |
| Lifetime | Golden Age Passport - for persons 62 and over | $10 (one-time fee) |
| Lifetime | Golden Access Passport - for disabled persons | FREE |
*Groups consisting of more that 10 people must obtain a special use permit two weeks prior to their visit date. For information, please call (757) 721-2412 weekdays, 8 am - 4 pm.
Refuge regulations exist for your safety and for the protection of wildlife and the environment. The following list of Refuge regulations is not all inclusive. A complete listing can be obtained by phoning the refuge office. Please inquire if you are uncertain as to whether or not a particular activity is permitted.
The Refuge is open during daylight hours only (1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset). Entry after sunset is prohibited. The Visitor Contact Station is open 8 am - 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am - 4 pm on Saturday.
An entrance fee is required to enter the refuge. Fees vary by access method (foot or vehicle). Daily, seasonal and lifetime passes are available. For more information, see Entrance Fees.
Refuge parking is permitted in the headquarters lot on a first-come, first served basis for people engaged in wildlife-oriented activities. Visitors may not park cars overnight. Parking of all types of trailers is prohibited. Overnight campers using False Cape State Park must park at Little Island City Park, north of the Refuge boundary and must pay the entrance fee at the booth.
Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other non-wildlife-oriented activities are prohibited. Wildlife-oriented activities such as hiking, nature photography, fishing, wildlife observation, and environmental education are encouraged.
Dogs and other pets are prohibited from April 1 to September 30. Pets are permitted October 1 to March 31 only. They must be on hand-held leashes (up to 10 feet long). Horses are prohibited.
Hikers and bikers must stay on designated trails and roadways. Bikers must walk bicycles across boardwalks. Entry into the dunes, marshes, and impoundments is prohibited. Certain portions of the Refuge are posted as "Area Closed" to provide undisturbed areas for wildlife. Visitors are expected to obey all Refuge signs.
Groups of more than ten people must obtain a special use permit two weeks prior to visiting the Refuge.
Motor vehicles are permitted only on the entrance road and in the parking area. Visitors must obey posted speed limits, which are enforced through the use of radar.
The beach vehicular access ramp is closed to the general public. The ramp and vehicular beach use are only open to certain permanent residents of the Outer Banks of North Carolina and employees of False Cape State Park, who possess a Refuge Motor Vehicle Access Permit (not an entrance permit).
Molesting, harming, or unauthorized collecting of any plant or animal is prohibited on wildlife refuges. Animals should not be disturbed, just observed, or, in some cases, examined and released. Plants may not be collected without a "Special Use Permit". Fallen leaves, seeds, and twigs may be collected as needed for study while on the Refuge.
Virginia fishing licenses are required for Back Bay. Fishing is not permitted along the paved access road. No license is required for surf fishing. Virginia fishing regulations apply and are enforced.
Open fires, including charcoal-burning grills, are prohibited.
All litter should be collected and placed in proper containers.
Noise frightens wildlife. Inform students that they will see more if they keep their eyes open and their voices quiet.
Interior dikes are closed seasonally. Check with the Refuge Manager for seasonal closing of trails.
The laws of the State of Virginia and the City of Virginia Beach are enforced on Refuge property. If you are unsure whether an activity is permitted or not, please inquire at the Refuge office.