About Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an island of 2,285 acres located at the confluence of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay in Kent County, Maryland. Native Americans hunted here for thousands of years and the island was among the first areas settled by Europeans in the "New World." Established in December 1962, the refuge is a major feeding and resting place for migratory and wintering waterfowl on Maryland’s famed “Eastern Shore.” The varied habitats on Eastern Neck NWR, including brackish tidal marsh, forest, cropland, grassland, and open water impoundments, provide a home for a variety of wildlife species. The refuge holds the designation of Important Bird Areas by the Audubon Society. Over 240 species of birds and a variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles inhabit the island.
How to Get There
From Chestertown, MD, take Route 20 west into the city of Rock Hall. Turn left at the flashing light onto Main Street (Route 445). Stay on Rt. 445 for 8 miles until you come to a small bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will be on Eastern Neck NWR. Once on the refuge, you will find an informational kiosk at the first pull-off. Signs will direct you to trails, the boat launch, points of interest, and the Visitor Contact Station.The Visitor Contact Station is located approximately 2.5 miles south of the refuge entrance. A sign on the main road will direct you to the gravel road that leads to the Contact Station.Please note: The Visitor Contact Station may be closed during its regular hours due to bad weather, high water events, or staffing shortages. We will make our best effort to post any refuge closures to this website and our Facebook page.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1384) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
From Chestertown, MD, take Route 20 west into the city of Rock Hall. Turn left at the flashing light onto Main Street (Route 445). Stay on Rt. 445 for 8 miles until you come to a small bridge. After crossing the bridge, you will be on Eastern Neck NWR. Once on the refuge, you will find an informational kiosk at the first pull-off. Signs will direct you to trails, the boat launch, points of interes…
How do I contact Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 410-639-7056 or email: EasternNeck@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
