About Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge is an extensive coastal marsh which includes the Swanquarter National Wilderness Area. The refuge hosts large concentrations of diving ducks (lesser scaups, redheads, buffleheads, canvasbacks, and surf scoters), sea ducks, American black ducks, wading birds and shorebirds, especially during the winter. Wading bird rookeries, osprey nesting and colonial nesting birds occur. Refuge habitats consist of irregularly flooded brackish marsh (13,200 acres) and forested wetlands (3,200 acres). The refuge provides habitat for American alligators and bald eagles as well as protection for migratory waterfowl and other birds. The refuge is administered by Mattamuskeet NWR.
How to Get There
Directions to the Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge Bell Island Pier Parking:Driving South from Columbia, NC: Start out going south on S Broad St/Alligator River Route/NC-94 toward Branning St. Continue to follow Alligator River Route/NC-94. In 27.93 miles turn right onto Piney Woods Rd. In 9.20 miles turn right onto Turnpike Rd. In 3.31 miles turn left onto US Highway 264/Pamlico Scenic Byway/US-264 E/NC-45. In 1.02 miles turn right onto Bell Island Rd. In 1.94 miles parking for Bell Island Unit Fishing Pier is at the end of the roadway.Driving East from Belhaven, NC: Start out going northwest on W Main St/US-264 Bus W toward Quidley Ln. Take the 3rd right onto US Highway 264 Byp/Pamlico Scenic Byway/US-264 E. Continue to follow Pamlico Scenic Byway/US-264 E. In 22.83 miles turn right onto Bell Island Rd. In 1.94 miles parking for Bell Island Unit Fishing Pier is at the end of the roadway.Driving West or North starting from Engelhard, NC: Start out going west on US Highway 264/Pamlico Scenic Byway/US-264 W toward Roper In 24.88 miles Turn left onto Bell Island Rd. In 1.94 miles parking for Bell Island Unit Fishing Pier is at the end of the roadway.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Swanquarter 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 Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1631) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge?
Directions to the Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge Bell Island Pier Parking:Driving South from Columbia, NC: Start out going south on S Broad St/Alligator River Route/NC-94 toward Branning St. Continue to follow Alligator River Route/NC-94. In 27.93 miles turn right onto Piney Woods Rd. In 9.20 miles turn right onto Turnpike Rd. In 3.31 miles turn left onto US Highway 264/Pamlico Scenic Byway/…
How do I contact Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 252-926-4021 or email: mattamuskeet@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
