Facility Activities

Currituck NWR does not have any developed public use facilities such as roads, trails, restrooms, or visitor contact station. The refuge is open daily, from sunrise to sunset, throughout the year. Hiking, wildlife observation, nature photography, and waterfowl hunting are the primary wildlife-dependent activities that may be enjoyed on the refuge. Vehicle access is limited to the Monkey Island Tract and the Swan Island Tract. A four-wheeled drive vehicle is necessary since the only access is on the beach. During the summer, a beach parking permit may be required; contact Currituck County for more details. 

For driving directions and other information about recreation, please contact the refuge office. 

Before you go:

  • The ‘Corolla Wild Horses’, feral mammals that are not a natural component of the barrier island, are occasionally seen and must only be viewed from a distance. It is unlawful to harm, approach, feed or kill any wild horse on the Refuge.
  • All signage must be obeyed for safety and natural resource protection purposes. Signs delineate the Refuge boundaries, closed areas, hunting and archery zones as well as a Hunter Access Route.
  • Pets must be on a leash or properly confined.
  • Carry in carry out is the Refuge policy for waste and trash.
  • Bug spray, sunscreen and drinking water are musts. There are no facilities on Currituck NWR.

 

Hunting

Currituck Sound holds a special place in Atlantic Flyway lore for avid waterfowlers. Rich waterfowling traditions and huge flights of ducks have characterized this area of the North Carolina coast for centuries. Many of the duck hunting opportunities, however, are private. Fortunately, hunters...

Boating - motorized

Boating is allowed in all areas open to the public. A shallow draft boat is highly recommended. Water depths change with the wind tides. Some areas may be only inches deep at low wind tide. Be prepared to pole into some areas. 

Boating - non-motorized

Boating is allowed in all areas open to the public. A shallow draft boat is highly recommended. Water depths change with the wind tides. Some areas may be only inches deep at low wind tide. Be prepared to pole into some areas. 

Fishing

Fishing is allowed as per state regulations. Recreational fishing is available by boat in the Currituck Sound and fishing in the ocean from the shore is also available. A NC fishing license is required. 

Hiking

Walking and hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. There are no trails on the refuge. 

Wildlife watching

Wildlife observation and photography opportunities are available.  Shorebirds and wading birds, as well as a large variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles can be seen while walking on the refuge. Some areas may be closed due to endangered species activity, and all AREA CLOSED signs must...

Photography

Photography is a primary use at Currituck NWR. More than 200 birds and 178 species of plants are found on the refuge, including numerous migratory and residential species, such as snow geese, tundra swan, mallards, wood duck, black duck, blue-winged teal and...

Birding

Birding is a primary use at Currituck NWR, primarily because of the more than 200 species of birds found on the refuge, including both migratory and residential species. Depending on the season, birders may see snow geese, tundra swan, mallards, wood duck, black...

Biking

Bicycling is allowed only on designated public access routes. The refuge has no public roads or trails; bicycles may be ridden along the beach on the 4x4 road or below the mean high tide line.

Running

Jogging for recreational purposes is allowed only on refuge roads and beaches.