Twenty miles south of Washington, D.C., where the Potomac meets the Occoquan River, lies Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge: an oasis for migratory birds and busy city residents seeking a quiet escape from development.
Updates at Occoquan
We are currently hiring! 

Wildlife Refuge Specialist - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

You will serve as a Wildlife Refuge Specialist with US Fish and Wildlife Service. You will serve at the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, supporting operations, wildlife and habitat management, budgeting, visitor services, outreach, education, and volunteer coordination under the Deputy Refuge Manager's direction.

Apply

Visitor Center Closure: 

The grounds of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge will remain open, but the Visitor Center will be closed until further notice. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Grounds Closure:

During the following dates, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to the public to accommodate managed hunts. These closures help ensure a safe experience for both refuge visitors and hunt participants. We appreciate your understanding and encourage visitors to plan accordingly.

  • Saturday, October 24, 2026 
  • Wednesday, November 18, 2026
  • Thursday, December 3, 2026
  • Thursday, December 10, 2026 
  • Saturday, January 9, 2027 

Visit Us

A blue dragonfly perched on a branch.
Image Details

Twenty miles south of Washington, D.C., where the Potomac meets the Occoquan River, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a quiet escape from the busy region around it. Visitors can walk, bike, or drive through grasslands, marshes, and forest, with trails, a wildlife drive, and viewing areas that make it easy to watch and photograph wildlife. Something is always happening here, from spring songbird migration to winter waterfowl on the bay. 

Check out what our refuge has to offer before visiting, and be sure to prepare for the elements, so you can make the most out of your trip. See the link below to learn more about our rules and regulations and visiting the refuge.

Our Visitor Information Center is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Yellow flowers
      Image Details

      Established in 1998 on the site of a former Army research facility, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. Its grassland, marsh, and forest habitats attract songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl that depend on the area for food, nesting, and rest. Though only about one square mile, it is a wildlife sanctuary in an urban setting.

      What We Do

      We work to preserve the grasslands, wetlands, and forests that have sheltered wildlife for centuries. Our work combines science-based habitat management, careful monitoring, and long-term planning to keep this landscape healthy for native plants and animals. We also balance conservation with opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about the refuge.

      Our Species

      A Prothonotary Warbler singing at Occoquan Bay NWR.
      Image Details

      Occoquan Bay is a popular birding destination, with more than 200 bird species breeding, wintering, or migrating through. Grassland nesters such as the eastern meadowlark are uncommon in this heavily developed region, and spring and fall bring waves of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and raptors. The refuge also supports 79 butterfly species and 77 species of dragonflies and damselflies, along with great blue herons, ospreys, and winter ducks on the adjacent bays.

      Get Involved

      Interested in getting involved with what we do at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge? Visit the link below to learn more.

      Projects and Research

      Management of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is focused primarily on protecting habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with help from dedicated volunteers, conducts several ongoing surveys to monitor the wildlife and vegetation on the refuge, and ensure the refuge is meeting its conservation goals.  Visit our Projects and Research page to learn more.