A man and a woman paddling a red boat on calm waters carrying fishing gear

The refuge can be accessed by boat from the north and southwest forks of the Alligator River, New Lake Fork Canal, Alligator and Scuppernong Rivers, and Frying Pan Lake. Though boating on New Lake is allowed March through October, access is difficult due to surrounding private land. Boating on Pungo Lake is prohibited. Boats cannot be left anywhere on the refuge overnight.