Swanquarter
Plan Your Visit
The refuge is located on the north shore of Pamlico Sound, east and west of the village of Swan Quarter. Only the Bell Island Unit is accessible from land; the rest of the refuge is accessible by boat only.
The Bell Island Unit features Bell Island Pier, a 1,000-foot long pier popular with anglers, crabbers, and birders, and Bell Island Rd, a 2-mile, low-traffic gravel road that provides opportunities for wildlife viewing in the marshes and canals along the road.
Visitors can also explore the refuge’s shorelines, marsh islands, and Pamlico Sound waters by boat, providing opportunities for hunting, photography, and wildlife observation. While the refuge does not have established boat ramps, public ramps are available nearby at Juniper Bay, Rose Bay, and Swan Quarter.
No motorized vehicles are allowed within the remote marshes and islands of the Swanquarter National Wilderness Area, offering a tranquil space to experience nature without human intervention.
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.
Activities
More Activities
Featured Species
Get Involved
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge is administered by Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers and interns at Mattamuskeet Refuge also work at Swanquarter Refuge assisting with general grounds and facilities maintenance throughout the year.
For more information, visit the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge website, contact mattamuskeet@fws.gov, or call (252) 926-4021.
Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
About
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge is an extensive coastal marsh protecting 16,400 acres, including the Swanquarter National Wilderness Area. The refuge serves as a vital wintering area for migratory birds such as diving ducks, sea ducks, and American black ducks, and provides critical habitat for American alligators and bald eagles. It is managed as part of the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuge Complex and administered by Mattamuskeet Refuge.