Facility Activities

The Bell Island Pier is a popular destination for birders, anglers, crabbers, and photographers. Visitors can also explore the refuge’s shorelines, marsh islands, and Pamlico Sound waters by boat, providing opportunities for hunting, photography, and wildlife observation. No motorized vehicles are allowed within the Swanquarter National Wilderness Area, offering a tranquil space to experience nature without human intervention.

All of the refuge, including the entrance road and Bell Island Pier, is open for daylight use only (sunrise to sunset).

Fishing

A wide variety of fish may be caught on the refuge including Atlantic croaker, spot, weakfish, spotted seatrout, Atlantic flounder, red drum and bluefish.  Crabbing is a popular activity during the warmer months. 

The Bell Island Pier is heavily used by anglers and crabbers....

Hunting

Hunters who enjoy the challenges of hunting fast-flying sea and diving ducks have a great public opportunity at Swanquarter NWR, where species like scaup, bufflehead and scoter are common late in the fall. This general-access hunt covers approximately 6,000 acres of the 16,000-acre refuge....

Birding

The Bell Island Pier provides an excellent vantage point for observing waterfowl, terns, and gulls foraging and resting in Pamlico Sound. In addition, the entrance road passes through upland forest and marsh habitats, home to secretive marshbirds such as Virginia and clapper rail and breeding...

Shell fishing

Crabbing is allowed on the refuge following state regulations. The Bell Island Pier is a popular location for crabbing during the warmer months.

Boating - motorized

While the refuge does not have a boat ramp, boats may be launched from nearby ramps at Swan Quarter, Rose Bay, and Juniper Bay.  

Boating - non-motorized

While the refuge does not have a boat ramp, boats may be launched from nearby ramps at Swan Quarter, Rose Bay, and Juniper Bay.  

Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Biking

Visitors may bike along the two-mile gravel entrance road to the Bell Island Pier.

Hiking

There are no designated trails on Swanquarter NWR. Visitors may walk along the two-mile gravel entrance road. 

Wildlife watching

Wildlife viewing opportunities are available at the Bell Island Pier and the open waters adjacent to the Refuge marshes and islands.

Dog walking

All pets must be on a leash.