Description
The 1,200-acre Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge offers well-maintained trails through deciduous forests that descend to the bay below. An informational kiosk adjacent to the parking lot offers trail maps, a bird list and a guide to facilitated programs. The site’s forest attracts many interesting spring and fall migrants. Accotink Bay also attracts a variety of shorebirds, waterfowl and offers a hunting ground for nesting ospreys.
Notes:
- All visitors must use the Tulley Gate entrance.
- The Visitor Control Center is open Monday – Friday, 6am – 6pm. On weekends and after hours, use the Tulley Gate Commercial lanes.
- A government-issued ID is required to obtain a visitor pass.
- Restrooms are available when the Visitor Control Center is open.
Wildlife Sightings
223 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge, Fort Belvoir:
- Canada Goose
- Great Egret
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow
- Barn Swallow
- Northern Parula
- Chimney Swift
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Spotted Sandpiper
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 13 May 2026 | 40 | Bradley Wilkinson |
| 8 May 2026 | 12 | Elizabeth CLEMENTS |
| 8 May 2026 | 12 | Denis Clements |
| 28 Apr 2026 | 29 | Julian Wilson |
| 12 Apr 2026 | 51 | Jeff Katen |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails, Viewing Blinds
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Visitor Control Center Address: 9500 Pohick Rd, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060
From Lorton, head east on SR-642/Lorton Rd., turn left onto US-1 N/Richmond Hwy, turn right onto Pohick Rd., and the entrance to the Visitor Control Center parking lot/Tulley Commercial Gate is on the right in approximately 0.6 miles. During the week, park in the lot and obtain a pass from the office. On weekends and after hours, use the Tulley Commercial Gate lanes.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Access Requirements:
- See notes in the description. Open daily, dawn - dusk.
Contact Information:
- 703-806-4892
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.