Description
The Port Royal Unit is one section of the much-larger Rappahannock River Valley NWR. This 125 acre site protects critical floodplain habitat on the river’s edge and is managed as grassland and shrubland habitat for species such as vesper and grasshopper sparrows. A mowed trail provides access to the Rappahannock River, host to year-round concentrations of bald eagles and wintering waterfowl.
The newly established Port Royal Water Trail has a stop on this unit of the Refuge.
Notes:
- Hunting occurs at this site. Click here to see the current year’s schedule. If you are visiting during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange or blaze pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
165 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Port Royal Unit:
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Chimney Swift
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Spotted Sandpiper
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Turkey Vulture
- Osprey
- Bald Eagle
- Downy Woodpecker
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 28 May 2026 | 41 | Destiny Evans |
| 17 May 2026 | 42 | Destiny Evans |
| 16 May 2026 | 24 | Mary D |
| 9 May 2026 | 56 | Destiny Evans |
| 8 May 2026 | 36 | Destiny Evans |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails
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
Physical Address: 1211 Caroline Street, Port Royal, VA 22535
From Tappahannock, head north on Tidewater Trail/US-17, turn right onto A.P. Hill Boulevard/US-301, turn right onto Caroline Street, and the parking area is 0.2 miles ahead on the right.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily dawn to dusk
Contact Information:
- (804) 333-1470, william_crouch@fws.gov
- 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.