Discover a sanctuary for birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals on Maryland's Eastern Shore in this beautiful area rich in wetlands, forest and meadows.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic environmental center with over 28,000 acres (113 square kilometers) of freshwater reservoirs, wetlands, open fields and forests. Enjoy a fun day outdoors, get close to amazing wildlife and photograph the beautiful scenery.

In 1933 the Blackwater Refuge was created as a sanctuary for birds migrating along the critical migration highway called the Atlantic Flyway. The name “blackwater” comes from the Blackwater River and the Little Blackwater River, which feed the refuge area. These rivers have tea-colored waters darkened by the tannin that is picked up as the water drains through peat soil in the marshes. Enjoy the stunning natural scenery, home for over 250 bird species, 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, numerous mammals and more than 100 species of threatened and endangered plants.

Learn about the amazing bald eagle, the most famous wildlife resident in the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. The refuge hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast north of Florida. View the live camera feed constantly monitoring an eagle’s nest on the Friends of Blackwater website.

The main attraction of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is Wildlife Drive, a paved road that you can explore by car, bike or foot. Follow this route along the Blackwater River. Discover the amazing views and see interesting examples of the local wildlife.

While you are visiting the refuge, make sure you stop off at the visitor center on Key Wallace Drive. Here you’ll find great wildlife exhibits, including an authentic eagle's nest, a lovely butterfly garden, a book and gift shop and plenty of useful information including maps and brochures. On the second floor, discover the Wild Birds Unlimited Pathways to Nature Observatory, which features bird exhibits and scopes for viewing the Blackwater River.

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Cambridge, Maryland in Dorchester County. Visit to enjoy a fun and educational day for the whole family.

Plan a trip to see Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Hotel Arboretum

Northeast

Save 100% on your flight

$247

per person

Feb 15 - Feb 19

found 16 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Atlanta (ATL) to Washington (DCA)

8/10 Very Good! (1,178 reviews)

Yes the room was spotless and staff was great

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2025

The Churchill Hotel near Embassy Row

Northwest

$331

per person

Jan 10 - Jan 17

found 6 hours ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Atlanta (ATL) to Washington (DCA)

8.8/10 Excellent! (1,915 reviews)

we arrived at the Hotel early morning and pretty much aware that check in time is not until 3pm, the receptionist gave us a mean look on why are we checking in early, and there’s a $50 fee if we do she said, which is not a problem for us since we are exhausted and tired, after we paid, her demeanor completely changed. The room was very stuffy and has a funny smell so we opened the window to get rid of the smell, the bed and pillows are very comfortable, clean and warm, the bathroom is on a small side and no place to hang your towels, the staff needs to be more welcoming and friendly. We asked for our complimentary wine on the first day and the reception staff keep telling us that it will be delivered to our room, nothing was delivered until our 3rd day my husband finally went to the front desk and ask once again , the lady at the desk reach out underneath and hand us the bottle without saying anything 😩😹 construction noise is very annoying too. Won’t be coming back ☹️☹️☹️

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2025

Home2 Suites By Hilton Ashburn, Va

Save 100% on your flight

$342

per person

Jan 16 - Jan 19

found 13 hours ago

Roundtrip flight included

Atlanta (ATL) to Washington (DCA)

No reviews

Reviews of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

4.6

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

32

4 - Good

11

3 - Okay

2

2 - Disappointing

0

1 - Terrible

1

5/5 - Excellent

LM

This is a beautiful natural area with a wildlife driving loop through the marsh.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Gorgeous park with plenty of opportunities for hiking, etc. There is a wildlife drive --the eagle cam in the Visitors Center had a live picture of a bald eagle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Start at viditors center to learn which birds are around that day.

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