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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge 'Swan Feeding at Sunset ' © Katherine Davis
USA Parks
Massachusetts
Eastern Region
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
PARKER RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
261 Northern Boulevard, Plum Island
Newburyport, Massachusetts   01950

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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Swan Feeding at Sunset '
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Snowy Owl in Flight'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Short-Eared Owl in Flight'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Snowy Owl on the Hunt'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Snowy Owl in Flight'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Snowy Owl coming in for a Landing'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Northern Harrier'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Harrier in Winter'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Egret in the Grasses'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Egret Taking Off'
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
'Coming in for a Landing'

These geese coming in to join their friends.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 primarily to provide feeding, resting, and nesting habitat for migratory birds. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge is of vital stopover significance to waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds during pre- and postbreeding migratory periods.

The refuge occupies in part, the southern three-fourths of Plum Island, an 8 mile long barrier island near Newburyport, Massachusetts. Excellent wildlife-oriented recreational and educational opportunities are available with visitor facilities and programs provided to enhance your experience.

The refuge consists of 4,662 acres of diverse upland and wetland habitats including sandy beach and dune, shrub/thicket, bog, swamp, freshwater marsh, saltwater marsh and associated creek, river, mud flat, and salt panne. These and other refuge habitats support varied and abundant populations of resident and migratory wildlife including more than 300 species of birds and additional species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
Area Accommodations
Carriage House Inn - Chatham, MA
BBs / Inns
Carriage House Inn, a romantic Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts. The Carriage House Inn offers spacious grounds, beautifully appointed guestrooms and gracious hospitality. Start your morning with a hot cup of coffee or tea in your room. Relax beside your fireplace or in one of the rocking chairs outside with your morning newspaper delivered to your door. Then, come over to the dining room or the sunroom for a truly gourmet breakfast. However you decide to spend the rest of your day is up to you. The innkeepers will surely make your vacation experience a memorable one.


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Park Visitor Online Reviews
September 25 by Kit Cali
This beautiful place is a refuge for people as well as birds and wildlife. The beaches are magnificent and on weekdays when we have gone, almost deserted. The marshes and wildlife are easily observed. The last time we were there a dense fog rolled off the ocean over the refuge....a wonderful, peaceful, cleansing experience.
June 7 Great place to view Wildlife


Area Campgrounds

Exeter Elms Family Campground
188 Court Street
Exeter, NH


Tidewater Campground
160 Lafayette Road
Hampton, NH
603-926-5474


Wakeda Campground
294 Exeter Road Route 88
Hampton Falls, NH
603-772-5274


Shel-Al Campground
PO Box 700
North Hampton, NH
603-964-5730


Walker Island Camping
27 Route 20
Chester, MA
413-354-2295


Black Bear Campground
54 Main Street
Salisbury, MA
978-462-3183


Pines Camping Area
28 CCC Road
Salisbury, MA
978-465-0013


Rusnik Campground Inc
Route 1 Box 5441
Salisbury, MA
978-462-9551


Area Fishing Related Businesses
Hampton Harbor Tackle
1 Ocean Blvd
Hampton, NH
(603) 926-1945


Elm Street Bait & Tackle
110 Elm St
Salisbury, MA
(978) 465-8805


Bridge Road Bait & Tackle
134 Bridge Rd
Salisbury, MA
(978) 465-3221


Crossroads Bait & Tackle
1 Merrill St # 4
Salisbury, MA
(978) 499-8999


Merrimac Bait & Tackle
130 E Main St
Merrimac, MA
(978) 346-8835


Surfland Bait & Tackle
28 Plum Island Tpke
Newbury, MA
(978) 462-4202


Al Gauron Fishing Parties
1 Ocean Blvd
Hampton, NH
(603) 926-2469


Smith & Gilmore
PO Box 2353
Hampton, NH
(603) 926-3503


Tontine Fishing, Inc
3 Colonial Cir
Hampton, NH
Unverified listing


Adventure Fishing Charters
3 Harris Ave
Hampton, NH
Unverified listing


Tim's Bait & Tackle
134 Beach Rd
Salisbury, MA
(978) 462-1574


Plaistow Fish & Game Club
18 May Ray Ave
Plaistow, NH
(603) 382-3675


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Directions
The refuge is located approximately 35 miles north of Boston. From Interstate 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles. Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles to the refuge entrance.

The refuge headquarters is located at the northern end of Plum Island near the Newburyport Harbor Lighthouse. Once on the island continue straight for 0.25 miles. The road will then curve sharply to your left. Continue for 1.5 miles to the refuge headquarters on your left.

USA Parks
Massachusetts
Eastern Region
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
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