Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,665-acre protected area located in the state of New Jersey.
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Summary
The refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds, waterfowl, and endangered species like the piping plover and the red knot. There are many good reasons to visit the refuge, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography.
Some of the specific points of interest to see at Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge include the Barnegat Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, and the Barnegat Bay, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating. Visitors can also explore the refuge's many trails and observation decks, which offer excellent opportunities to see wildlife up close.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that it was once used as a bombing range by the U.S. military during World War II, and that it is now home to one of the largest concentrations of migrating shorebirds on the East Coast. Additionally, the refuge is an important breeding and nesting ground for many species of birds and other wildlife.
The best time of year to visit Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge varies depending on the activities you're interested in. For birdwatching, the spring and fall migration seasons are the best times to visit, while summer is a great time for fishing and boating. Hiking and wildlife photography can be enjoyed year-round, although the winter months can be quite cold and snowy. Overall, Barnegat National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
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Manahawkin Lake Park III
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