Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located in northeastern North Carolina.
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Summary
The refuge is situated on a barrier island and attracts visitors due to its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. The island is home to a variety of animals including shorebirds, waterfowl, and endangered species such as the piping plover.
Some of the reasons to visit the Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge include birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography. Visitors can explore the island's marshes, dunes, and beaches, and can also enjoy camping and boating.
Specific points of interest at the Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge include the beach, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and the marshes, which offer opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The island is also home to the historic Fisherman's Island Lighthouse, which dates back to the 1800s.
Interesting facts about the Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge include that it was established in 1984 to protect the island's wildlife and habitats, and that the island itself is constantly changing due to erosion and storms.
The best time of year to visit the Fishermans Island National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall seasons when migratory birds are passing through the area. The refuge is open year-round, but some areas may be closed during certain times of the year to protect nesting habitats. Visitors are encouraged to check with the refuge for current conditions and regulations before planning their trip.
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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.
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