Just 30 minutes from Wildwood’s bustling boardwalk lies a completely different world — one where over 360 bird species call home and 48,000 acres of pristine wetlands stretch as far as the eye can see. Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge offers families an unforgettable nature escape that perfectly complements your beach vacation.
What Makes Forsythe Special
This incredible refuge protects more than 48,000 acres of southern New Jersey’s coastal habitats, with over 82% being wetlands. The landscape here is dominated by salt marshes interspersed with shallow coves and bays — creating the perfect environment for migratory birds traveling the Atlantic flyway. The refuge has recorded over 360 bird species, making it a paradise for both serious birders and families just looking to spot something amazing.
Local Tip: Visit during spring or fall migration (April-May or September-October) for the most spectacular bird watching. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing and fewer crowds.
The Wildlife Drive Experience
The refuge’s main attraction is the Wildlife Drive Self-Guided Tour, an 8-mile loop that takes you through the heart of this remarkable ecosystem. Following numbered Blue Goose marker signs, you’ll drive slowly through diverse habitats while spotting everything from great blue herons and osprey to the occasional bald eagle. The drive typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how often you stop to watch wildlife.
Your car becomes a mobile bird blind, allowing you to get surprisingly close to wildlife without disturbing them. Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom — you’ll want to capture the great egrets fishing in shallow pools and the osprey nests perched on tall platforms throughout the refuge.
Walking Trails for All Ages
Beyond the driving tour, several walking trails offer different perspectives of the refuge. The deCamp Wildlife Trail is one of the shorter options, perfect for families with young children. This trail winds through wooded areas and wetlands where Canadian geese and other waterfowl are commonly spotted.
The trails combine both paved roads and natural paths, making them accessible for most visitors. Each trail offers unique opportunities to observe different species, as every day brings new wildlife activity depending on the season and weather conditions.
Planning Your Visit from Wildwood
The refuge headquarters in Oceanville, NJ, is easily accessible from Wildwood via the Garden State Parkway. Admission is free, making this an affordable family adventure that pairs perfectly with Wildwood’s free beaches. Most visitors spend 2-4 hours at the refuge, leaving plenty of time to return for an evening stroll on the boardwalk.
- ✓Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- ✓Visitor center typically open 8am-4:30pm
- ✓Restrooms and parking available at headquarters
- ✓Bring water, snacks, and sun protection
Local Tip: Check the official refuge website before visiting for current trail conditions and any seasonal closures that might affect your visit.
Your Perfect Nature and Beach Combination
Staying at one of Coastal Collection’s five locally-owned hotels puts you in the perfect position for this nature adventure. Our properties — from Coastal Sands Inn to Sunset Beach Hotel — are all within walking distance of Wildwood’s boardwalk, so you can easily combine a morning at the refuge with an afternoon on our free beaches. After a day of spotting osprey and great egrets, there’s nothing better than watching the sunset over the ocean from your comfortable accommodations.
Stay Steps from the Action.
Five locally-owned Wildwood hotels plus private cottages — all within walking distance of the boardwalk, beach, and Morey’s Piers.