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Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area

4.4

·14 reviews·Virginia Beach, United States

A serene haven for bird watchers and anglers, offering peaceful exploration of Back Bay's natural beauty.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Prime time for birding

CrowdLow

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Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area

Best Time

Early mornings

Prime time for birding

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene haven for bird watchers and anglers, offering peaceful exploration of Back Bay's natural beauty.

4.4

(14 reviews)

"Must visit for fishing and bird watching, especially from the quiet boat ramp."

TIP

Check Hunting Seasons

Access may be restricted during active hunting. Always verify before your visit. ⚠️

Kayak for More Exploration

Launch a kayak to discover hidden coves and less accessible parts of Back Bay. 🛶

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 14 reviews

Type

Park

Address

1300 Back Bay Landing Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23457, USA

Website

dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/detail.asp?pid=8

👶 Good for kids🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bird Watching Paradise

Spot diverse avian species in their natural habitat. Early mornings offer the best sightings and tranquility.

Fishing Hotspot

Excellent fishing opportunities, especially for bass during spawn season. The boat ramp provides easy access to prime spots.

Kayaking Adventures

Explore more secluded areas of Back Bay by launching a kayak from the Lotus Garden pond or other accessible points.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Check for active hunting seasons before you go, as they can restrict access to certain areas. Early mornings are best for bird watching and a peaceful experience.

Getting Around

While the boat ramp offers access to water, exploring the refuge on foot is rewarding. Consider bringing a kayak for a more immersive experience of Back Bay's hidden spots.

Best Times

When

Early mornings

Why

Prime time for birding

Crowd

Low

When

Bass spawn season

Why

Best fishing

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍The bees & biscuit 🐝🍞 1785 Princess Anne Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23456 United States #virginiafood #757food ##757dateideas #virginiabeachbrunch #virginiabeach #pungova #breakfast #beesandbiscuits #757foodreview #ilovefood #foodlovers #solodates #selflove #SelfCare #partyof1

@dreeeamgirl_

8.2K likes • 105.7K views

Check Hunting Seasons

Access may be restricted during active hunting. Always verify before your visit. ⚠️

Kayak for More Exploration

Launch a kayak to discover hidden coves and less accessible parts of Back Bay. 🛶

Mornings are awfully pretty at Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area! Princess Anne WMA encompasses 1,546 acres on Back Bay and offers excellent waterfowl hunting. DWR manages the man made impoundments to promote vegetation for migratory and wintering waterfowl. ** Princess Anne WMA is currently closed Monday-Saturday except for approved hunting. Wildlife viewing, scouting, and other approve...

virginiawildlife

276 likes • 0 views

A couple mallards from back in early January at Princess Anne WMA in VIrginia Beach. #mallard #duck #princessannewma #wildlifemanagementarea #virginiabeach #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #nikonphotography

jeffselfphotography

21 likes • 0 views

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Visit in the early morning for the best bird watching and a peaceful atmosphere. 🌅

Boat Ramp Convenience

The boat ramp offers easy access for fishing and launching kayaks. ⛵

Birding around Virginia Beach, you always have to keep your eyes to the sky and simultaneously on the ground around you. The high grasses at Princess Anne WMA feel a bit like a death trap, especially after you see those grasses moving ahead of you as snakes dash to the impoundment edges when they sense you walking. Fortunately, this one wasn't a Cottonmouth, but a beautiful Plain-bellied Watersnak...

birdingbielawski

19 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Hunting Seasons

Access may be restricted during active hunting. Always verify before your visit. ⚠️

Kayak for More Exploration

Launch a kayak to discover hidden coves and less accessible parts of Back Bay. 🛶

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Visit in the early morning for the best bird watching and a peaceful atmosphere. 🌅

Boat Ramp Convenience

The boat ramp offers easy access for fishing and launching kayaks. ⛵

What Travellers Say

4.4

(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area for its peaceful atmosphere, excellent bird watching opportunities, and good fishing, especially for bass during spawn season. The convenient boat ramp is a highlight for many. Some note that bank fishing can be poor, and access may be limited during hunting seasons.

"Love the quiet little corner with boat ramp. Must visit for fishing and bird watching."

Amresh Vaidya

"Nice boat ramp but fishing at the bank is pretty poor. Out away from the ramp the fishing is good bass is good at spawn season."

Pawpaw keith krebs

"Beautiful morning to go birding!"

Kelly Creger

What People Like

Quiet and peaceful

Great bird watching

Good fishing access

What People Dislike

Limited bank fishing

Hunting season restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area is accessible by car. Specific directions can be found using GPS. For those looking to explore Back Bay more extensively, launching a kayak from the Lotus Garden pond is a popular option.

Parking is available, particularly near the boat ramp, which is a central point for many visitors.

Access can be restricted due to active hunting seasons. It's crucial to check the schedule before planning your visit to avoid disappointment.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Princess Anne Wildlife Management Area is generally free, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific permit requirements, especially if you plan on hunting or fishing.

Operating hours can vary, and access may be limited during hunting seasons. It's recommended to check the official website or local advisories for the most current information.

🎫 🎣 Fishing & Boating

While bank fishing near the ramp can be poor, fishing is good further out, with bass being particularly active during spawn season. The boat ramp provides excellent access to these areas.

Yes, kayaking is a great way to explore. You can launch from the boat ramp or other accessible points, including the Lotus Garden pond for access to more of Back Bay.

Standard fishing regulations apply. Ensure you have the necessary licenses and are aware of catch limits and size restrictions for the species you are targeting.

🎫 🐦 Bird Watching

Early mornings are considered the prime time for bird watching, offering the best opportunities to see a variety of species in a peaceful environment.

The area is known for its diverse avian population, making it a popular spot for bird watchers. Specific species can vary by season.