Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Smyrna, DE
Tidal salt marsh on Delaware Bay with a 12-mile wildlife drive and observation towers; tens of thousands of snow geese stop here in autumn and winter. Vehicle fee; biting flies and mosquitoes are heavy in summer.
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge lies on Delaware Bay and takes in freshwater ponds, salt marsh, woodland and fields. The 12-mile (19 km) auto-tour road is also open to bicyclists and walkers, and the five walking trails are flat. Three observation towers, each about 30 feet (9 m) high (Raymond, Shearness and the one on the Bear Swamp Trail), give you a good overview. An entrance pass is required for the Wildlife Drive and the trails. The auto tour is open daily from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
According to the Fish and Wildlife Service, large numbers of Canada and snow geese arrive in October, the fall waterfowl migration peaks in November, and the spring migration follows in March. From June through September, mosquitoes and biting flies are very abundant; long sleeves, long pants, insect repellent and a head net are recommended. On a few hunting days in the fall the auto tour is closed, so check ahead.
- Nearest town
- Smyrna, DE
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.2595, -75.4744
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
© Peterwchen · CC BY-SA 4.0Delaware: Bombay Hook, Dover and the Cape Henlopen beaches
© Esther Westerveld from Haarlemmermeer, Nederland · CC BY 2.0Du Pont gardens, migratory birds and bunker towers: by camper through Delaware from the Brandywine Valley to Cape Henlopen and the beaches of Fenwick Island
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fam CampCampsite10 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
- Killens Pond CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife RefugeTentsCaravansDrinking water
- Adventure Bound Tall PinesCampsite22 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
- Holiday Park CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife RefugeTentsCaravansElectricity
- G&R CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife RefugeTentsCaravansElectricity
- Glen 4Motorhome stopover25 mi from Bombay Hook National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
All campsites in Delaware · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is in Smyrna, DE, at GPS 39.2595, -75.4744. It is about 7 mi from Dover.
Can you camp near Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fam Camp, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Delaware: Bombay Hook, Dover and the Cape Henlopen beaches and Du Pont gardens, migratory birds and bunker towers: by camper through Delaware from the Brandywine Valley to Cape Henlopen and the beaches of Fenwick Island.
What is there to see near Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Old State House (7 mi), New Castle Historic District (28 mi), Cape May Lighthouse (36 mi) and Hagley Museum (36 mi).
When is the best time to visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)