Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
LOCALITY |
OWNER |
ACRES |
ACCESS |
NEWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton | DCR | 298 | Yes |
SITE DESCRIPTION:
This 298-acre preserve contains outstanding Chesapeake Bay beach, dune, and maritime forest communities, migratory songbird habitat, and the largest population of the globally rare he federally protected northeastern beach tiger beetles (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis dorsalis).The adults are active along the intertidal zone (the area between high and low tide) during the day and rest under the sand along the back beach at night. The larvae inhabit vertical burrows within the intertidal zone, capturing food items washed ashore by waves. For this reason, sand disturbance (digging) by visitors or their dogs is not permitted.
VISITATION:
The preserve is open daily to the public, but has no restroom facilities, trash receptacles, access to drinking water or on-site staff. Be aware that the Savage Neck Dunes parking lot is small, with space for only eight (8) vehicles. If you arrive and the lot is full, please return later. Do not park illegally on adjacent private property, along the access road, within a public road right-of-way or in any other non-designated location.
There are three (3) marked hiking trails with interpretive signage. Please practice "leave no trace" by packing out all trash. Take only photographs and leave only footprints. The shoreline is only accessible during the hours immediately surrounding the low tide. Please check the tidal conditions prior to your visit to plan appropriately. The closest NOAA tide chart is located in Cape Charles Harbor and the information can be found online here.
Part or all of the preserve may be periodically closed for resource protection or resource management activities. Please call before visiting, especially during deer season when managed hunts may be underway.A preserve guide factsheet and map are available to assist in planning your visit. You will need the Adobe Acrobat reader to view and or print this factsheet.
Research is conducted on various Preserves, research permit applications are available online.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
From the north end of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, follow US 13 north. Take Business Route 13 into Eastville. Turn left onto Savage Neck Drive (VA 634). Follow Savage Neck Drive about 2 miles and bear left to stay on Savage Neck Drive. Continue another 1.5 miles. The preserve parking area is on the right.
CONTACT:
