As part of Virginia's Outer Banks, the refuge's barrier islands feature large sand dunes, maritime forests, freshwater marshes, ponds, ocean beaches, and large impoundments for wintering wildfowl.

It is considered by conservationists to be an important link along the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds such as snow geese.

Beyond that, the northern edge of North Carolina's Outer Banks lies immediately to the south.

A tram runs through the refuge, providing the only public access to False Cape State Park other than by foot, bicycle, or boat.

[2] This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.