Parker River is located on the southern portion of Plum Island, a barrier island that separates the Massachusetts mainland from the Atlantic Ocean. Like many other Atlantic barrier islands, that makes Plum Island a popular spot to find migratory birds. Over 350 different species of birds have been seen at Parker River as they head north or south. The island beaches become nesting spots for birds during the summer months, including the endangered Piping Plover. To protect the plovers, access to the much of the refuge’s beaches is blocked from April through sometime in August.
The refuge is just a few miles southeast of the town of Newburyport, Massachusetts. If you’re looking for places to stay near Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, you’ll find a pretty nice variety of inns, spas and chain hotels within 10 miles. Boston is about 40 miles southwest of here.