At present Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 93,000 acres of wetlands that was donated by the Conservation Fund and the adjacent Pungo National Wildlife Refuge which is over 12,000 acres.

The refuge includes the waters of Lake Phelps and Pungo Lake and also borders or includes portions of the Scuppernong and Alligator Rivers. It abounds with acres of natural pocosin, the southeastern shrub bog. This ecosystem is characterized by a very dense growth of mostly broadleaf evergreen shrubs and scattered pond pine.

"Watchable wildlife", including swans, geese, ducks, deer and bear, are abundant in the beautiful natural setting. An observation tower, located on the south side of Pungo Lake, provides a good view of the lake and early morning/late evening flights of the waterfowl.