Facility Activities

The refuge's dense bottomland forests, meandering bayous, and cypress-tupelo swamps offer stellar hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing opportunities.  

Hunting

The largest river swamp in the country, the Atchafalaya Basin includes a rich variety of habitat that holds a tremendous variety of wildlife, including many game species. Atchafalaya NWR is encompassed within nearly one-half million acres of hardwood swamps, lakes and bayous. Located 30 miles...

Fishing

More than 85 species of fish occur in the basin, and their populations can be abundant. The lifeblood of the fishery is the Atchafalaya Basin's annual flooding and dewatering cycle. Overflows occur during the winter and spring rains, with many areas gradually becoming dewatered during the summer...

Birding

Atchafalaya NWR lies within the Mississippi Flyway, the "highway in the sky" used by vast numbers of migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, neotropical songbirds, and birds of prey to travel between nesting grounds and wintering areas through middle North America. Being part of a key bird...

Boating - motorized

Boat launches are available at the Big Alabama Bayou at the Sherburne Unit Headquarters, and at Big Alabama Bayou along Landing Road. There is a public launch on the northern portion of Little Alabama Bayou. There is also a boat launch off of Hwy 10, at the intersection with Hwy. 975 under the I...

Boating - non-motorized

There are a multitude of places to explore by paddling the refuge. Launches are available at the Big Alabama Bayou at the Sherburne Unit Headquarters, and at Big Alabama Bayou along Landing Road. There is a public launch on the northern portion of Little Alabama Bayou. Your best bet for paddling...

Hiking

Trails on the refuge are best enjoyed during the winter after hunting season and when the lush vegetation retreats and provides easier travel.  There is a nature trail at the end of Section 120 Rd. Hiking is also possible along the levees and ATV trails.. ATV trails within the...

Camping

Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds within the Sherburne Unit. There is a primitive campground at the Sherburne Headquarters, located near the shooting range, about 8 miles south of Hwy 190. There is also a primitive campground on Hwy 975. Camping is free with valid Louisiana hunting/...