Since there are no fees required to visit, you don’t have to start at our visitor information center, but if you’d like to speak with a ranger head to our headquarters office. It’s located 5 miles west of Lago Vista on Farm to Market (FM) 1431 in Marble Falls. This location is closed on weekends and federal holidays, so if you plan to arrive on one of those days, just head to our public areas that are open 365 days a year: 

Warbler Vista

Warbler Vista is located at 21646 ½ E. FM 1431 Lago Vista, TX 78654. If you are coming from the Austin area take Highway 183A to the exit for Whitestone Blvd. (aka FM 1431). Head west on FM 1431 and the entrance is on the north side of the road about 1.5 miles past Lago Vista.  

Driving from Warbler Vista to Doeskin Ranch (or vice versa) is a lovely 20 minute drive on scenic Cow Creek Road/County Road 328. You cannot enter the refuge from Cow Creek Road.  

Doeskin Ranch

Doeskin Ranch is located at 10645 FM 1174 Bertram, TX 78605. If you are coming from the Austin area, take Highway 183A to Highway 29 and turn west. Take Hwy 29 for 3 miles and turn left (west) on Ranch Road 1869. Take RR 1869 for 10 miles until it ends at RR 1174, where you will turn left (south). The entrance to Doeskin Ranch will be 2.5 miles on your left (east).  

Shin Oak Observation Deck

The Shin Oak Observation Deck is just around the corner from Doeskin Ranch. Leaving the Doeskin Ranch parking lot, make a right (north) and drive 2.5 miles to RR 1868 and make a right (east). Continue for 1.5 miles and turn right (south) into the parking lot for the Shin Oak Observation Deck. Note that there is only an observation deck at this location, there are no trails or restrooms.