Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Gazing across the refuge’s pristine marshes, sloughs, and expansive uplands, it is easy to imagine Texas as it was before settlement.  

Nearly half of the refuge is saline wetlands and heart of the refuge. These watery ecosystems sustain massive oyster beds and serve as nurseries for shellfish and finfish, an important source of food for great blue herons, roseate spoonbills, and wood storks. Recreationally important fish species, like red drum, speckled trout and gulf flounder, encircle the small islands crowded with nesting colonial waterbirds including black skimmers and reddish egrets. A drive on the tour loop enables visitors to view wildlife in both salt and freshwater habitats. Depending on tidal conditions in the marsh, it may seem that the freshwater wetlands are more productive with waterfowl lazily swimming by, and shorebirds rhythmically bobbing their heads, searching for invertebrate in the mud. Watch the saltmarsh for herons and egrets or roseate spoonbill popping up and moving about to find a new feeding hole, a mudflat with a group of pelicans resting in the sun or a Northern harrier gliding overhead. Take time and use all your senses while visiting to discover Brazoria.

In 2021, Brazoria opened a new Recreation Area located south of the main refuge near Oyster Creek, Texas. Cannan Bend Recreation Area has a freshwater lake open to fishing and a remnant coastal forest. Located less than 4 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the forest attracts Nearctic-neotropical songbirds during migration as a jumping-off point and entry-point for birds crossing 600 miles of the Gulf of Mexico.   

Driving Directions

Big Slough Recreation Area

From the intersection of SH 288 and FM 2004 in Lake Jackson, take FM 2004 southeast for 7 miles. Turn right on CR 223 for 5.3 miles to FM 523. Turn right on FM 523 and go 3.4 miles to CR 227. Turn left on CR 227 and proceed 1.7 miles to the refuge entrance. Make a right at the entrance to Fleetwood Lane for 3 miles to the refuge. The address of the automatic gate is 2022 County Road 227, Freeport, Texas, 77541 then three miles down the road to the visitor center. The entrance gate automatically opens at sunrise and locks at sunset.

Brazoria Field Office 

The refuge office is located 13 miles northeast of the intersection of SH 288 and FM 2004 on FM 2004.

Cannan Bend Recreation Area is located east of the community of Oyster Creek.  

From the intersection of SH 288 and FM 2004 in Lake Jackson, take FM 2004 southeast for 7 miles. Turn right on CR 223 for 5.3 miles to FM 523. Turn right on FM 523 and go 5.4 miles to Levee Road. Turn left and go 1.0 miles to the entrance on the right. 

Fees

There is no charge to visit.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available near the Discovery Center at the Big Slough Recreation Area. Restrooms are also available at Cannan Bend Recreation Area. 

A port-a-let is available at the Bastrop Bayou Fishing Pier. 

Points of Interest

The Discovery Center at the entrance to the Big Slough Recreation Area provides maps, brochures, and interpretive displays. If the center is closed, check out the Information Pavilion for brochures and information on recent bird sightings. Take time to walk across the Big Slough boardwalk and listen and watch for water birds and alligators. The auto tour at Big Slough goes through an expanse of marshes, sloughs, ponds and prairies. Driving slowly along the levee road offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. 

What to Do

If you have 15-minutes:

• Take a stroll across the boardwalk near the Discovery Center. The freshwater slough is teaming with life both below and above the surface. The boardwalk offers renowned wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.  

If you have one hour:

• Visit the newly opened Cannan Bend Recreation Area. Look and listen for songbirds on the 0.5-mile Hickner Birding Trail, and for waterbirds on Cannan Lake.   

If you have hours or more:

• Experience the best birding and nature observation, the Big Slough Auto Tour offers a 7.5-mile auto tour on a well maintained, gravel road. Cars make good observation blinds. Drive slowly; stopping at intervals to scan places wildlife might hide. Use binoculars or a long lens for a closer look. The auto tour is also open for bicycling. 

Know Before You Go

There are a lot of fun, interesting, and educational opportunities on the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. There is no store at the Discovery Center, you may want to bring insect repellant, sunscreen, drinking water and snacks. Keep in mind, the refuge is managed for the benefit of the wildlife. Help keep wildlife WILD! Do not feed or harass wildlife or damage their habitat. 

Visitor Tips

The best time to view wildlife is early morning and evening. November through January is the best time to see populations of wintering waterfowl. Spring and fall offer the best birding opportunities for songbirds during migration.