Facility Activities

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge has a diversity of coastal wildlife, including more than 320 species of birds, 95 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 130 species of butterflies and dragonflies. While the refuge is managed for the benefit of wildlife, it is also here for you. The 44,413-acre Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge is a place for people to enjoy nature and get outside. Wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, photography, and environmental education programs are all available to the public.  

Hunting

This popular hunting area offers several great opportunities throughout the waterfowl season. It all begins early in the season with a teal hunt, and hunters will find a lot of teal using the refuge. Through the rest of the waterfowl season, 15,000 to 20,000 ducks and 10,000 to 15,000 snow geese...

Fishing

Saltwater fishing on the refuge is permitted year-round from sunrise to sunset. Boat-accessed fishing is permitted on Nicks Lake, Salt Lake, Lost Lake, bays and bayous. Access for bank fishing is permitted at Bastrop Bayou, Clay Banks and Salt Lake public fishing areas. The Clay Banks Area...

Auto tour
Auto tour routes offer a great all-season way to see wildlife and habitats from the comfort of your car. By using your car as a viewing blind, you can often see more wildlife than you can see on foot.
Biking
Biking is a good way to see wildlife, learn about habitats and photograph nature. Yield to pedestrians; many refuge routes are multi-use trails. Biking may be permitted at sites where it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose. E-bikes are permitted on any refuge roads and trails where traditional bicycle use is allowed, if it is consistent with a refuge’s statutory purpose and the refuge manager determines it to be a compatible use.
Birding
From bald eagles to spoonbills, from condors to puffins, birds abound on national wildlife refuges. Refuges provide places for birds to nest, rest, feed and breed making them world-renown for their birding opportunities.
Boating - motorized
Boats provide the best way to see many refuges. Some refuges limit the use of motorboats to certain areas, subject to restrictions on engine size.
Boating - non-motorized
Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. See individual refuge websites for details.
Hiking
The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Painting and drawing
Painting and sketching in nature is possible at nearly all sites open to the public. Sometimes, sites host public displays of artworks created on the refuge.
Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking
A few sites allow picnicking at designated areas.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.