Visit Us

Lake Ophelia NWR provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limits. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge.

Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. Horseback riding is not authorized on the refuge.

Fishing and hunting is allowed on over 12,000 acres of the refuge. Special refuge regulations apply. 

Activities

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge offers many different opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, or wildlife observation, the refuge offers activities for every age and interest.

Fishing
Hunting
Hiking
Wildlife watching
Photography

Related Documents

Please see the Regulations brochure for a complete map of the Refuge.

2023 Lake Ophelia NWR Hunting, Fishing and Public Use Brochure .pdf
Name
2023 Lake Ophelia NWR Hunting, Fishing and Public Use Brochure .pdf
PDF

Other Facilities in the Complex

Lake Ophelia NWR is managed as part of the Central Louisiana Refuges Complex.

White-tailed deer during sunrise in the fog at a distance
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
Catahoula NWR was established in 1958 as a wintering area for migratory waterfowl. Most of the Refuge's approximately 25,000 acres are lowland hardwood forests subject to backwater flooding from the Ouachita, Black, and Red Rivers.
National Wildlife Refuge
Jonesville,LA
White-tailed deer during sunrise in the fog at a distance
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 to provide valuable waterfowl habitat in the Mississippi/Red River floodplain as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
National Wildlife Refuge
Marksville,LA

Rules and Policies

The following common activities are prohibited on Lake Ophelia NWR:

  • Feeding, enticing, or harassing wildlife
  • Taking, collecting, or injuring wildlife or plants
  • Motorized vehicles off public roads, designated trails, and parking areas
  • Horseback riding
  • An annual recreational activity permit is required to fish or hunt on the refuge.

Locations

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge
(318) 253-4238
401 Island RoadMarksville,LA71351-4518
Driving Directions

Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge is located 20 miles northeast Of Marksville LA on Hwy 452.  From LA1 in Marksville take Highway 452 north towards the community of Brouillette.. Past the community of Brouillette, Hwy 452 will turn to gravel and is called Lake Long Road the refuge entrance is 1 mile from the where the pavement ends.  The refuge check station is located approximately 3.5 miles from where the pavement ends.

The refuge office is located at 401 Island Road just west of Marksville, LA near the community of Fifth Ward. The office can be reached by taking LA. Hwy. 1194 south from LA. Hwy. 1, to Island Road.