Visit Us
The refuge is open year-round during daylight hours or from sunrise to sunset. It may be open on a limited basis outside these hours for special events sponsored by the refuge.
Visitor Center Hours
November - March
8am - 4:00 pm eastern time Saturdays and Sundays. To schedule a visit during the week, please call headquarters or email lakewoodruff@fws.gov .
April - October
Due to staffing limitations, the visitor center operates on an intermittent schedule. Please call headquarters or email lakewoodruff@fws.gov to schedule a visit.
Closed on all federal holidays.
Maps, brochures and other informational materials can also be found in the kiosk located near the entrance to the parking lot.
Trails
Fifteen miles of trails are available for exploration. Various trails are available for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling. Trails pass through a variety of habitats, including marshes, impounded wetlands, and pine flatwoods. All trails on the refuge are generally flat, but trail substrates are variable, and may include boardwalks, foot paths, or mowed grass. While trails are flat, users should keep in mind that Florida summers are hot and humid, with the potential of daily lightning storms. Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated. The use of sunscreen is highly recommended as many of the trails lack shade. Trail users should be prepared for biting and stinging insects, which may be present in all seasons.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Merritt Island Complex.
Rules and Policies
Fires are prohibited at all times
Pets are not allowed on the refuge
Camping is not allowed
Possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited
Public access, use, or recreational activities not specifically allowed are prohibited
Compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including all official signs is required
Hiking, fishing, sightseeing, nature observation and photography are allowed during daylight hours only
Swimming, wading, and snorkeling are prohibited
Launching, landing, or disturbing wildlife by aircraft (including drones) on the refuge is prohibited (50 CFR 27.34/27.61).
The refuge is for wildlife. Metal detecting, or the removal or disturbance of artifacts is prohibited. The only time you can remove anything from the refuge, except trash, is when fishing and hunting, as permitted by fishing and hunting regulations.