About Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1994, is located along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain between the towns of Mandeville and Slidell, in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. This refuge is the indigenous homeland of the Acolopissa and Choctaw people, whose descendants are present in the region today. Refuge habitats include lake shoreline, freshwater and intermediate marsh; bald cypress-tupelo forest; bayous; hardwood forest hammocks; and long-leaf pine savannah. These habitats support freshwater and marine fish, shorebirds, wading birds, seventeen species of wintering migratory waterfowl, neotropical songbird migrants and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
How to Get There
The refuge headquarters and visitor center are located in Lacombe, Louisiana, between Mandeville and Slidell. The center is situated at 61389 Highway 434 two miles south of I-12 (Exit 74) and just north of the intersection of Highways 434 and 190. Look for the Big Branch Marsh Refuge sign.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1299) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
The refuge headquarters and visitor center are located in Lacombe, Louisiana, between Mandeville and Slidell. The center is situated at 61389 Highway 434 two miles south of I-12 (Exit 74) and just north of the intersection of Highways 434 and 190. Look for the Big Branch Marsh Refuge sign.
How do I contact Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 985-882-2000 or email: southeastlouisianarefuges@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
