About McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge supplies important feeding and resting habitat for migrating and wintering populations of waterfowl, as well as other wildlife. From October to March, thousands of geese feeding and resting in the marsh can be heard, if not actually seen. Ducks on the refuge can number up to one hundred thousand, with more than two dozen species. This includes the mottled duck, a year-round resident and recognized as an important indicator species to coastal marsh health and function. During the spring, large concentrations of migrating songbirds fly through the upper Texas coast, with peak migration occurring in April. In addition to all of the amazing birds, McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is home to the largest concentration of American alligators in the State of Texas. Established in 1980, the refuge was purchased under the authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. Open to the public, visitors can enjoy wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and special wildlife-related events. It is one of the more than 550 refuges that comprise the National Wildlife Refuge System, a national network of lands and waters set aside for the benefit of wildlife and you! For hundreds of years, many of these sights and sounds within this dynamic eco-system have gone untouched. Under the protective umbrella of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hope and expectation is that they will continue for hundreds more.
How to Get There
McFaddin Refuge Headquarters: The business office for McFaddin is shared with Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge and is located on Hwy. 87, south of Sabine Pass. Both refuges are located along Highway 87 at the southeastern tip of Texas, near the Louisiana border. Refuge Complex Visitor Center: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The public can get information and learn about the McFaddin, Anahuac and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges at the Texas Chenier Plain Refuge’s visitor center located in Anahuac, Texas. Here, refuge staff and volunteers are available to provide maps and other information on all three refuges. The visitor center is approximately 50 miles west of Sabine Pass, between Baytown and Winnie, and is about two miles south of I-10 on FM 563.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to McFaddin 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 McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1506) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
McFaddin Refuge Headquarters: The business office for McFaddin is shared with Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge and is located on Hwy. 87, south of Sabine Pass. Both refuges are located along Highway 87 at the southeastern tip of Texas, near the Louisiana border. Refuge Complex Visitor Center: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The public can get information and learn about the McFaddi…
How do I contact McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 409-971-2909 or email: denise_ruffino@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
