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Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Pharr, Texas · Hidalgo County

The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1979 with a management priority to protect biodiversity. As a wildlife corridor, the refuge follows the Rio Grande along the last 275 river miles. It connects isolated tracts of land managed by private landowners, non-profit organizations, the Stat…

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About Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1979 with a management priority to protect biodiversity. As a wildlife corridor, the refuge follows the Rio Grande along the last 275 river miles. It connects isolated tracts of land managed by private landowners, non-profit organizations, the State of Texas, and two other National Wildlife Refuges: Laguna Atascosa and Santa Ana.

How to Get There

Headquarters for Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR and the South Texas NWR Complex is at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 and 1/4 mile east on U.S. Highway 281.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Lower Rio Grande Valley 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 Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge?

No central reservation system listed for Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3952) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge?

Headquarters for Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR and the South Texas NWR Complex is at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 7 miles south of Alamo on FM 907 and 1/4 mile east on U.S. Highway 281.

How do I contact Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge?

You can reach the park at phone: 956-784-7500 or email: bryan_winton@fws.gov.