National Wildlife Refuge Big Lake
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
National Wildlife Refuge Big Lake is a 21,000-acre refuge located in the state of Louisiana.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit including birdwatching, fishing, hunting, and hiking. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, waterfowl, alligators, and deer.
Some of the specific points of interest to see include the Big Lake Interpretive Trail, which is a 1-mile loop that provides visitors with the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife and plants. There is also a Wildlife Drive, which is a 6.5-mile auto tour that takes visitors through various habitats and allows for wildlife viewing.
Interesting facts about the area include that it was established in 1991 as a way to protect and restore wetlands and provide habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. Additionally, the refuge is part of the Mississippi Flyway, which is a major migratory route for birds.
The best time of year to visit the National Wildlife Refuge Big Lake is in the fall and winter months when the migratory birds are present. Additionally, there are several events that take place throughout the year including the annual Big Lake Christmas Bird Count and the Big Lake Youth Fishing Derby.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Herman Davis State Park
Big Lake Wilderness Area
Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area
Warbler Woods Conservation Area