McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge

Van Harriman

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

Fished the surf on Saturday morning. I saw a total of 4 vehicles. Loads of seashells. The inevitable flotsam & jetsam. Seaweed, not sargasum, was tangling my lines so I cut my losses. No catch that day but there's always tomorrow.

Marcus Simien

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Roads are well maintained and there is little trash left around. Crabs are very abundant, was able to catch this little redfish in the intercostal canal and also a large golden croaker in Clam lake. I definitely had a blast, only complaint is be sure to bring bug spray as the deer flys were absolutely horrible.

Mark Sova

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful, wild stretch of Texas coast and wetlands. It’s a great place to see birds, alligators, and other wildlife, especially if you enjoy photography or just quiet drives through nature. There are long, flat roads and pull‑offs where you can stop, look out over the marsh, and watch the birds and turtles. Facilities are very basic and there’s almost no shade, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and good bug spray – the mosquitoes can be intense, especially in warmer months. Cell service is spotty and you’re pretty far from town, which is part of the charm but means you should come prepared. It’s not a ‘touristy’ spot with lots of signs or activities, just a calm, natural area where you can slow down and enjoy the coastal landscape. If you like wildlife and don’t mind things being a bit rugged, this refuge is definitely worth a visit

Timothy

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

It was very foggy the morning I went which was kind of a bummer, but it was still beautiful and an awesome place to spend a little time.

LINDA C

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

This place was so different than any other Refuge I have been to in the Texas Hill Country, of course. The lake is huge! Lots of people fishing. Beautiful flowers, and the swamps and marshland are everywhere you look. Very clean, whih was good as signs were posted to keep it that way, but still lots of fishing line and cord, and beer caps all over. I picked up what I could. Not much wildlife to see when I went, but a beautiful day trip for me as I am a wildlife rehabilitator and love nature. I just moved to Port Arthur and was asking about volunteering somewhere on the Refuge or with Parks and Wildlife but was told they are still not taking volunteers because of COVID. This is so stupid. The crisis is over and the Governor of Texas opened everything back up and removed all the mandates, so why I was told this was rediclous. Hoping that will change soon. Great place if you like nature and marshlands. Note: NO TREES OR SHADE AT ALL!!! No place to put umbrellas in the ground either. Just road, piers or water. Beware of all the fire ant mounds too. DO NOT walk around in the bit of grass there is!