San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge Adds More Coastal Public Land in Brazoria County

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge spreads across parts of Brazoria and Matagorda counties. Coastal prairie, salt marsh, wetland, and river-bottom woods meet here. More than 320 bird species have been seen.

Three public-use areas and 10 trails give visitors several ways in. The public areas are free. They are normally open from official sunrise to official sunset. Fishing is allowed year-round in set waters, including Cedar Lake Creek, Cedar Lake, and Cow Trap Lake.

Hunt rules differ by unit. FWS treats the general hunts at Salt Bayou, Smith Marsh, and Cedar Lakes differently from the lottery hunt at Sargent. The current hunt page and unit map show which path applies. The older exhibit map can help with location, but it is not a live closure notice.