Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge on one of Louisiana's barrier islands may be small, but it offers a range of recreational opportunities for visitors.

At just under 1,150 acres, the refuge is accessed by a quick turn onto a dirt road from LA Highway 1. The single road passes oil pipeline access points before entering the refuge at a gate announcing refuge's operating hours from sunrise until sunset daily.

Two primary popular uses of Elmer's Island refuge are fishing and the beach. Cars park along the edge of the gravel road and fish from the banks. Those who drive to the end of the road will find the beach. Cars must park and visitors must walk over natural and restored dunes to get to the water. Birding is also a popular activity, especially during migratory times.

No glass drinking containers are permitted on the refuge. Anyone fishing over the age of 16 needs a valid permit. There are no amenities of any kind located on the wildlife refuge. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Fishing opportunities.

Cons

Closed at night.

Features

Bird watching
Fishing
Family friendly

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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