Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
A birdwatcher’s dream, the nearly 126,000-acre Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is home to dozens of migratory bird species and plenty of other saltwater marsh wildlife. The refuge is located just inland from the Gulf Shore in southwest Louisiana and contains diverse habitats for its many residents including freshwater lakes, bayous, rivers, and marshes.
The lands of Sabine are some of the most crucial in the fight to preserve and maintain wetlands in the U.S. Thousands of visitors come each year to see the fruits of this intensive labor and enjoy the unadulterated coastal landscape. As you travel through Louisiana in your rental RV, a stop at Sabine is a must for some one-of-a-kind experiences with wildlife.
The refuge boasts hundreds of thousands of avian residents throughout the year, and you’ll be able to see plenty of them. More than 20 species of colorful ducks work their way down to Sabine during the cold winter months in the north and their numbers can top 100,000. Immensely colorful pink spoonbills (sometimes confused with flamingos) are year-round residents and well known for their curiosity and interest in photographers. There are also a number of predatory birds that hang around including various hawks and owls.
Depending on which birds you are most interested in seeing, you may have to time your visit accordingly. The migratory waterfowl and predatory raptors are most abundant in the winter months. Shorebirds and songbirds are more frequently observed in the refuge during their spring and fall migratory movements. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter when you visit; there will always be plenty of birdwatching fun to be had.
There’s a whole lot more out at the refuge than just birds. Many folks venture out to Sabine to catch a glimpse of the American alligator, and you have got a pretty good shot at seeing at least one as it’s one of the most commonly sighted reptiles in the refuge. Other unique animals to keep an eye out for include swamp rabbits, bobcats, armadillos, speckled king snakes, and alligator gar.
The best way to see all of this wildlife is via the Wetland Walkway and Blue Goose Trails which will take you right by the marshes teeming with life. Alligators are commonly observed directly crossing the trails, so be careful and pay attention to your surroundings. You’ll also find a raised observation tower so bring a pair of binoculars for a VIP bird’s eye view of the refuge.
The waters at the refuge are home to many species of fish and crustaceans. They are so plentiful that fishing and harvesting is welcome and encouraged. Cast a line for striped mullet, bass, silver perch, sand sea trout, gar, or catfish. You can also use nets for blue crab and shrimp species.
You’re only allowed to fish at designated areas along Highway 27, so make sure you stay within these boundaries. You’ll also need a Louisiana fishing license to cast a line at the refuge. And, if you are planning on fishing southern waters near the coast, you’ll have to also purchase a saltwater angler’s license. The state has a specific ‘saltwater line’ that defines the boundary for saltwater licenses so be sure to know exactly where you’re fishing and what credentials you need.
More than one quarter of the refuge (34,000 acres) is open to bird hunting during designated seasons. In the late fall and early winter, hunters can target some of the incoming migratory waterfowl including ducks, geese, and coots. You’ll need a special refuge-issued permit, so be sure that’s all squared away before you scout a hunting spot.
Besides your shotguns, you’ll need to bring shells with non-toxic shot material like stainless steel. Don’t forget to check in your game by filling out a harvest report before you leave. There will be a designated box at the refuge for you to place it in. Finally, keep everyone safe by following the refuge’s rule of staying at least 150 yards away from fellow hunters.
The visitor center can answer all the questions you may have about the refuge’s wildlife and its mission to protect and preserve the land. Inside, you’ll find a number of exhibits that are both kid- and adult-friendly with vibrant animatronic characters walking you through the natural environment and culture of southwestern Louisiana.
Interactive exhibits for children also teach them about the importance of water and marsh management. By opening and closing model water sources, kids will learn how the refuge’s staff works hard to maintain the ecosystem of the preserve. A specific alligator exhibit also provides great information about one of the refuge’s most sought after inhabitants.
Less than 10 miles from the refuge, Trahan’s RV Park is a close and convenient place to set up camp for the night. You’ll find 20 full hookup RV campsites with 30/50-amp electrical. For family fun, the Johnson Bayou Rec Center is just a minute away and offers a swimming pool, game center, basketball, gym, and fitness facility. The park is also just a mile or so from the beach so it’s easy to hop on down for a little sun and surf.
Only about two miles from the refuge’s border, Island RV Park is your closest option for RV accommodations. Island has quite a few campsites (102, to be exact) with full hookups, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi service. What makes this park unique is that it is indeed located on an island. You’ll have easy access to nature trails, fishing, and unforgettable sunset views.
If you want to be near a town with plenty to do, Twelve Oaks RV Park in Lake Charles (about 20 miles away) is the place to camp. The park itself features 64 full hookup sites, complimentary Wi-Fi, a swimming pool with a lazy river, a club house, and a pet park. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, including local Cajun and seafood joints, as well as casino fun for adults.
About 10 miles to the north in Vinton, you’ll find Paradise RV Park. Its 105 RV sites offer full hookups and Wi-Fi access. Some great amenities include a fully stocked fishing pond, jogging trail, swimming pool, and fitness center. There’s also fun for adults with a casino and bar just outside the park.
Big Lake RV Park is located at the northern shore of huge Calcasieu Lake which borders the refuge. The large sites can accommodate rigs up to 70 feet in length and offer full hookups with 30/50-amp electrical service. The campground also provides a bathhouse with toilets and showers as well as a laundry facility. Sportsmen and women will also love the saltwater pond which offers great fishing.
A visit to Sabine is typically a 2-4-hour day trip so the refuge is not flush with amenities. As such, there are no dining facilities onsite. If you think you’ll be hungry, pack a few sandwiches for the afternoon to tide you over. Don’t feed any to the gators though.
Your best dining options are north of the refuge in the town of Lake Charles. You’ll find multiple options serving up regional Cajun dishes, southern soul food, and fresh seafood fare from the coastal waters. In addition, local BBQ, Mexican, and a selectionof standard American chains will placate diners searching for something a little more traditional. For adults, a local craft brewery several wine bars in town are also fun for a nightcap.
No matter whether you stay along the coast or up in the vibrant town of Lake Charles, your visit to Sabine National Wildlife Refuge will be tons of fun, filled with animal sightings and maybe even a (safe) encounter with an alligator. After sightseeing, relax at your campsite and take in the coastal sunset or head into town for some memorable Cajun cooking. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time at Sabine, you’ll be glad you have your rental RV to welcome you home.