About Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is a study in transition. Here, the waterlogged wet pine savannas give way to the marshes, freshwater streams, and bayous of the Escatawpa River system. Slowly these fresh water systems system wind their way toward the Mississippi Sound and ultimately the Gulf of America. Neither fresh nor salt, the brackish waters and marshes found throughout much of the refuge serve as a home and nursery to numerous different fish, fowl, and flora.Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in coastal Mississippi and Alabama. The refuge was established in 1992 to help protect one of the largest remaining expanses of Gulf Coast wet pine savanna habitat. With only 3% of wet pine savanna remaining across its originally range, it is considered an endangered habitat.The 10,188 acre refuge partially overlays the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Together, they protect nearly 18,000 acres of relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat.In addition to the wet pine savanna, other refuge habitats include maritime forest, tidal and non-tidal wetlands, salt marshes, salt pans, bays and bayous.These numerous and varying habitats provide a unique opportunity to view the diverse numbers of species that make their home here.
How to Get There
Take Exit 75 off of I-10 and turn south on Franklin Creek Road. Go south to Hwy 90 and cross onto Pecan Road. Cross over the railroad tracks and continue down Bayou Heron Road for approximately 1 mile. The Visitor Center is on the right. Coastal Resource Center Address:6005 Bayou Heron Road Moss Point, MS 39562 228-475-0765 mississippisandhillcrane@fws.gov
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1400) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
Take Exit 75 off of I-10 and turn south on Franklin Creek Road. Go south to Hwy 90 and cross onto Pecan Road. Cross over the railroad tracks and continue down Bayou Heron Road for approximately 1 mile. The Visitor Center is on the right. Coastal Resource Center Address:6005 Bayou Heron Road Moss Point, MS 39562 228-475-0765 mississippisandhillcrane@fws.gov
How do I contact Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 228-475-0765 or email: mississippisandhillcrane@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
