About Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in the heart of Mississippi’s Delta Region - 25 miles south of Greenville, and five air miles east of the Mississippi River in Washington County. This refuge is home to American alligators, migratory waterfowl, wading birds, state record white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit and raccoon. The refuge is home-sweet-home to a healthy population of American alligators, a reptile species whose ancestry can be traced back to the age of dinosaurs. In early June, females are in locations easily observed by the public. The mother alligator remains close to the nest until the eggs hatch in late August or early September to guard it from predators. During this period, her protective instincts are heightened. None of our visitors have ever been hurt by an aggressive alligator, but if you should come across a nest, please keep your distance. Known as one of the premier hunting refuges in the southeastern U.S., for years hunters have scheduled their vacations around the opportunity to hunt Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge’s white-tailed deer.
How to Get There
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of Mississippi's Delta Region, 28 miles south of Greenville, MS, and 61 miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi. From Greenville take Highway 1 south to the refuge sign. Turn east on Yazoo Refuge Road, and proceed to the Headquarters sign. From Vicksburg travel north on Highway 61. Turn west onto Highway 436 and proceed approximately 5.5 miles to the refuge sign at Beargarden Road. Turn right on Beargarden Road and follow the signs to Refuge Office.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Yazoo 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 Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1677) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge?
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is located in the heart of Mississippi's Delta Region, 28 miles south of Greenville, MS, and 61 miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi. From Greenville take Highway 1 south to the refuge sign. Turn east on Yazoo Refuge Road, and proceed to the Headquarters sign. From Vicksburg travel north on Highway 61. Turn west onto Highway 436 and proceed approximately 5.5 miles t…
How do I contact Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 662-839-2638 or email: TRNWRComplex@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
