About Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1983, Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge is primarily salt marsh habitat located along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, near the community of Chinquapin. The marsh attracts populations of wintering waterfowl and provides seasonal and year-round habitat for large populations of wading birds, waterbirds, and shorebirds. The refuge along with its companion refuges, Brazoria and San Bernard, were designated an Internationally Significant Shorebird Site by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. The refuge is a stronghold for the threatened eastern black rail with dense upper saltmarsh prairies that hide the bird from overhead predators. Dressing Point Island, located 1.5 miles south of the primary refuge in East Matagorda Bay, is a prominent colonial waterbird rookery. The small island comes alive in the spring, as brown pelicans, roseate spoonbills, egrets, herons, gulls and terns find nesting locations. Although battered by wave action and rising sea levels, efforts are underway to restore some of the lost acreage and elevate the island so that it will remain productive for years to come. Big Boggy is truly “for the birds”. Except for seasonal waterfowl hunting and fishing in Boggy Creek, the 4,526-acre refuge is closed for public use.
How to Get There
To reach Big Boggy NWR from the highway 60 and FM 521 intersection in Wadsworth, TX, drive east on FM 522 for 2.9 miles to Chinquapin Road. Turn right, travel 7 miles to the to the refuge. Watch for Parking Area signs for hunter access. Boggy Creek can only be accessed by boat from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. A small boat ramp is in Chinquapin.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Big Boggy 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 Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1298) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge?
To reach Big Boggy NWR from the highway 60 and FM 521 intersection in Wadsworth, TX, drive east on FM 522 for 2.9 miles to Chinquapin Road. Turn right, travel 7 miles to the to the refuge. Watch for Parking Area signs for hunter access. Boggy Creek can only be accessed by boat from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. A small boat ramp is in Chinquapin.
How do I contact Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 979-964-4011 or email: curtis_jones@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
