Complete Guide to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi, including things to do, history, nearby lodging and camping, directions, and so much more.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
📍Tours
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 to help protect the once widespread wet pine savanna habitat. Today, this habitat has been reduced by 97% and is a key habitat for species like the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, with only approximately 200 birds in existence today.
The wet pine savanna is a biodiverse hotspot and supports native plants such as wiregrass and the white-topped pitcher plant.
Things to know before you visit Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Entrance fee
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge does not charge an entrance fee! If you plan on visiting numerous sites on a National Park trip, you may consider buying an America the Beautiful/National Park Pass before your trip.
Duck Stamp - $25.00
Federal Duck Stamps are valid for 1 year, July 1 to June 30, at all National Wildlife Refuges.
The Federal Duck Stamp is so much more than just a hunting stamp. They cover the admittance fee to National Wildlife Refuges, as well as being required for Migratory Bird Hunters (primarily duck and goose hunters). They are also collectible works of art and an easy way for everyone to help support wetland conservation.
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Map
Refuge Information
Time Zone - Central Standard Time
Size - 10,188 acres
Date Established: 1992
Phone Number (228)475-0765
Address
6005 Bayou Heron Road
Moss Point, MS 39562
Pets - Yes, pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under control.
Cell Service - Cellular service is limited and not guaranteed
Wi-Fi Available - No
Hours - Visitors are welcome to recreate in the refuge during daylight hours only.
Food/Restaurants
There are no restaurants in the refuge; however, there are numerous restaurants at Grand Bay, 15 minutes away, and Ocean Springs, 30 minutes away.
Gas
There are no gas stations in the refuge; however, there are several gas stations in Grand Bay.
May I fly a Drone on a National Wildlife Refuge?
No. Launching, landing, or disturbing wildlife by aircraft (drones) on National Wildlife Refuges is prohibited by law - Code of Federal Regulations Title 50 Part 27 Sections 34 and 51 (50 CFR 27.34/51).
Electric Vehicle Charging
There are no EV charging stations in the refuge, but there are three charging stations nearby. Click here for a map of EV charging locations.
Don't forget to Pack these Items
Insect repellent is always a great idea outdoors, especially around any body of water.
We use Permethrin Spray on our clothes before our park trips. Please read my article on preventing biting insects while enjoying the outdoors.
Sunscreen - I buy environmentally friendly sunscreen whenever possible because you inevitably pull it out at the beach.
Bring your water bottle and plenty of water with you. Plastic water bottles are not sold in the park.
Sunglasses - I always bring sunglasses with me. I personally love Goodr sunglasses because they are lightweight, durable, and have awesome National Park Designs from several National Parks like Joshua Tree, Yellowstone, Hawaii Volcanoes, Acadia, Denali, and more!
Click here to get your National Parks Edition of Goodr Sunglasses!
Binoculars/Spotting Scope - These will help spot birds and wildlife and make them easier to identify. We tend to see waterfowl in the distance, and they are always just a bit too far to identify them without binoculars.
Getting to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Estimated Distance from Major Cities
Biloxi, MS - 37 Miles, 36 Minutes
Mobile, AL - 32 miles, 33 minutes
New Orleans, LA - 119 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes
Closest Airports
International Airports
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) - 47 miles, 45 minutes
Lewis Armstrong New Orleans National Airport (MSY) - 129 miles, 1 hour and 53 minutes
Regional Airports
Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) - 27 miles, 44 minutes
Best time to visit
The best time to enjoy Grand Bay NWR is during spring and fall migrations, when there are excellent birdwatching opportunities. The summer can be very hot and humid, and the trails can be wet and muddy.
Weather and Seasons
Spring (March - May)
Temperatures are mild and pleasant with a gradual warming trend towards summer.
Summer (June-August)
Summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s and 90s.
Fall (September-November)
Fall is pleasant as the humidity begins to break, along with the intense heat. Midday can still be very warm.
Winter (December-February)
Winter is the cool season with average highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s.
Things to Do at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Grand Bay Visitor Center
Visitors to Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge are encouraged to begin their adventure at the refuge's "Gold" LEED Certified Coastal Resources Center Interpretive Center. Here you will find exhibits on "Living on the Edge: The Nature of Change" along with Tobi, the resident Mississippi diamondback terrapin.
Don't forget to get your Blue Goose Passport Stamp and make sure to borrow an adventure pack from the visitor center while exploring the boardwalk trail behind the visitor center.
Open 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday-Friday, closed on state holidays.
Located at 6005 Bayou Heron Road, Moss Point, MS 39562
Birding/Wildlife Viewing
Grand Bay is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society, with over 250 species of birds identified at Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge! This is due to the fact that there are several habitat types like the wet pine savanna, tidal salt marsh, shallow bays, and maritime forests.
Hiking
Savanna Trail Boardwalk - This is an easy 1000-foot out-and-back trail that takes you out to the center of a freshwater marsh.
Oak Grove Birding Trail is a half-mile loop trail south of the refuge's visitor center on Bayou Heron Road. The trail goes through a mixed hardwood forest with excellent birding opportunities, especially in the spring and fall migrations. Popular sightings in the spring include Yellow Warblers, Redstarts, and Scarlet Tanagers.
Savanna Loop Trail - This is a one-mile loop trail by the visitor center that takes you into the pine savanna. Make sure to wear good boots, as these trail conditions can vary due to being in a wet pine savanna environment.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge area attractions
Here is a list of activities I personally picked near Grand Bay and Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuges and the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Mississippi that will make a great weekend getaway to the Gulf Coast!
Ship Island Excursions (Ferry Service to Gulf Islands National Seashore's Ship Island)
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3.5-9 hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability
The boat trip to Ship Island is approximately 12 miles (1 Hour) each way plus time on the island. Once on Ship Island you can
- Take a slef-guided tour of Fort Massachusettts
- Enjoy the day relaxing on the beach
- Go birdwatching
- There is even a snack bar and a covered picnic pavilion
eBike Rental Biloxi and Ocean Springs, MS
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 1 Day | 🚵 Check Rates and Availability
I personally love Ocean Springs, MS! There's great restaurants, shops, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, Gulf Islands National Seashore, and the Ocean Springs Beach. Parking can be a hassle and here you can ride a eBike and explore this little gem.
USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park Admission Ticket
⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2-3 Hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability
This is Mobile Alabama's top attraction! This 100 acre park allows you to
- Self Guided tour of the USS Alabama Battleship
- Self-Guided tour of the USS Drum Submarine
- Self-Guideed tour of the Aircraft Pavilion, home to 28 historic aircraft and antique military vehicles
- Throughout the park you will see memorials honoring modern war veterans
Lodging near the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Quality Inn in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, is a family-friendly hotel with several amenities, including:
- pet friendly
- laundry
- breakfast included
- Free Self-Parking
- Free WIFI
White House Hotel in Biloxi, Mississippi - I have driven past this hotel a few times and really want to book a stay here! It looks gorgeous and has excellent reviews! Amenities for this property include:
- Free WIFI
- Free uncovered parking
- Seasonal outdoor pool (April-November)
- Fitness Center
- On the Waterfront
- Rooftop Terrace
- Restaurants on-site
Click on the map below for vacation rentals and lodges near the refuge.
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge Camping
There is no camping available in the refuge, but there are several lodging options and private campgrounds nearby.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Resources
The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crucade for America
This is a great book that centers on Roosevelt's conservation efforts and his role in establishing the Wildlife Refuge system.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
This book provides an in-depth coverage of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Federal Agency that manages the National Wildlife Refuge System, protects endangered species, and conducts fish and wildlife research.
Blue Goose Passport Book
The Blue Goose Passport is named after the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is designed to record your visits to National Wildlife Refuges.
America's National Wildlife Refuges: A Complete Guide
An all-in-one guide to more than 500 sites in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This book lists each refuge alphabetically by state, providing basic information about accessibility, facilities, and habitat types.
Additional Gulf Coast National Wildlife Refuges
J.N. Ding Darling NWR - Sanibel Island, Florida
St Marks National Wildlife Refuge - St Marks, Florida
Bon Secor NWR - Gulf Shores, Alabama
Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR - Gautier, Mississippi
Bayou Sauvage Urban NWR - New Orleans, Louisiana
Big Branch Marsh NWR - Slidell, LA
Cameron Prairie NWR - Bell City, Louisiana
Check out all of the National Parks in Mississippi along with neighboring National Parks in Alabama, National Parks in Arkansas, Louisiana National Parks, and Tennessee National Parks.
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