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Two mule deer standing in a prairie
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge campground closure December 4th-7th

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge campground will be closed to the public December 4th-7th for a youth hunt.

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Two mule deer standing in a prairie
Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge Closure December 6-7, 2025.

Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge will be closed to public entry December (6th-7th) for a youth hunt.

Buffalo Lake was created with the building of Umbarger Dam in 1938 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In 1958, the 7,664 acres were transferred to the Department of Interior and in 1959, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established. Although the lake is dry, visitors can enjoy many wildlife dependent activities such as wildlife watching and photography, environmental interpretation and education, hiking, camping and picnicking.

Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy the auto tour road, watching wildlife, hiking, camping and picnicking. 

Location and Contact Information

      Our Species

      Visitors can see many bird species including neotropical migrants such as warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and sparrows that pass through each spring and fall. Black-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, Cassin’s and lark sparrows, and bald and golden eagle can be seen on the refuge in the grasslands. Snakes, horned lizards, and ornate box turtles are present.