Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge Temporarily Closed for Public Safety

The refuge and campground are closed to the public until further notice due to flash flood concerns. The refuge will reopen when the forecast clears. Please contact the refuge at (806) 499-3382 for more information. 

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.

Latest News

decorative blue wavy line graphic
Recreation
Proposed Expansion of Hunting and Fishing on National Wildlife Refuges
The value to Americans provided by national wildlife refuges was highlighted today when U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe announced the agency is proposing to expand hunting and fishing opportunities at 13 national wildlife refuges across the United States. This includes migratory...
View All News

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

      What We Do

      Services

      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.