Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was established to preserve and protect wintering waterfowl and their habitat. The refuge is located approximately 25 miles southeast of Lake Charles, Louisiana, in north central Cameron Parish. It contains 9,621 acres that include fresh marsh, coastal prairie, and old rice fields (currently moist soil units). Located at the convergence of two major flyways, the refuge has an important role in management for migratory birds. The visitor center, exhibits, and auto-tour route are the primary attractions for the visiting public.

The refuge is an integral part of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. The East Cove Unit, which is only accessible by boat, was established in 1937 as part of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. This unit, administratively transferred to Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge from Sabine in 2001, consists of 14,927 acres of brackish to intermediate marsh. These marshes are managed as a nursery for brown and white shrimp, blue crab, and many fish species. Located in Cameron Parish in the southwest corner of Louisiana, the East Cove Unit is bordered on the west by Calcasieu Lake, and on the north, east, and south by privately owned marshes.