Facility Activities

 The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 provides further guidance for management decisions, including the determination of compatible uses on refuges. This act identifies six priority wildlife dependent recreational uses that include hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation. On Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, the staff strives to allow as many of these compatible uses we can allow while also prioritizing our wildlife and habitat. Find fishing, camping, wildlife observation, and more on the refuge lands. 

Watch migratory and breeding birds on the refuge. Every spring and fall the refuge playa lakes are full of different shorebirds and waterfowl looking to get their fill and rest before continuing their hazardous migration. In the summer, find breeding birds raising their young in the trees and...

Boating on the refuge is allowed with non-motorized boats only if conditions allow. This means all boats cannot use a motor when on Lake 13. At this time the boat ramp is open due to higher water levels.

Recreational vehicle (RV), as well as tent camping, is allowed at the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge primitive campground with a 3-night maximum stay. These sites do not have amenities like potable water, electricity, or sewage hookups. The sites which are approximately 40’ wide by 60–100’...

Lake 13 (300 acres) on the refuge offers rainbow trout, channel catfish, yellow perch and largemouth bass. Fishing season is March 1-October 31. Small boats (trolling speed only) are allowed on Lake 13.

Hiking is permitted on the refuge on the three trails that are open at this time. Hiking trails include Cottonwood Trail (1 mile, recently renovated!), Lake 14 Levee Trail (.81 mile), and the Prairie Dog Trail (.06 mile). We ask that visitors stay on trail at all times and if dogs are along,...

Painting and drawing are wonderful pastimes to mark the seasonal changes on the refuge. Visitors can utilize the Cottonwood Trail Area, the Lake 13 Campground, Prairie Dog Trail, county roads, and the Visitor Center Area. Usage of these areas are permitted during open refuge hours. 

Photography can record the changes on the refuge throughout the year. Visitors can utilize the Cottonwood Trail Area, the Lake 13 Campground, Prairie Dog Trail, county roads, and the Visitor Center Area. Usage of these areas are permitted during open refuge hours. 

Visitors can picnic at the Cottonwood Nature Trail, the Visitor Center and at the Campground area. Please be sure to place all trash in trash receptacles. 

Our refuge rangers are here for the Amercian people to learn about the natural resources around them. Rangers offer a wide variety of different programs and lead school visits. For more information on what visitors and schools can participate in please contact us.

Visitors can use refuge trails and country roads to run during open hours on the refuge. 

Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.