Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge

The “Old West” lives on at Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge, which includes rocky canyons, homesteads and numerous species of wildlife found only in the Great Basin. Rolling hills covered with sagebrush and mountain mahogany stretch to the horizon. This remote and rugged refuge also is home to a...

The refuge has opportunities for trout and warm-water game fishing. Boats may be used on Big Spring Reservoir, Catnip Reservoir and Dufurrena Ponds. Only electric motors are allowed. Please check current state regulations for season dates. McGee Pond is open year-round for children under age 12...

If you enjoy getting outdoors and looking for wildlife, consider a visit to Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge!  From birding to big game, from viewing speedy pronghorn or soaring raptors, wildlife observation is the most popular activity for refuge visitors.

From every state and...

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography.  That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature...

Camping is permitted year-round for up to 14 days within a 30-day period in designated campgrounds or with a backcountry camping permit. Virgin Valley campground is accessible year-round. There you will find pit toilets, drinking water, a warm springs pool and a rustic shower house. All other...

Make sure to pick up a backcountry permit from the Refuge Complex Headquarters at 20995 Rabbit Hill Road, Lakeview, OR 97630 from Monday - Friday from 8am-4:30pm or at the Refuge headquarters and contact station at the Refuge when staff are present. See our rules and regulations when planning...

Hiking is a great way to explore the refuge and there are ample cross-country hiking options. However, there are no hiking trails so please exercise extreme caution, especially when entering rocky and rugged terrain.

Vehicles are allowed ONLY on Open Routes. Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road and for resource/habitat protection.

Vehicle use off-road is prohibited. You may pull off the road one vehicle length, subject to seasonal...

Biking is allowed ONLY on dirt roads and Open Routes. Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road conditions and for resource/habitat protection.

Off-road vehicles are allowed ONLY on dirt roads and Open Routes. Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road conditions and for resource/habitat protection.

Horses are allowed on the Refuge. Corrals are located at Badger and Fish Springs Campground.