Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Rio Hondo, TX
Coastal prairie, thorn scrub and lagoon on the Lower Laguna Madre, home to some of the last wild ocelots in the United States. Drive the 23 km Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (formerly Bayside Drive) for birds; winter brings the most species.
- Nearest town
- Rio Hondo, TX
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 26.2289, -97.3473
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. Hot in June–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- SeaWay VillageMotorhome stopover9 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
- Rocket Ranch Boca ChicaCampsite20 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
- Tropic Winds RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Breeze Lake CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomes
- Fun-N-Sun RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Paradise Park RV ResortMotorhome stopover23 mi from Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife RefugeMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Texas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is in Rio Hondo, TX, at GPS 26.2289, -97.3473. It is about 14 mi from South Padre Island.
Can you camp near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is SeaWay Village, about 9 mi away; within 25 mi there are 30 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Rio Grande Valley: South Padre Island and subtropical refuges.
What is there to see near Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
Places worth a stop nearby: Port Isabel Lighthouse (14 mi), Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park (17 mi), Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge (50 mi) and Padre Island National Seashore (83 mi).
When is the best time to visit Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)