Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

The boat ramp at Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge provides access to Lacassine Bayou and the surrounding 16,000-acre Lacassine Pool, a freshwater marsh impoundment ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating. The facility includes a boat launch, parking area, shelters, and handicapped-accessible fishing piers. Located off Highway 3056 near Lake Arthur in Cameron Parish, this is a premier spot for wildlife observation and fishing. The refuge office (337-598-2216) is open weekdays year-round from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Paddlers and boaters should note that access is permitted from one hour before legal sunrise to one hour after legal sunset. Boats are allowed in the canals and bayous outside Lacassine Pool, though some areas may be posted as closed. The refuge encompasses over 3,300 acres of protected wilderness and is particularly excellent for fall and winter waterfowl observation. Fishing regulations and seasonal closures apply, so check current Southwest Louisiana Fishing and Boating Regulations before your visit.

The Lacassine Wilderness now contains a total of 3,346 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Louisiana. In 1976 the Lacassine Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System.
On the southern end of the Mississippi and Central Flyways,...

The Lacassine Wilderness now contains a total of 3,346 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Louisiana. In 1976 the Lacassine Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System.
On the southern end of the Mississippi and Central Flyways, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is primarily a freshwater marsh. Lacassine refuge marshes provide feeding and resting habitat for more than 300,000 ducks and 80,000 geese. The refuge also provides habitat for many shorebirds, wading birds, marsh birds, various manmmals,and alligators. The first nesting colony of cattle egrets outside Florida was discovered here. Nesting rookeries of roseate spoonbills, and other wading birds can be found in the Lacassine Pool. Watch for armadillos, swamp rabbits, minks, otters, nutrias and American alligators.
The southern portion of the refuge, south of the pipeline canal and west of Bayou Misere, has been designated Wilderness. Unlike the rest of the refuge, this area has seen relatively little impact from human activity. There are no established trails, and no camping is allowed. The 3345 acre wilderness area can be accessed by non-motorized vessel or chest waders.

The name Lacassine comes from the local native American word "loc o'shin", which means "at the prairies edge".

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