Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1990, contains a variety of wildlife habitats, including patches of bottomland hardwood forest; freshwater, brackish and estuarine tidal marshes; lagoons; canals; and natural bayous. The refuge derives its name from the Bayou Sauvage waterway, pronounced “Bye
Maybe — confirm before you go.
This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
- Fee type Fee unknown — The fee structure here is unconfirmed.
- Source Find on Recreation.gov ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Check
- Official pagewww.recreation.gov ↗
- Contact 985-882-2000 · southeastlouisiana@fws.gov
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?
Maybe — This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go. Check with the managing agency before you go.
Yes Can you fish at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Old Chef Menteur Road. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you watch wildlife or birds here?
Yes — Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge is a spot for wildlife and bird watching. Keep your distance and never feed animals.
Depends Is hunting allowed?
Yes — hunting is permitted here in season, with the required state license and tags. Check seasons and unit rules.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Often restricted to protect wildlife — many refuges limit or prohibit pets. Check this refuge before you go.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge land.
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Photo Credit: Tom Carlisle / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
