Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge.Wilderness Area

Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge Wilderness Area spans 2,280 acres in Arkansas and protects a primitive backcountry landscape managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As a federally designated Wilderness Area, it prohibits motorized vehicles, roads, and mechanized travel, preserving the land for non-motorized recreation and wildlife habitat.

Hiking and backpacking are the primary ways to experience the refuge. Visitors should expect a remote setting where solitude and self-reliance are central to the experience. All travel must be on foot, and all visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles—packing out what you pack in, camping responsibly, and minimizing impact on the landscape and wildlife.

Access and conditions vary by season. Plan your visit during warmer months when water and weather are most favorable. The refuge's remote character means limited infrastructure and no developed trail system typical of more visited areas. Come prepared for wilderness conditions, with proper navigation skills and gear suited to backcountry travel.