Aransas Pass National Wildlife Refuge is Part of the National Pass System.

Special rates for disabled, seniors and volunteers are all part of the governments nationwide entrance pass program.

Situated on the Texas Gulf coast along San Antonio Bay, the 70,504 acres of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge are host to an exotic array of wildlife, including alligators, javelina (collared peccary), snakes, bobcats and whooping cranes.

A 16-mile one-way driving tour takes visitors through the refuge's grassland, oak thicket, freshwater pond, and marshland habitats, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Additional activities include hiking, birding, picnicking, and fishing. Six leisurely hiking trails totaling 4.3 miles are available, but visitors must bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are usually abundant.

Camping is not permitted in the refuge. The refuge accepts the National Pass Systems cards for admission. For more information click here.

National Park System Map and Guide

Using This Guide
Whether you are traveling to Mount Rainier, Aransas Pass NWR, Congaree Swamp, or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, visiting a national park can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This guide can help you plan your visit of the natural, historical, and recreational areas in the National Park System. 

General information on recreational activities and visitor services is shown on the chart (71KB) (pdf file must be viewed with Adobe Acrobat reader. Click on magnifying glass to magnify chart) with a black dot. 

A few parks shown on the map (1705KB) (pdf file must be viewed with Adobe Acrobat reader. Click on magnifying glass to magnify map) but not on this chart because they do not have the activities or services listed here. 

Some parks listed without dots may be under development or provide limited services at this time. Activities and services in the parks are provided by the National Park Service (NPS) and by private concessioners. They may also be provided also by other federal, state, and local agencies, and communities. 

Mission
The National Park Service cares for special places so that all my experience our heritage. In addition, many parks are honored by the United Nations as internationally significant; they are indicated with symbols.

• A square indicates Biosphere Reserves which are major scientific and educational ecosystems that protect the diversity of life.
• A triangle indicates World Heritage Sites which are examples of natural wonders or demonstrate outstanding human achievement.

Fees
Fees may include entrance, camping, user, tour, boat launch, or other charges. All fees may not be shown on this guide. Persons 16 and younger are admitted to national parks free. 

National Park Passes
Special passes available at parks charging entrance fees include: The National Parks Pass (click here). Passes do not cover user, camping, or other fees.

Activities
Depending on the park and the time of year, you may find interpretive talks, seasonal festivals, Junior Ranger activities, and living history and nature programs. Parks with activities such as boating or horseback riding may or may not rent equipment or horses. Hunting and fishing are allowed in some parks, but state and federal regulations apply. 

Camping
Reservations may be required in parks with heavy visitation and for group sites. Sites are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis. Fees vary. Backcountry permits may be required. 

Accessibility
The visitor center, restrooms, and some campsites in most parks are accessible for visitors with disabilities. Many parks offer accessible trails and exhibits, TDD numbers, captioned films, large-print brochures, audio or video tours of the park, and other services. 

Plan Ahead!
Contact parks in advance about reservations, permits, regulations, activities, and services. For more information about services nearby communities, contact the state divisions of tourism and area chambers of commerce.

Whether the year-long National Pass is a bargain to you or not it depends on usage. 

More Information 

National Park Service
Office of Public Inquires
Room 1013
1849 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20240
202-208-4747
www.nps.gov