A scope is helpful for viewing shorebirds on the mudflats.

Most of the Laguna Atascosa Bahia Grande Unit is open to authorized access only (2023). There is a parking area on the northwest side of Texas Highway 48 about 5 miles west of Farm Market Road 100 where there are excellent views of the lagoon and mudflats. A variety of waders and shorebirds can be viewed from this location.

Laguna Atascosa was established in 1946 to provide habitats for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, principally redhead ducks. Today, there is an expanded emphasis that includes endangered species conservation and management for shorebirds. The refuge is a premiere bird-watching destination with more recorded species of birds than any other refuge in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The refuge is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset. There is something for everyone, with over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails. Maps and a self-pay station are located on the right-hand side of the visitor center door. The refuge has five bird feeding stations and four water features around the visitor center. The visitor center trails are ADA accessible, and at 0.8 of a mile, with plenty of bird viewing areas, the trails are a birder's must! Once you get your birding in, take a beautiful scenic bike ride around the 14.2-mile loop of Steve Thompson Wildlife Drive (STWD). The only driving trail is Lakeside Drive. This trail will take you to Osprey Overlook; Osprey Overlook overlooks our 3,500-acre freshwater lake named after the refuge. There are multiple trailheads near this location, Gator Pond, Scum Pond, and County Trail. One of our most popular hikes is going south on the Gator Pond, turning east on Mud Trail, and then north on Scum Pond; this short 3-mile hike is excellent for every outdoor enthusiast.