Off road travel is prohibited. Visitors not wishing to feed the seemingly ever present mosquitoes should consider insect repellent an absolute necessity during all but the coldest days of the year. There is no drinking water on the refuge. Public camping areas are available at Fort Anahuac Park in Anahuac and White Memorial Park, north of town along Interstate 10. Motel accommodations are available in Anahuac, Winnie, and High Island.
Fishing is available in East Galveston Bay, bayous, and other locations designated by refuge signs.
Access to East Bay is permitted 24 hours a day along designated roads. Spotlighting on the refuge is illegal except for bay fishing on the shoreline along Galveston Bay. Boating is not permitted in inland waters of the refuge except for the boat canal. All fishing and boating must be in accordance with state law. Two boat ramps are open year-round.