wildlife
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge · Birding & Wildlife
Field guide
About Hagerman NWR
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Mineral arm of Lake Texoma is consistently ranked as one of the top birding destinations in Texas and the entire southern Great Plains. The 11,320-acre refuge sits on the Central Flyway, the primary migration corridor for waterfowl and shorebirds moving between Canada and Latin America. Fall migration (September–November) brings extraordinary numbers of ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors, while spring migration (March–May) features warblers and neotropical migrants. More than 300 bird species have been recorded here.
Highlights
- 300+ bird species recorded, one of the most species-diverse NWRs in Texas
- Peak fall migration (Sept–Nov) brings massive numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds
- Bald Eagle wintering area: 20+ birds regularly overwinter near the refuge
- Wildlife Drive (paved, 3 miles), accessible to all vehicles and disability-accessible
- Walking trails through prairie, wetland, and cross timbers habitats
- Great Blue Heron, White Pelican, Whooping Crane (rare but documented), and more
- Free admission: one of the best wildlife experiences in North Texas with no entry fee
Stay at Waggin' Tail Ranch
Why Make Waggin' Tail Ranch Your Basecamp?
- About an hour: an early start makes it a comfortable morning birding trip
- Combine with Lake Ray Roberts birding (12 min from us) for back-to-back birding days
- Dog-friendly stays with the dog park: your birding companions of all species are welcome
- Monthly rates let you stay for the full fall migration season
Getting There from Your Site
From Hagerman NWR: Take US-82 West to US-377 South, then south to FM 2931. About an hour.
Visitor Info
Stay at Waggin' Tail Ranch
You'll be 46 miles from Hagerman NWR, with a fully fenced yard, dog amenities, and full hookups waiting back at your site.
Call for Availability Request Dates OnlineMake a day of it
Grab a bite or restock on the way back. Restaurants, groceries, and everyday stops sit within about 15 minutes of the resort.
Eat & errands near the resortReserve your site
Ready for Your Best Stay Yet?
Your own fenced yard at most sites, string lights at dusk, and a tail wagging at the gate when you pull in. Nightly rates from $60. Monthly rates from $495 + electricity, with a non-refundable $150 deposit for monthly stays.
Waggin' Tail Ranch RV Resort is located at 10801 FM 2931 in Pilot Point, TX 76258, approximately 52 miles north of Dallas and 18 miles from Denton. The resort is 7.6 miles from Lake Ray Roberts State Park and half a mile from Texas Tulips. Individual fenced yards, dog agility course, dog swimming pond, pool, EV charging, and community amenities on site. Nightly rates from $60; monthly rates from $495 + electricity.