Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge sits at the northern edge of the American alligator's range, and Milltail Creek and the canals along Wildlife Drive are the most consistent places to see one. Warmer months, roughly May through September, are by far the best window since gators here are far less active in cooler weather than their Deep South counterparts. Paddling Milltail Creek by kayak is a popular way to see gators up close; keep well clear of any you spot. Feeding wildlife on the refuge is prohibited.
Know before you go
| Fee | Free |
|---|---|
| Parking | Lot at the Wildlife Drive entrance and Milltail Creek launch |
| Water | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Access | Wildlife Drive auto route and Milltail Creek paddle trail |
| Surface | — |
| Hours | — |
| Operator | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | fws.gov/refuge/alligator-river |
Map
Hand-curated by Gator Atlas from public park and refuge operator information, not pulled from a database.
Last verified: July 21, 2026. See our methodology for how we check listings.