National wildlife refuge

Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge in Kern County, California run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is closed to all public use: no one may land on or enter it.

Check current closures and fire restrictions for Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge on the managing agency's own page.

Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Pacific Southwest Region from Sacramento, US, Public domain

Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge map

Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge boundary from USGS PAD-US or the managing agency, simplified for display. Not for navigation or legal boundaries.

View larger map Open in Google Maps Directions

Fire restrictions

Fire restrictions change with the season and can start or lift within days. Check the current orders for this area before any campfire, stove, smoking, target shooting or off-road driving.

Common questions

No. Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all public use: no one may land on or enter it.
No. Hunting is not allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Follow refuge-specific regulations and state seasons; see refuge hunting page.
No. Fishing is not allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.
Yes. Dogs are allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.

Hours, fees, and visitor center

There is no entrance fee at Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

What visitors do here: an auto tour route, birding, environmental education, fishing, hiking, hunting, photography, wildlife viewing.

Sources: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29; fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek, checked 2026-09-28.

Wildlife

  • MammalMule deer
  • InvertebrateThreatened and endangered species

Source: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek, checked 2026-09-28.

Hunting

Hunting is not allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Follow refuge-specific regulations and state seasons; see refuge hunting page.

Hunting rules for Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Source: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek, checked 2026-09-28.

Fishing and boating

Fishing is not allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge. No public fishing where refuge lands are closed to entry.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Pets

Dogs are allowed on Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge on a leash. Leashed pets allowed on signed trails and roads unless posted otherwise.

Source: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Places on the refuge

  • Viewing areaRoadside pull-off viewingRefuge closed to entry since 1985; pull-off near the refuge sign for passive bird watching
  • PlacePartner-led condor toursFriends of California Condors Wild and Free lead limited guided hikes during events such as National Wildlife Refuge Week

Source: fws.gov/refuge/bitter-creek/visit-us, checked 2026-09-29.

Public lands next to Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Measured between the units' boundaries as mapped in USGS PAD-US. Distances are straight line, not driving.