National wildlife refuge

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge is a national wildlife refuge in Harrison County, Iowa run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: USFWS, Public domain (US federal government work, 17 U.S.C. 105) . Data source:Recreation.gov

Desoto National Wildlife Refuge map

Desoto 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

This unit's own agency alerts list no fire restriction as of Oct. 5, 2026. We do not check a statewide fire-order feed for IA, so that is not a statement that no order exists, and not a green light for a fire. Check with the land manager and your county before you light anything.

Hours, fees, and visitor center

What visitors do here: hiking, an auto tour route, hunting, fishing, boating.

Wildlife

  • BirdWaterfowl
  • BirdBald eagle
  • BirdMigratory birds

Getting there

  • Nearest town: California Junction, 1.3 miles

Source: www2.census.gov, checked 2026-09-30.

Public lands next to Desoto National Wildlife Refuge

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

Photos

Photo of Desoto National Wildlife Refuge
USFWS, Public domain (US federal government work, 17 U.S.C. 105)

Data source: Recreation.gov