yes it is open with no fee. not sure of the time but its was open at 5am when we got there.

I believe it is supposed to be open from daylight until dark, but I have not seen the gate closed at all lately.

Talked to a couple of game wardens down there this weekend and they said people are catching all the crabs they can handle on Elmers & Grand Isle right now. Just bring some turkey necks and run a few lines.

You should have no problems driving on the beach if you drive on the East (Grand Isle) side of the island. By this I mean take a left once you hit the beach. We drove down there a few times this weekend in my 2WD and never had any problems at all.

Also, if the main part of the beach is too rough or windy drive all the way down the Gulf side of the beach until you hit Caminada Pass and can't drive any further. The pass side of the beach should be calm under most conditions.

thanks,,,i'm plan'n on takin him when we ain't got much to do ,,,he has a ball catch'n crabs and just explore'n ,,,he's 12 and i think he'll have a good day there.

Bring a kite. Bring a bucket.Bring a shovel.Bring a net. Have fun. That's what makes memories.

if you use shrimp to the left right before you go in the gates to will catch small trout, reds every cast . my lil siste-inlaw had a blast

Per LDWF website:

•Use of the refuge will be permitted from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. This includes any land access routes to the refuge. No person or vehicle shall remain on the refuge or any land access routes during the period from 30 minutes after official sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise