Wildlife Refuges
South Carolina has over 20 designated wildlife refuges that are recognized as some of the finest refuges in the nation. These refuges seek to protect mixed hardwoods, mixed pine-hardwood, pine plantations, marsh, croplands, old fields, ponds, impoundments, and open waters located throughout South Carolina.
The refuges also seek to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and provide protection for endangered and threatened species including the bald eagle, red wolves, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, American alligator and more.
During the winter months, the bald eagle and occasionally the endangered peregrine falcon can be seen. From November through February migrating waterfowl such as mallards, pintails, teal and wood ducks along with Canada geese are a major attraction. Throughout the year red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks can be viewed soaring overhead, as can a variety of songbirds in the trees, and wild turkey.
For casual sightseers some of the forests also provide a home for white-tailed deer and other woodland creatures such as raccoons, squirrels and bobcats. The ponds and marshes provide a home for alligators plus a number of other reptiles and amphibians.
Add a Wildlife Refuge to your South Carolina vacation planner by clicking on the "Add" icon beside a park listing below.
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This 24,000-acre reserve is a Wildlife Management Area that includes two barrier islands accessible only by boat. There are four trails: bike/hiking trail - a 7.2 mile trail through old rice field impoundments; the marshland trail - a 2.9 mile trail with an 800-ft. boardwalk into a freshwater cypress swamp; and a woodland trail - a 1.1 mile trail through pine forests. The canoe trail is 4.25 miles and visitors should call ahead for closures due to water levels.
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 McClellanville |
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This 15,000-acre refuge lies within the Atlantic Coastal Plain and includes mixed hardwoods, pine plantations, marsh, croplands, old fields, ponds, impoundments, and open water. Four management units of the refuge stretch over 18 miles along the northern shore of Lake Marion supporting an array of habitats and wildlife including alligators, numerous reptile & amphibians, 300 birds (bald eagle, osprey, waterfowl, numerous shore and wading birds, painted buntings). Hunting and fishing are other activities here.
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 Summerton |
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Established in 1927, the 22,940-acre refuge lies along the Savannah River, protecting numerous kinds of wildlife, from Whitetail deer to alligators. Evidence of the rice industry is found in the refuge with its rice levee remains, foundations of slave quarters, old mill sites and small graveyards. A four-mile driving tour along the refuge levees is open to the public. The tract is known as one of the outstanding refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, which extends from Canada to the Caribbean.
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 Hardeeville |
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Touch! Feel! Hear! Experience the unique heritage and natural history --plants, animals, amphibians—of South Carolina's Lowcounty at the Sewee Visitor Center. A partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Forest Service and the Sewee Cooperating Association, provides educational opportunities and a pleasant experience for all ages. The center features a live red wolf education area to increase the knowledge and understanding of the endangered species.
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Awendaw |
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Silver Bluff is a 3,154 acre wildlife sanctuary owned by the National Audubon Society. The site boasts a varied habitat of forests, fields, lakes, ponds and streams nestled along 2.4 miles of the Savannah River. Habitat and wildlife diversity make Silver Bluff a favorite destination for those interested in birds, wildflowers, photography, or simply a quiet walk. There is a wealth of history associated with the area including evidence of prehistoric Native Americans, visits by DeSoto in the 1540's and by William Bartram in the 1770's and ownership by SC Governor James H. Hammond in the 1800's. The wildlife habitat supports over 200 species of birds, including the endangered Wood Stork and Bald Eagles. Other wildlife such as deer, fox, alligator, armadillo and more also abound. Silver Bluff is a Discovery Stop along the SC National Heritage Corridor. An ongoing archaeological dig at Silver Bluff investigates the site of George Galphin's 18th century trading post. Programs at the Center focus on environmental education and are targeted toward school groups and the general public. No fee for the general public though donations are accepted.
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 Jackson |
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The Center for Birds of Prey at the Avian Conservation Center offers a new environmental experience for Charleston area visitors. Situated on a 152-acre wooded campus adjacent to the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge and Francis Marion National Forest, the center, which combines medical care for injured birds, environmental education and scientific research, provides a rare opportunity to experience birds of prey in a natural setting. Through avian displays and interaction with the staff, visitors have the opportunity to learn about various aspects of the birds’ natural history and the conservation challenges facing individual species. Of particular interest are the flight demonstrations, during which visitors watch as bald eagles, falcons, owls and various other trained birds of prey demonstrate their stunning flight characteristics and adaptations. Experience nearly 100 birds of prey representing more than 30 species from around the world in this 152-acre campus dedicated to environmental education, avian medicine, research, and conservation. The campus is located 18 miles from downtown Charleston.
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Awendaw |
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The Nature Center offers nature and history programs, including eco-tours of the Indian Shell Ring at Sea Pines, tours of Stoney-Baynard ruins, and the 605-acre forest preserve. The center also has hands-on exhibits featuring turtles, snakes, fish, lizards, Indian artifacts and a baby American alligator, plus gifts, apparel, and outdoor equipment. Advance reservation is required for nature tours. Also, arrangements can be made to accommodate motorcoaches.
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 Hilton Head Island |
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A 1,111-acre tract offering nature trails, wildlife observation, and bird-watching, particularly in the spring. Pine, yellow-throated, and yellow-rumped warblers, white-eyed vireos, summer tanagers and flycatchers may be seen in a short time. White-tailed deer, fox and gray squirrels may also be observed.The pine-saw palmetto community is dominated by longleaf, pond and slash pine in the overstory and saw palmetto in the understory. In addition to saw palmetto, other evergreen species such as gallberry and fetterbush occur and form dense thickets.
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Hilton Head Island |
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The Audubon Swamp is a black water cypress and tupelo swamp, is lovely, mysterious, and unique to this area. Once a freshwater reservoir used for rice cultivation, the entire 60 acres is traversed by boardwalks, bridges, and dikes, featuring all varieties of local mammals, birds, and reptiles, including bald eagles, herons and egrets, otters, turtles and alligators. Allow at least 45 minutes for a self-guided walk. A 45-minute nature boat tour takes visitors through ancient rice fields.
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Charleston |
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A stretch of barrier islands and salt marshes that make up one of the nation's most outstanding wildlife refuges. The 66,000-acre refuge is a true wilderness experience. A contracted tour boat leaves several times a week from Garris Landing for a day-trip to Bulls Island. The Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center at 5821 Hwy 17 N in Awendaw is operated jointly by Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. The center includes exhibits about the forest and refuge, a film, live red wolves and interpretive trails.
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Awendaw |
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