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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The Audubon Swamp Garden offers 60 acres of the primeval beauty of blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, traversed by bridges, boardwalks and dikes. 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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The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is among the many species of flora and fauna found on this 45,348-acre national wildlife refuge. Two observation towers, a photography blind and an interpretive display/nature study panels also are available here. Other amenities include hiking trails, an auto tour route, and a recreation area.
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 McBee |
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Cathedral Bay is an excellent example of the Carolina bay phenomenon. Carolina bays are elliptical or oval basins found throughout the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The vast majority of these features are found within North Carolina and South Carolina. Along with their unusual shape, bays have several other features in common.
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 Olar |
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This vast, 650-acre park is rich in natural, cultural & historical resources. Once part of a 5,500-acre 1700s rice plantation, enslaved Africans applied their technology and skills in agriculture to carve a highly successful series of rice fields out of this vast cypress swamp. The site features seven miles of historical and interpretive trails, an Interpretive Center with displays and exhibits on rice cultivation, and a wildlife sanctuary with seven distinct habitats located on the property. Bikes and dogs are not allowed.
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Ravenel |
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Congaree National Park preserves the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining on the continent! Experience national and state champion trees, towering to record size amidst an astonishing array of plants and animals. In addition to being a designated Wilderness Area, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and a National Natural Landmark, Congaree is home to a museum quality exhibit area within the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, a 2.4 mile boardwalk loop trail and over 20 miles of backcountry hiking trails. The park also hosts a wide variety of guided walks, canoe tours, talks and presentations offered throughout the year (visit the website for more information). Other popular activities within the park include backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birding, nature study… and more! Before you embark on your adventures, stop by the Harry Hampton Visitor Center to pick up a map and brochure, watch the introductory film and get the latest information about conditions in the park.
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 Hopkins |
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This island contains four Late Archaic Period shell rings dating to 4,500 years ago. Twenty-three other sites ranging from 10,000 BC to AD 500 are also present on the island. A primitive campsite is available by permit. Spend your visit viewing such wildlife as Manatees, sharks, osprey, eagles, dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide array of birds during visits to the preserve. Sport fishing is another frequent activity adjacent to the preserve. Daws Island is also a featured attraction and primitive camp site for the Port Royal Sound Kayak trail, which includes a number of natural and cultural heritage preserves and other interesting sites. Camping is restricted to the area of the preserve known as Banana Island and is available with a permit.
Most of the high ground on Daws Island contains sensitive archaeological deposits. Artifact collection, digging and metal detecting are not allowed on the preserve.
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 Port Royal |
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The complex serves as a regional center for wildlife and freshwater fisheries research and management. It is a mecca for striped bass culture in the nation and serves as a fish culture station for striped and hybrid bass and other fish species. It is the largest producer of striped bass larvae in the world, with larvae being shipped to some 30 states, Russia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The St. Stephen fish list located on the rediversion canal is open for tours March 15-April 15 by reservation only.
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 Bonneau |
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The 643 acre Dungannon Heritage Preserve in Charleston County was acquired to protect one of the top nesting colonies of the federally endangered wood stork in South Carolina. It also provides nesting and feeding habitat for numerous other birds, including osprey, anhinga, great egrets, and great blue herons. There are several excellent trails where the visitor can walk through the property with ease. A handicapped accessible boardwalk across the swamp is planned. Guided tours for groups can be arranged
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Hollywood |
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The 350,000-acre ACE Basin Project is one of the largest undeveloped estuaries on the East Coast, named for the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto rivers, The 11,815 acre Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is a portion of the ACE Basin Project. The refuge is home to abundant wildlife and serves as a habitat for many species, such as wood storks, bald eagles, white tailed deer, wild turkeys, alligators, painted buntings, and various others. Portions of the refuge may be closed for safety in late fall during public hunt days. Call for dates.
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Hollywood |
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