Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area in South Carolina featuring rolling sand hills, pine forests, wetlands, and man-made lakes. The refuge spans a diverse landscape with streams and multiple habitats that support different types of wildlife.

The refuge was established in 1939 when the Federal government acquired lands that had suffered from intensive farming and forestry practices. This conservation effort helped restore and protect the damaged landscape for future generations.

The refuge plays an important role in protecting species that are rarely found elsewhere, and visitors can observe these creatures in their natural surroundings throughout their stay. The landscape itself reflects the connection between the land and the animals that depend on it.

Visitors can drive through the refuge, fish in several lakes, and watch wildlife from observation areas set up for this purpose. Planning ahead and following the rules on site will help make your visit safe and enjoyable.

The refuge provides critical protection for the red-cockaded woodpecker, a bird that has become hard to find elsewhere. Rare plants like pitcher plants and specialized moss species thrive here, making the area botanically significant for conservation.

Location: South Carolina

Inception: 1939

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/carolina_sandhills

GPS coordinates: 34.58350,-80.23310

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:10