Frequently Asked Questions About Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
Credit: USFWS
Contents:
- Q. How do I get to Carolina Sandhills NWR?
- Q. Is there a cost to enter the Refuge, and what are the hours of operation?\
- Q. Are there picnic and camping facilities at Carolina Sandhills?
- Q. Are there nature trails or hikes I can take?
- Q. What wildlife am I likely to see at Carolina Sandhills?
- Q. Can I bring a group of students to the Refuge?
- Q. Are their opportunities for off-road ATV use?
- Q. Are hunting and fishing allowed on Refuge property?
- Q. I'd like to volunteer at the Refuge...are there any opportunities?
Q. How do I get to Carolina Sandhills NWR?
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately 70 miles northeast of Columbia, South Carolina, and 75 miles southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina. The main entrance is on US Hwy. 1, about 4 miles northeast from the small town of McBee, S.C. The nearest larger town with full services is Hartsville, S.C. For more about that town and the surrounding area, you can check their web site at http://www.hartsvillesc.com
Q. Is there a cost to enter the Refuge, and what are the hours of operation?
Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is free of charge, and is open year-round one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Q. Are there picnic and camping facilities at Carolina Sandhills?
The picnic facilities are at Lake Bee, located on S.C. Hwy.
145 which bisects the Refuge. Lake Bee is approximately
8 miles on Visitors Drive from the Refuge headquarters just off US. Hwy.
1. At the picnic area you'll find permanent shelters and restrooms. Restrooms
are closed during the winter months. Camping is not permitted on the refuge
but is available nearby at Sugarloaf Mountain on the Sand Hills State
Forest.
Q. Are there nature trails or hikes I can take?
There are several hiking trails, including the Woodland Pond Trail (1/2 hour to 45 minutes walking time) and Tate's Trail (approximately 3.5 miles in length). See the Hiking/Walking page for more information.
Q. What wildlife am I likely to see at Carolina Sandhills?
Many of the program activities at Carolina Sandhills Refuge -- including research, prescribed burning, translocating, and artificial cavity installation -- are aimed at creating and maintaining optimum habitat conditions and aiding in recovery efforts for the red-cockaded woodpecker. On the Refuge you'll find many other birds, including Bachman's sparrow, wood ducks, and many more...see the Flora/Fauna section of this site for additional information.
Q. Can I bring a group of students to the Refuge?
We conduct environmental education programs throughout the year for school children, civic organizations, and the general public, and would be happy to host your group at Carolina Sandhills Refuge. Please contact the Refuge offices at (843)335-8401, or e-mail us at carolinasandhills@fws.gov to make arrangements for your group.
Q. Are their opportunities for off-road ATV use?
In order to lessen the impacts to wildlife and the habitat, the use of off-road vehicles/ATVs is prohibited anywhere on the Refuge. Some special permits are allowed during hunting season for disabled hunters...see the Hunting section of this site for more information.
Q. Are hunting and fishing allowed on Refuge property?
Both hunting and fishing are allowed on Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge during portions of each season. You'll find hunting and fishing regulations in a download format on this web site./p>
Q. I'd like to volunteer at the Refuge...are there any opportunities?
The Refuge always needs volunteer assistance with various program activities,
including trail maintenance, interpretive programs, and wildlife surveys
and censuses. Please contact the Refuge offices at (843)335-8401, or e-mail
us at carolinasandhills@fws.gov
for more information.
