Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get there?
  From Downtown Savannah: Take Oglethorpe Avenue east which will merge onto the Talmadge Memorial Bridge (US-17). Cross bridge into South Carolina and continue on US-17 for about 7 miles. Savannah NWR Visitor Center entrance will be on your left.
  
  From I-95: Take SC Exit 5 (Hardeeville/Savannah), U.S. 17 South (right off of exit ramp if on I-95 South; left off of exit ramp if on I-95 North) towards Savannah, GA. After about 6 miles, you'll come to an interchange with SC 170 West. Stay on U.S. 17 up over the overpass like you're going to Savannah, and the Savannah NWR Visitor Center entrance is approximately 1/2 mile past the overpass on your right. There is a sign at the interchange with SC 170 West indicating to exit right for the Savannah NWR, however, this will take you to another part of the refuge; not the visitor center. We recommend stopping at the visitor center first for information on accessing other parts of the refuge.
  
  From Hilton Head Island/Bluffton/Beaufort: From Beaufort, SC or U.S. 278, take SC 170 West until it merges with SC 315. Continue on SC 315 (don't turn to stay on SC 170) to the stop sign at U.S. 17. Turn right onto U.S. 17 and the Savannah NWR Visitor Center entrance will be about 2 miles on the left.



• Are there any costs associated with a visit?
  There are no fees charged to visit the refuge.



• What can I expect to see?
  During the spring and fall, you will usually see many alligators sunning themselves on the banks of waterways, along with an assortment of wading birds.  During the winter months, waterfowl and other migratory birds are visible in the impoundment system.



• Is there a visitor center?
  Yes. The Savannah NWR Visitor Center is located on the eastern boundary of the refuge off of U.S. Hwy 17, approximately 6 miles north of Savannah, GA and 7 miles south of Hardeeville, SC. The visitor center is open Monday - Saturday from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed on all federal holidays) and offers an 11-minute video about the refuge, a museum-quality exhibit hall, and a nature store operated by Friends of the Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuge.



• Are there any hunting and/or fishing opportunities?
  Yes, fishing is allowed year-round in the creeks and rivers throughout the refuge. Fishing is also allowed within the impoundment system between March 1 and November 30 or each year.  Bank fishing from the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is permitted all year.
  
  Hunting is also permitted on the refuge.  The archery hunting season for white-tailed deer and feral hogs extends from October 1 through October 31 each year.  The firearm season for deer, feral hogs, and squirrel extends from November 1 through November 30 of each year.
  
  Designated areas are open to wheelchair-dependent hunters for a two-day hunt in November.  In March, a 2-week feral hog hunt is open to gun hunters.  During April there is a 3-week turkey hunt.  Waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated areas during state (GA and SC) seasons.  A portion of the refuge in Georgia is set aside for a youth archery hunt (October 1-31) and waterfowl hunt (3 days in November/December)
  
  For more information on hunting, please download the refuge hunt regulations brochure.