Refuge management is seeking public comment as it evaluates the limited and short-term use of portions of refuge for military training exercises. A draft Compatibility Determination (CD) is available for public review and comment from October 20 through November 3, 2026. Comments must be submitted in writing to Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex, 694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC 29927 or via email to the Refuge Manager at Nathan_Hawkaluk@fws.gov.
Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed on refuge lands, including all trails and beaches. This is especially important on the beaches of Wassaw and Blackbeard Island NWRs to protect declining shorebird and seabird populations that rely on these areas for survival. In addition to the potential for disturbance to wildlife and other visitors, dogs are easy prey for American alligators which are abundant on all refuges in the Complex. You may have your pet while driving the wildlife drives at Savannah and Harris Neck NWRs, but they are not allowed to leave your vehicle.
Please be aware when visiting Pinckney Island NWR that there are no on-site staff or public amenities such as restrooms, drinking water, and shelter in the event of severe weather. Beyond the parking area, all movement within the refuge is on foot or bicycle and it is approximately a 2-mile walk round-trip from the parking area to the first pond (Ibis). Visitors should check forecasted weather conditions prior to visiting and make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. In cases of emergency, please call 911.
Visit Us
Situated between Hilton Head Island and the mainland town of Bluffton, SC, Pinckney Island is easily accessible and receives nearly a quarter of a million visitors a year. Visitors can enjoy wildlife-dependent activities such as hiking, bicycling, and wildlife watching. Saltwater fishing is allowed in the waters surrounding the refuge, however freshwater fishing in refuge ponds is not permitted.
The refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no visitor amenities such as buildings, shelters, restrooms, snacks, or drinking water.
Activities
A number of wildlife-dependent recreational activities are available to refuge visitors year-round including hiking, bicycling, wildlife observation and photography, fishing, and hunting during specified seasons.
Trails
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Pinckney Island NWR is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex which is headquartered at the Savannah NWR Visitor Center in Hardeeville, South Carolina.
Locations
Pinckney Island NWR is a back-barrier island situated between Hilton Head Island and the South Carolina mainland. The vehicle entrance is located on U.S. 278 between the two bridges that connect Hilton Head Island to the mainland.
From I-95: Take SC Exit 8 east towards Hilton Head Island approximately 16 miles to the entrance gate on the left.
From Hilton Head Island: Exit the island via US 278 West, and the refuge entrance will be on your right in approximately 1/2 mile.