About Tybee National Wildlife Refuge
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established on May 9, 1938, by Executive Order No. 7882, as a breeding area for migratory birds and other wildlife, and to "effectuate further the purposes of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act." The majority of the refuge is covered with sand deposits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' dredging activities in the Savannah River. The more stable portions of the island are densely covered with such woody species as eastern red cedar, wax myrtle, and groundsel. Saltwater marsh borders parts of the island, and at low tide, the shoreline provides a resting, nesting, and feeding place for many species of migratory birds. Protecting and providing habitat for nesting shorebirds is the primary management objective of the refuge.
How to Get There
Tybee NWR is located in Jasper County, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Savannah River, directly opposite Fort Pulaski National Monument which is 12 miles from Savannah on U.S. 80. It also lies across the river from the small Georgia town of Tybee Island. The refuge is unstaffed and is administered from the Savannah Coastal Refuges complex headquarters office in Savannah, Georgia. The entire refuge is considered sanctuary for migratory birds and closed to all public use.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Tybee National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Tybee National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Tybee National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Tybee National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3966) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tybee National Wildlife Refuge?
Tybee NWR is located in Jasper County, South Carolina, at the mouth of the Savannah River, directly opposite Fort Pulaski National Monument which is 12 miles from Savannah on U.S. 80. It also lies across the river from the small Georgia town of Tybee Island. The refuge is unstaffed and is administered from the Savannah Coastal Refuges complex headquarters office in Savannah, Georgia. The entire re…
How do I contact Tybee National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 912-652-4415 or email: savannahcoastal@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
