Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

About Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1932 as a migratory bird refuge, the refuge's original objectives were to conserve in public ownership habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds and seabirds, and resident species. Over the years, objectives expanded to include: managing threatened and endangered species, protecting the 29,000-acre Class 1 Wilderness Area, conserving the maritime forests and associated diverse plant communities, and offering wildlife-oriented recreation when compatible with refuge purposes. Outdoor recreation opportunities on the refuge include fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife observation, interpretation and environmental education. The refuge consists of 66,306 acres, comprising barrier islands and salt marsh. The barrier islands of Cape Romain are part of a dynamic coastal system that are continually shaped by erosion and sedimentation, storms, and sea level rise. Sub-tropical maritime forest, long sandy beaches, and fresh and brackish water impoundments are found on the islands. Over 2000 acres of maritime forest is dominated by magnolia, cabbage palm and loblolly pine with an understory of red bay, yaupon holly, wax myrtle, and saw palmetto. Shrub habitat found on forest edges is used by neotropical migratory and resident songbirds, and is excellent nesting habitat for Painted buntings. White-tailed deer, bobcat, raccoon, and black fox squirrels find haven in the forest and shrub habitats on Bulls Island. Dunes, beaches, and sand bars are important for migratory birds as loafing and roosting habitat. Even more critical for shorebirds are the invertebrates the habitats support. Piping plovers feed on marine worms, sand fleas and other amphipods during their spring and fall migrations. Horseshoe crab eggs provide excellent food resources for the Red knot, American oystercatcher, and Marbled godwit. Other food sources include coquina clams, surf clams, angel wing, arc, and mollusks. Fiddler crabs and ghost shrimp are other sources for birds like Wilson’s plover, Gull-

How to Get There

Directions to Refuge HeadquartersFrom Long Point Rd /State Rd S-10-97 & US-17 in Mount Pleasant; Drive north on US-17 N/N Hwy 17 ~12.5 miles; Headquarters is on the right.From SC-45 & US-17 in McClellanville; Drive south on US-17 ~14 miles; Make first U-turn past Headquarters; Head north on US-17; Headquarters drive is on the right.Directions to Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education CenterFrom Long Point Rd /State Rd S-10-97 & US-17 in Mount Pleasant; Drive north on US-17 N/N Hwy 17 ~12.5 mile; Sewee Center is on the right.From SC-45 & US-17 in McClellanville; Drive south on US-17 ~14 miles; Turn left and cross US-17 onto the Sewee Center entrance drive. GPS Coordinates: 32.97499, -79.6693Directions to Garris LandingFrom Long Point Rd/State Rd S-10-97 & US-17 in Mount Pleasant; Drive north on US-17 N/N Hwy 17 ~8.5 miles; Turn right onto Seewee Rd/State Rd S-10-584; Follow Seewee Rd to Bulls Island Rd; Turn right onto Bulls Island Rd; Drive ~ 1.5 miles; Garris Landing entrance gate is ahead.From SC-45 & US-17 in McClellanville; Head south on US-17 S; Turn left onto Doar Rd/State Rd S-10-432; Turn right onto Seewee Rd/State Rd S-10-584; Follow Seewee Rd to Bulls Island Rd; Turn left onto Bulls Island Rd; Drive ~ 1.5 miles; Garris Landing entrance gate is ahead.GPS Coordinates: 32.9402, -79.6581

Plan Your Visit to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Heading to Cape Romain 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

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)