About Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pinckney Island NWR, established December 4, 1975, was once included in the plantation of Major General Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Pinckney was a Revolutionary War veteran, delegate to the Constitutional Convention and two-time presidential candidate in the early 1800s. Few traces of the island's plantation exist today. From 1937 to 1975, when it was donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pinckney Island was privately owned and managed as a game preserve. The 4,053 acre refuge includes Pinckney Island, Corn Island, Big and Little Harry Islands, Buzzard Island and numerous small hammocks. Pinckney is the largest of the islands and the only one open to the public. Two-thirds of the refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks. A wide variety of land types are found on Pinckney Island alone: salt marsh, forestland, brushland, fallow fields, and freshwater ponds. These habitats support a diversity of bird and plant life. Wildlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island includes waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, neo-tropical migrants, white-tailed deer and American alligators. There are large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Pinckney Island 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 Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1566) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge?
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.
How do I contact Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 912-832-4608 or email: savannahcoastal@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
