Savannah Refugewinter wildlife
Winter waterfowl viewing, excellent and especially good in December and January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Dec 1–Jan 31). No official report yet this season.
Right now in Savannah Refuge · September
- Fishing from small boats (non-motorized or electric) in the impoundments and canals, March 1–November 30 · Mar–Nov
- Refuge hunt season, August 15 through May 15 (check the hunt regulations for dates and areas) · Aug–May
64days to the next winter wildlife seasonDec 1–Jan 31, local timing
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Fishing from small boats (non-motorized or electric) in the impoundments and canals, March 1–November 30NowMar–Nov
- Refuge hunt season, August 15 through May 15 (check the hunt regulations for dates and areas)NowAug–May
- Waterfowl viewing, especially good in December and JanuaryDec–Jan
Where to watch
- Laurel Hill Wildlife DriveA 4.5-mile drive, open sunrise to sunset every day of the year; it has no street address, so follow the signs at the visitor center entrance (694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC). Cars stay on the drive; the grassy dike trails off it are open to hiking and biking.
- Kingfisher Pond Recreation Area trailsSingle-track trails winding through the woods, open to hiking and biking; good for woodland songbirds such as prothonotary warblers during spring and fall migration.
Savannah Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Species (Seasons of Wildlife) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: About Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Wildlife watching (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Fishing (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Hunting (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Winter waterfowl viewing, excellent and especially good in December and January, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Dec 1–Jan 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it wildlife season at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 64 days (Dec 1–Jan 31, local timing).
Is the refuge in Georgia or South Carolina?
Both: the Savannah River divides the refuge between the two states. The visitor center and the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive entrance signs are at 694 Beech Hill Lane in Hardeeville, South Carolina.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: About Us ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When is it open?
The wildlife drive and all refuge lands are open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, unless posted otherwise. The visitor center is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., except federal holidays.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Only inside your car. Pets can ride along on the wildlife drive but may not leave the vehicle; they aren't allowed on refuge lands or trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I take a rideshare there?
The refuge asks visitors not to use services like Uber and Lyft: most sites need driving to and from, and cell service isn't always available.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are any areas closed in winter?
Some areas may be closed seasonally to protect wildlife; they're posted "Area Beyond This Sign Closed."Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Savannah NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive: a 4.5-mile drive, open sunrise to sunset every day of the year; it has no street address, so follow the signs at the visitor center entrance (694 Beech Hill Lane, Hardeeville, SC). Cars stay on the drive; the grassy dike trails off it are open to hiking and biking.; Kingfisher Pond Recreation Area trails: single-track trails winding through the woods, open to hiking and biking; good for woodland songbirds such as prothonotary warblers during spring and fall migration..
What is Savannah National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl viewing, especially good in December and January (Dec–Jan), Fishing from small boats (non-motorized or electric) in the impoundments and canals, March 1–November 30 (Mar–Nov) and Refuge hunt season, August 15 through May 15 (check the hunt regulations for dates and areas) (Aug–May).