Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge A magical ocean retreat of barrier islands and salt marsh at the edge of North America, off the SC coast. The refuge is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge extends 22 miles along South Carolina's Atlantic Coast. Over 66,000 acres, this semi-tropical paradise of barrier islands, sandy beaches, salt marsh, ocean blue tidal creeks, and pristine Wilderness awaits you! Come to Cape Romain and be the 37th mammal species that this refuge supports! We also provide habitat for over 293 bird, 24 reptile, and 12 amphibian s

pecies. Get in a boat, or hop on the Coastal Expeditions Ferry, and see the beauty and wildlife at Cape Romain NWR.

08/17/2026

PUBLIC COMMENT REQUESTED: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Major Boundary Expansions for National Wildlife Refuges in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry at the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex and South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex. Click the link below to learn more.

07/03/2026

Happy Holiday weekend. As you are enjoying the refuge just a reminder about closures and bird protection areas. Have fun, stay safe, and keep and eye out for our nesting birds and chicks.

Happy Holiday Weekend, Cape Romain friends!
As you head out to enjoy Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, please keep in mind that bird nesting season is in full swing. For their safety, pets are not allowed on refuge islands or on the Garris Landing pier.
This year, just like before, we’ve closed a few areas on the islands to protect nesting birds—the heart of our refuge. If you see signs, ropes, or closures, please respect them and help us give the birds the space they need. There are plenty of open areas for you to explore and enjoy, so your visit won’t impact the nesting sites.
Note: Lighthouse Island is now divided due to the 2023 breach.
Closed areas:
• South tip of South Lighthouse – No landing or public entry, both bay and oceanside; area is signed.
• South tip of North Lighthouse – No landing or public entry; signed.
• South tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signed.
• Far north tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signs posted.
• The beach path on the west side of South Lighthouse is also clearly marked with signs.
Let’s celebrate the holiday, enjoy the beauty of the refuge, and protect our feathered friends! Thank you for your support and vigilance at Cape Romain NWR.

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday the Sewee Environmental Education and Visitor Center will be closed on Fri...
07/02/2026

In observance of the Independence Day Holiday the Sewee Environmental Education and Visitor Center will be closed on Friday July 3rd and Saturday July 4th! We will reopen on Wednesday July 8th at 9:00 am.

The Sewee Environmental Education and Visitor Center will be closed on June 19th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday...
06/18/2026

The Sewee Environmental Education and Visitor Center will be closed on June 19th in observance of the Juneteenth Holiday!

 Meet the Red Wolves at Sewee Center! 🐺 Ever wondered about red wolves? Visit Sewee Center and get an up-close look at...
06/18/2026

 Meet the Red Wolves at Sewee Center! 
🐺 Ever wondered about red wolves? Visit Sewee Center and get an up-close look at these incredible, endangered animals in our enclosure/overlook! Join Wolfman Rob for a live presentation every Saturday and Thursday at 11:30 AM (No presentation on June 18th). It’s an amazing chance to learn their conservation story—perfect for families, friends, and wildlife lovers. Mark your calendar for the next event: Saturday, June 27th at 11:30 AM. Come connect with nature and experience something wild! Call the Sewee Center for additional details (843) 928-3368.

06/17/2026

🎉 Father's Day at Sewee Center! 🐟🦎
Celebrate Father's Day with us on June 20th! Bring the whole family for a special Fishing Event at Sewee Center Pond from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy the peaceful outdoors, share the thrill of catching fish, and make lasting memories together.
Plus, don't miss our Reptile Exploration with educator Madison Proctor! From 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the Sewee Center Lab, Madison will lead an engaging, hands-on session where you can learn about local reptiles — perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
Both events are FREE! After fishing or learning about reptiles, take time to wander our exhibits and discover more about local wildlife. Our friendly staff will be on hand to answer questions and share nature tips, making it a wonderful day to connect with nature and celebrate dads and families in our community.

🐢 Cape Romain Turtle Update! 🐢 We’re halfway through our turtle nesting season and it’s been a fast paced year! Last sea...
06/17/2026

🐢 Cape Romain Turtle Update! 🐢 We’re halfway through our turtle nesting season and it’s been a fast paced year! Last season, we hit about 1,600 nests—today, we’re already at 1,715 nests on the refuge, with 88 new nests added just today. It’s been a busy, exciting season and we couldn’t be prouder. Go Team! Go Turtles!

Sea turtle nesting season is officially in full swing at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and WOW… this year is alr...
06/02/2026

Sea turtle nesting season is officially in full swing at Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and WOW… this year is already wild! 🐢✨
Since our first nest on May 6, we’ve counted 760 nests across the refuge — and the season is just getting warmed up. One island even had 39 nests in a single day… and it’s happened three times already! Our biggest day refuge‑wide? A whopping 66 nests.
Every single nest matters, and we’re thrilled to help these incredible turtles return home year after year. 💚
Stay tuned — this season is shaping up to be busy!

🌞 Happy Holidays! Check out our map to see which areas are temporarily closed to protect nesting birds. These closures m...
05/22/2026

🌞 Happy Holidays! Check out our map to see which areas are temporarily closed to protect nesting birds. These closures may change depending on bird activity, so please look for signs, flagging, and ropes when you visit. You’re welcome to enjoy the open areas of the refuge—just remember, pets aren’t allowed on the refuge islands or the pier at Garris Landing. Thanks for visiting and helping keep our nesting birds safe!

05/22/2026

Happy Holiday Weekend, Cape Romain friends!
As you head out to enjoy Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, please keep in mind that bird nesting season is in full swing. For their safety, pets are not allowed on refuge islands or on the Garris Landing pier.
This year, just like before, we’ve closed a few areas on the islands to protect nesting birds—the heart of our refuge. If you see signs, ropes, or closures, please respect them and help us give the birds the space they need. There are plenty of open areas for you to explore and enjoy, so your visit won’t impact the nesting sites.
Note: Lighthouse Island is now divided due to the 2023 breach.
Closed areas:
• South tip of South Lighthouse – No landing or public entry, both bay and oceanside; area is signed.
• South tip of North Lighthouse – No landing or public entry; signed.
• South tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signed.
• Far north tip of Cape Island – No landing or public entry; signs posted.
• The beach path on the west side of South Lighthouse is also clearly marked with signs.
Let’s celebrate the holiday, enjoy the beauty of the refuge, and protect our feathered friends! Thank you for your support and vigilance at Cape Romain NWR.

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5801 N Highway 17
Awendaw, SC
29429

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