Santee National Wildlife Refuge, superimposed on the lands and waters of the 110,600-acre Lake Marion reservoir, protects over 15,000 acres of public lands in four units, Bluff, Dingle Pond, Pine Island and Cuddo. The refuge benefits an abundance of wildlife species in this rich ecosystem of forests, wetlands, fields and open water. Culturally significant is the protection of a 1200-year old Native American site.
Waterfowl Sanctuary Closure in Effect - November 1 through March 1

November 1 to March 1: Visitor access on portions of the refuge is seasonally closed to provide sanctuary areas for wintering waterbirds. The waters of Cantey Bay, Savannah Branch and Black Bottom are closed to all access from November 1 to March 1. The land areas north of the Wrights Bluff Nature Trail, some roads/trails on portions of Pine Island and the roads/trails west of the Wildlife Drive in the Cuddo Unit are also closed to all access from November 1 to March 1. Visitors should adhere to Area Closed signs in these locations. 

Visit Us

Three cyclists bike the unpaved wildlife drive road at Santee NWR.
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Biking Wildlife Drive

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Santee NWR offers both outdoor recreation pursuits and opportunities to learn about our cultural history. Make Santee NWR your destination to see wildlife, hike and bike, hunt, fish and enjoy boating. Visit the historic Santee Indian mound which was used as a British Garrison during the Revolutionary War. 

The Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. Most refuge trails and grounds are open sunrise to sunset. At the Center, pick up refuge maps and brochures before heading out onto the trails. Forget your binoculars and field guides? No worries. Pick up a "loaner" backpack that has binoculars and guides you can use while you explore and enjoy the refuge. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Santee NWR was established to benefit migratory waterfowl, other birds, and terrestrial and aquatic wildife found within the ecosystem of the Lake Marion reservoir. Throughout the year, a myriad of wildlife species inhabit the diverse landscapes of the refuge that include a rare Carolina Bay. Santee NWR employs many conservation measures to support wildlife and habitats and, works with partners and organizations to create and promote outdoor recreational opportunities that benefit wildlife and people.

      What We Do

      Young woman releases a banded female Wood duck at Santee NWR
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      Releasing banded Wood duck

      With the diversity of wildlife and habitats at Santee NWR, multiple management efforts are underway throughout the year. Water levels are adjusted as needed to benefit wildlife and native vegetation and to control invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       . Banding programs for wood ducks and other birds are implemented to monitor and manage populations. Agricultural crops are planted in fields to attract a variety of species, and forests are maintained by prescribed fire and mowing. 

      The refuge works with state and county agencies, local businesses and organizations to ensure recreational hunting and fishing opportunities that help maintain healthy wildlife populations on the refuge and within the greater Lake Marion reservoir area.

      Nearly 40 miles of maintained trails can be found on the refuge for visitors to enjoy. Over 10 miles are for hiking and 13 miles for both hiking and bicycling. The 7.5 mile auto tour route offers opportunities for seeing many wildlife species and beautiful landscape views. 

      Of significant cultural value is the 1200 year old Santee Indian Mound-Fort Watson historical site, listed in the National Register oif Historic Places and protected by the refuge.

      Our Organization

      Santee NWR, with its forest and wetlands sustaining diverse wildlife and fish species, works collectively with agencies, organizations and individuals to support conservation programs in keeping with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and this refuge. Programs are undertaken to enhance habitat, wildlife and fish populations, migratory birds, and preserve the historic and cultural sites at the refuge. 

      A large bird with brown feathers, white head, and yellow beak flies against a pale blue sky
      The Migratory Bird Program works with partners to protect, restore and conserve bird populations and their habitats for the benefit of future generations by: ensuring long-term ecological sustainability of all migratory bird populations, increasing socioeconomic benefits derived from birds,...
      Program
      Washington,DC
      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC
      An old stone A-framed building in a high desert landscape with an old mill next to it
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conserves more than just flora and fauna at America’s national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. As mandated under the National Historic Preservation Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service also conserves tens of thousands of archaeological and historic...
      Program
      A large, wet, furry brown rodent standing on grassy land next to a body of water
      Invasive species are non-native plants, animals and other living organisms that thrive in areas where they don’t naturally live and cause (or are likely to cause) economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal or plant health. Invasive species degrade, change or displace native habitats,...
      Program
      A firefighter is silhouetted in the dark walking along a fireline with orange flames in the background
      Fire is a natural and essential component of many ecosystems. When managed properly, it serves as an effective tool for maintaining and restoring ecological balance. By integrating fire into land management practices, we’re supporting biodiversity and sustaining resilient ecosystems for wildlife...
      Program

      Our Species

      Santee NWR is a great place to get outdoors and get immersed in the natural world around you. Visitors come to Santee NWR in anticipation of seeing wildlife here on the refuge. The diverse habitats on the refuge support many kinds of wildlife. The refuge is home to nearly 300 bird species, more than 100 species of fish, 50 mammals species, 54 reptile species and 35 amphibian species.  The forest provides a home for white-tailed deer and other woodland creatures, such as raccoons, squirrels, and bobcats. The ponds and marshes provide a home for alligators and a number of other reptiles, and amphibians such as the spotted salamander. You may see the federally threatened wood stork, as well as bald eagles and wood ducks. 

      Refuge volunteer holds wood duck eggs while checking wood duck box.
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      Checking Wood duck box

      Our Library

      Our library is a repository of published documents that are relevant to the programs and management activities at Santee National Wildlife Refuge and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These documents provide information for what is undertaken at Santee NWR and the Service to protect, enhance and maintain our natural and cultural resources.

      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Map and Tearsheet
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      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Map and Tearsheet
      PDF
      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Brochure
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      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Brochure
      PDF
      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive Interpretive Guide
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      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Drive Interpretive Guide
      PDF
      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Bird List
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      Santee National Wildlife Refuge Bird List
      PDF

      Get Involved

      Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community and fish and wildlife by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.

      We welcome you at Santee NWR! If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved with Santee NWR, please contact Monica Williams, Refuge Manager, at (803) 478-2217 or email monica_williams@fws.gov

      Projects and Research

      Collaborative partnerships with state and county resource agencies, colleges and private landowners provide opportunities to support habitat enhancement and wildlife populations. 
      Contracted farming, silviculture, bird surveys and banding, invasive species invasive species
      An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

      Learn more about invasive species       control, plant and wildlife projects and research and, on-going biological studies of targeted species such as bats and swallows occur annually on the refuge.