Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

Camping to the general public is not permitted here unless you’re in a group, or volunteering. The first weekend in March most of the roads in the refuge are closed and is staged out for the Sandblast Rally. Tons of fun for a volunteer and a great excuse to be outdoors.

Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve. However, for the purpose of environmental education programs and research activity, school groups and youth groups are welcome to visit the preserve for ranger led programs and can stay overnight at special rustic group campsites. This is with the permission of the refuge, and you must contact the station to obtain a permit. Camping is free, but the camping ground is required to do some kind of service learning project while in residence, and/or submit a list of species observed or studied while in residence. Independent researchers wanting to study the unique landscape, habitats, flora and fauna of the preserve may also apply for permits to camp here as well. This is a unique opportunity in a unique location! Hiking, fishing, and boating are also available, in addition to wildlife watching and nature study. Read more about the preserve here: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Carolina_Sandhills/visit/plan_your_visit.html

you can print out a brochure here: https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/CarolinaSandhillsBrochure.pdf

If you just want general day use recreation in the preserve, you can also camp nearby in the Sandhills State Forest: https://www.state.sc.us/forest/refshill.htm#rec