Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge offers permitted camping in a region characterized by sandy terrain and pine forests. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 90s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Sandhills State Forest and Lake Bee, providing opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Camping is restricted to youth organizations involved in outdoor skills development or learning. A Special Use Permit is required. Each group/organization will complete a service project determined by the refuge manager or provide a copy of research/species list of the organization is a class group. A fire ring is provided, however if the refuge is under fire danger/drought conditions, open fires will be prohibited. 

Any other recreational group or research activity not specifically mentioned above may require a Special Use Permit. Please contact the refuge manager for more information or to apply for a Special Use Permit. Email us at carolinasandhills@fws.gov. All provisions of Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations apply.

Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

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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

Unique outdoor learning opportunity

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. 

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