Savannah River Wildlife Management Area wilderness guide
Wildlife Management Area · Georgia, South Carolina

Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

The Savannah River Wildlife Management Area offers exceptional opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing across diverse habitats along the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Wildlife Management Area10,4004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

10,400

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

The Savannah River Wildlife Management Area offers exceptional opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing across diverse habitats along the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Savannah River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) spans over 10,000 acres of varied landscapes adjacent to the Savannah River, straddling the Georgia and South Carolina border. This area is managed primarily for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation, providing habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and numerous small game species. The WMA encompasses bottomland hardwood forests, pine stands, wetlands, and river corridors that support a richly diverse ecosystem. Its river frontage offers excellent habitat for fish species such as largemouth bass, catfish, and bream, attracting anglers year-round. Historically, the region served as a critical resource for local Native American tribes and later for settlers who utilized the river for transportation and sustenance. Today, the area is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, offering a variety of recreational pursuits including hunting during regulated seasons, fishing, birdwatching, hiking, and paddling. The terrain includes managed forest areas interspersed with natural wetlands, supporting an abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities. Access points provide boat ramps for river access and multiple designated trails in adjacent state parks and natural areas. The Savannah River WMA is popular with outdoorsmen and nature enthusiasts seeking a quieter experience that focuses on sustainable wildlife management and low-impact recreation.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Savannah River frontage with boat access and fishing opportunitiesDiverse habitats including bottomland hardwood forests and wetlandsSeasonal waterfowl hunting and migratory bird watchingRemote areas ideal for solitary wildlife observation and photography
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access, but Georgia and South Carolina hunting and fishing licenses and permits required for regulated activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Nancy Creek Campground

Basic camping area near river access with limited amenities, suitable for tents and small campers.

Savannah River State Forest Campground

Nearby public campground with developed sites and facilities located within Savannah River State Forest.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Barnwell, South Carolina
2.03 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Barnwell, South Carolina

Barnwell offers a quiet Lowcountry escape with peaceful hiking, fishing, and paddling along the Edisto River. Ideal for outdoor lovers seeking wildlife and rural South Carolina charms away from crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Williston, South Carolina
10.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Williston, South Carolina

Williston, SC, offers quiet country roads and easy access to kayaking, fishing, and bird watching in protected wetlands and forests. Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor time away from crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Blackville, South Carolina
10.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Blackville, South Carolina

Blackville is a quiet South Carolina town offering peaceful outdoor experiences like fishing, paddling, and hunting amid lowcountry wetlands and pine forests. It’s a great base for nature lovers seeking laid-back, off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Bamberg, South Carolina
21.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bamberg, South Carolina

Bamberg, South Carolina, offers a quiet escape with forest trails, rich birdlife, and calm paddling spots along scenic rivers. Ideal for outdoor lovers looking to explore peaceful lowcountry nature away from crowds.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Våler, Viken
22.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Våler, Viken

Våler, Viken offers peaceful outdoor adventures across gentle forests, lakes, and rivers. Ideal for hiking, cycling, paddling, and cross-country skiing, it’s a quiet spot to enjoy Norway’s natural beauty year-round.

Late Spring to Early Autumn for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Aiken, South Carolina
28.43 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aiken, South Carolina

Aiken, SC offers gentle outdoor adventures with extensive trails in Hitchcock Woods, serene paddling on Horse Creek, and a strong equestrian culture. Spring and fall are ideal for exploring this charming Southern town’s parks and waterways.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Savannah River Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

1860s Candlelight Christmas at the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson
ADVEXPEDITION
Augusta, Georgia
History TourADV Bookable

1860s Candlelight Christmas at the Boyhood Home of Woodrow Wilson

A seasonal walk-through of the Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson in Augusta, decorated with candles, music, refreshments, and children’s activities — this guide lays out what to expect at the Candlelight Christmas event.

History TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip