Telephone: 1-800-227-8510 outside SC or in SC (803) 854-2131
Website: www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/535.aspx
Located in the heart of Santee-Cooper Country with convenient access from two interstate highways, this 2,496-acre park offers land and pier-based cabins, as well as two lakefront camping areas. A sportsman’s paradise, this park is known for its catfish, largemouth and striped bass fishing, and is the site of numerous fishing tournaments. The Village Round meeting building is ideal for group functions.
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
Telephone: 803-478-2217
Website: www.fws.gov/santee
This wildlife calendar is meant to provide visitors with a general guide to seasonal wildlife events. Weather may cause slight variations. The best times to observe wildlife are generally early morning and late afternoon.
JANUARY: Waterfowl concentrations peak with Canada geese abundant on wheat fields and ducks and coots in the impoundments and bays. Wintering bird species (sparrows, juncos and flycatchers) are abundant. Striped bass are schooling.
FEBRUARY: Waterfowl can be observed foraging to build energy reserves before beginning their long migrations north. Crappie begin to move into the creeks. Wood ducks, purple martins and bluebirds are beginning to look for nesting cavities.
MARCH: Raptors are plentiful. Alligators may be seen sunning on canal and pond edges. Largemouth bass begin to move into the shallows.
APRIL: Butterflies and dragonflies are everywhere. Both painted and indigo buntings as well as orioles, tanagers, vireos and blue grosbeaks have returned and warblers are migrating. Fishing is productive for most species.
MAY: Spring migration continues. Nesting activities are evident. Excellent fishing for all species.
JUNE: Fish begin to seek out cooler waters. Many breeding birds are rearing young.
JULY: Shorebirds begin to return from their nesting grounds and can be seen on pond and lake edges. Young of the year are out practicing their skills and learning to survive. Bass, crappie and catfish have moved to deep water.
AUGUST: Fishing is more challenging during the heat of the summer, but panfish can still be caught in refuge waters.
SEPTEMBER: Summer warblers begin to migrate south. White-tailed deer rutting activity commences as bucks begin to rub the velvet off their antlers.
OCTOBER: Raptors, cormorants, white-throated and song sparrows, and waterfowl are arriving in numbers. Ruby-crowned kinglets and yellow-rumped warblers are prevalent. Catfishing is excellent.
NOVEMBER: Bald eagles are frequently sighted around concentrations of waterfowl. Striped bass are schooling.
DECEMBER: Large concentrations of waterfowl. Sandhill cranes may be observed on the Bluff Unit. Excellent fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish.
To view the Santee National Wildlife brochure click the following link: SanteeGeneralBrochure2010
Canoe, Kayak and Jet Ski Rentals
• Woods Bay State Park – Olanta (843) 659-4445 Canoes -$3 – $12
• Francis Beidler Forest – Harleyville – (843) 462-2150 Canoes $10-$20
• Old Santee Canal Park – Moncks Corner – (843) 899-5405 Canoes $3/1/2 hr.
• Lakeside Marina & Resort – Eutawville (803) 492-7226 Jet ski $250 all day, Canoe/Kayak $20-$35/day
• Scarborough’s Marina, Summerton (803) 478-2184 Jet Skis $65/Hr.
• Pete’s Lighthouse Marina, Bonneau Beach (843) 825-6205 – Jet Ski $35/hr.