Santee National Wildlife Refuge


Early on a cloudy January morning found us looking out over Lake Marion from the top of this Indian Mound in South Carolina. How did we end up here?

Just across the water is Santee State Park’s Cypress Grove Campground which has become one of our favorites. It is a pretty and inexpensive ($21 with electric & water) overnight stop on our frequent travels between North Carolina and Florida. Situated on the shore of Lake Marion we’ve mentioned it several times

On this trip home, we looked around for places to explore near the campground and the Santee National Wildlife Refuge popped up. Only one exit north on I-95, we parked in the Bluff Unit, one of three different sections of the refuge. It was only our van in the parking lot.

Finding a nature trail, we set off under a gray sky to see where it led.

The forest looked dormant in January, but evidence of energetic vines encroached upon the trail.

It wasn’t long before we started glimpsing water views and we found a platform outfitted with binoculars.These were unique as they were at a level accessible to wheel chair users. They would also be just right for younger children.

We sighted a few birds in the distance, but with a chill in the air, decided to turn around and headed back towards the van. During migratory seasons, this is probably a great place to watch waterfowl.

On our way back, Cypress knees punctuated the damp ground around a bench that has seen better days.

Looking closely, it was apparent that nature is reclaiming any nutrients remaining in the wood.


Back at the parking lot, we proceeded to a set of signs. We learned that the refuge isn’t just a place for birds and animals, human history is also preserved here. A small mound was used for a thousand years as a ceremonial and burial site by the Santee Indians.

Climbing stairs to the top revealed a commanding view of Lake Marion. Though the lake was only a river in the 1700’s, the mound has another historical significance. 

British troops built Fort Baker atop the mound, using the vantage point to control the river transportation route to inland South Carolina. It became the first fort in South Carolina captured during the Revolutionary War through ingenious construction of a tower from which the Americans could fire down into the fortification. Luckily for our side, the British didn’t have a canon!

Before ending our short stay at the refuge we stopped at the visitor center. Unfortunately it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

This, and the two other sections of the refuge are now on our radar for future visits. Just off I-95, it is a great place for travelers to stretch their legs.

The last stop on our trip home was completely different. South of the Border sits just south of the NC/SC border in full view of I-95. We drove around the complex of amusement rides, souvenir shops, restaurants and a fireworks shop before making lunch under a huge sign. We peeked through the fence to see a campground that had decently spaced sites. While it isn’t our cup of tea, we can understand the convenience and simplicity of pull through sites situated near the freeway.

We arrived home in Durham in time to winterize the van’s plumbing system before the temperature fell into the twenties.

Happy New Year! Wishing you health and the opportunity for interesting adventures in 2022.


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