# Outdoor Adventure Source: https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/explore/outdoor-adventure/ Updated: 2026-08-04 ## Outdoor Adventures & Wildlife Near Savannah Lakes RV Resort ### Explore marshes, trails, wildlife drives, and Lowcountry birding—then come back to a calm lakeside resort in Hardeeville. Savannah Lakes is a strong home base for guests who want more nature in their trip. From nearby national wildlife refuges to easy walking and bird-watching outings, you can spend the day outdoors and still return to resort comforts like a heated pool, hot tub, walking trails, and a quiet evening by the lake. [Check Dates & Rates](https://www.campspot.com/book/savannah-lakes-rv-resort?_ga-ft=abq1PA.AA.AA.AA.AA.5CT8HdfFQYWKtC7yheKidA..0..&_gl=1*1xgxc10*_gcl_au*MTM3NDk2NjExLjE3NzI3MzkwMDg.*_ga*NTY2NzkxODU3LjE3NjQ5NTE4ODU.*_ga_EH8EC23CM3*czE3NzM4NDM3NjkkbzU2JGcwJHQxNzczODQzNzY5JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..) [See the Outdoor Itinerary](#one-day) Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is based in Hardeeville, and Pinckney Island offers hiking, bicycling, and wildlife watching. ### Choose Your Outdoor Day #### Wildlife Drive + Easy Viewing Great for guests who want scenery, birds, and minimal walking. [Start Here](#wildlife-drive) #### Trails & Walking Refuge roads, grass trails, and low-pressure outdoor movement. [See Trails](#trails) #### Birding & Photography Marshes, ponds, migratory birds, and scenic habitat. [See Wildlife](#birding) #### Family Nature Day Educational, outdoorsy, and easy to pace with kids. [Family Plan](#family) ### Start with These Two Outdoor Highlights #### Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is one of the easiest and most rewarding outdoor outings near the resort. Visitors are welcome on the **4.5-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive** and on refuge trails from **sunrise to sunset**, with a visitor center in Hardeeville open Monday through Friday from **10:00 AM to 2:00 PM**, closed federal holidays. There is **no entrance fee**. #### Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Pinckney Island is ideal for guests who want an active but accessible nature outing. The refuge supports **hiking, bicycling, and wildlife watching**, and the Fish & Wildlife Service notes there are **more than 14 miles of gravel roads and grass trails**, with a short walk to Ibis Pond providing a strong overview of the refuge habitat. At a Glance - **Best for easy scenic driving:** Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - **Best for hiking / walking:** Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge - **Best for birding:** both are strong choices, especially in wetland and pond habitat - **Best “home base” move:** go out in the morning, return to Savannah Lakes for pool or hot-tub time later ### Wildlife Drive Day: The Easiest Outdoor Win #### Morning Plan Start with Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and take the **Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive**, which is open from **sunrise to sunset**. It is one of the lowest-stress ways to experience the Lowcountry landscape because you can stay close to your vehicle while still seeing broad wetland scenery and wildlife habitat. #### Midday Plan If the visitor center is open during your day, stop in for context and maps. The refuge’s Hardeeville location makes it especially practical for Savannah Lakes guests. - Bring binoculars if you have them - Morning and late afternoon light are usually best for wildlife viewing - Keep the outing simple and let the drive do the work - Pair it with a quiet afternoon back at the resort [Return to Resort Amenities](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/amenities/) ### Trails, Walking, and “Just Enough Adventure” Pinckney Island is the stronger choice when you want to actually move. The refuge maintains **over 14 miles** of gravel roads and grass trails, which makes it a good fit for guests who want a long walk, a bike-friendly outing, or a few hours outdoors without technical terrain. The Fish & Wildlife Service specifically notes that the short route to **Ibis Pond** is a great introduction to the refuge’s scenic habitat. - Good for walking, wildlife watching, and light exploration - A nice fit for snowbirds, photographers, and active weekenders - Easier to enjoy when you don’t over-schedule the rest of the day [Weekend Getaway Ideas](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/experiences/weekend-unwind) ### Birding & Photo Opportunities The Savannah Coastal Refuges corridor is strong for birders and wildlife photographers because of its marsh, wetland, grassland, and pond habitats. Pinckney Island in particular is noted as an important link along the Atlantic Flyway and attracts migratory birds, with habitat that supports ibis, egrets, and herons. #### Wetland Views Marshes and ponds create broad scenic compositions and wildlife sightlines. #### Wading Birds Pinckney Island is especially noted for colonial wading birds such as ibis, egrets, and herons. #### Easy Repeat Outings Because the refuges are nearby, guests can go more than once and get a different light, mood, or wildlife moment each time. [Snowbird Stays Guide](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/experiences/snowbirds) ### Family Nature Day (Simple, Educational, and Flexible) #### Easy Family Plan Choose one major outdoor outing—either the wildlife drive at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge or a shorter walking segment at Pinckney Island—then return to the resort for pool time or the playground. This gives kids both nature exposure and a familiar “reward” afterward. - Works well because it does not require a full-day hiking commitment - Easy to adapt for attention spans and weather - Pairs naturally with a family resort afternoon afterward [Family Vacation Hub](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/experiences/families)  ### Why Savannah Lakes Works So Well as Your Outdoor Base Camp Outdoor days are better when your lodging doesn’t feel like more work. Savannah Lakes gives guests a comfortable place to recover after trails, marsh walks, or wildlife drives: a heated pool and hot tub, walking trails on property, fiber Wi-Fi, and a pet-friendly layout with a 5,000-sq-ft dog park. That means you can spend the day exploring the Lowcountry outdoors and still come back to a resort that feels easy, clean, and restorative. [Explore RV Sites](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/rv-sites/) [Tour the Cottages](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/cottages/) ### Outdoor Adventures FAQ What is the best wildlife refuge near Savannah Lakes RV Resort? Two of the strongest nearby options are Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for scenic driving and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge for walking, bicycling, and wildlife watching. Does Savannah National Wildlife Refuge have a driving route? Yes. Visitors are welcome on the **4.5-mile Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive** and refuge trails from sunrise to sunset. Can you hike at Pinckney Island? Yes. The refuge maintains **over 14 miles** of gravel roads and grass trails for hiking and wildlife watching. Is Pinckney Island good for birding? Yes. Pinckney Island is an important Atlantic Flyway refuge with habitat for migratory birds and wading species such as ibis, egrets, and herons. ### Ready to Explore the Lowcountry Outdoors? Choose your dates, book your stay, and use Savannah Lakes as your calm, comfortable base for wildlife and trail days. [Check Dates & Rates](https://www.campspot.com/book/savannah-lakes-rv-resort) [See the Area Guide Hub](https://savannahlakesrvresort.com/area/)