Mainland facilities include the refuge's headquarters and visitor center which are located on U.S. Highway 17 about 30 minutes by car from Charleston, South Carolina.

Established in 1932 as a haven for migratory birds, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is additionally managed for the protection of threatened and endangered species such as the loggerhead sea turtle, wood stork, and piping plover.

The refuge supports approximately 23% of the northern subpopulation of loggerhead sea turtles, the largest north of Florida.

Exhibits include the marine ecosystems of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the forest Center.

Other facilities include a classroom/lab, an auditorium with an orientation film, information station, a book store, picnic area and trails.