🌤 Weather at Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–81 °F | 67–90 °F | 41–84 °F | 32–60 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Jacksonville Eoc, 4 mi away, elevation 17 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Venus Flytrap Savanna — One of the world’s best remaining longleaf pine savannas — home to the VENUS FLYTRAP, found naturally ONLY within 75 miles of Wilmington, NC
Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area protects one of the finest remaining longleaf pine savannas in the world — and one of the most important sites for the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), a carnivorous plant found naturally ONLY within a 75-mile radius of Wilmington, North Carolina! Nowhere else on Earth does this iconic plant grow wild. The savanna supports an extraordinary diversity of carnivorous plants — Venus flytraps, sundews, pitcher plants, butterworts, and bladderworts all thrive in the wet, nutrient-poor, fire-maintained habitat. Up to 50 plant species per square meter!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Onslow County, NC |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| UNIQUE | Venus Flytrap — ONLY here on Earth! |
| Carnivores | 5 species of meat-eating plants! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Venus flytrap really only found here?
Yes! The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) grows naturally only within a 75-mile radius of Wilmington, NC — and a tiny pocket in South Carolina. It evolved in the wet, nutrient-poor longleaf pine savannas that once covered the Coastal Plain. Poaching is a serious threat — in 2014, NC made wild Venus flytrap theft a felony (up to 25 months in prison).
About Sandy Run Savannas
Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area in Onslow County protects one of the finest remaining wet pine savannas in the world. This fire-dependent ecosystem — maintained by lightning-caused fires every 1-3 years — supports an astonishing density of plant species: up to 50 species per square meter, rivaling tropical rainforests for plant diversity at the small scale. The savanna harbors Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews, and rare orchids found nowhere else on Earth.
Things to Do
Observing carnivorous plants in their natural habitat (Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews), wildflower identification (50+ species per square meter!), birdwatching, and studying one of the most species-rich temperate ecosystems on the planet.
More parks nearby: Hammocks Beach State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lea Island State Natural Area lies within about an hour’s drive.
🪴 Visit Sandy Run Savannas SNA
VENUS FLYTRAPS — found NOWHERE else! 5 carnivorous plant species!
Wildlife & Nature
Sandy Run Savannas SNA — preserves one of the finest wet pine savanna remnants in the Coastal Plain. The area’s longleaf pine savanna supports Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, sundews, and butterworts — four species of carnivorous plants. Red-cockaded woodpeckers (endangered) inhabit the pines.
Nearby Attractions
Onslow County — surrounding. Camp Lejeune — nearby. Hammocks Beach SP — 15 miles south.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Attended leash or other restraint no longer than 6 feet required at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted at swim areas or in bathhouses
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are strictly prohibited from entering any building, including cabins; no pet-friendly cabin program
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Not all campgrounds allow pets (contact the park office first); pets must be confined to tent or vehicle during quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.); at Hammocks Beach visitors must arrange their own transportation for pets to Bear Island
Are dogs allowed at Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area?
Pets are permitted in all North Carolina state parks as long as they are on an attended leash and under the constant control of the owner. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via ncparks.gov. More: North Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Sandy Run Savannas State Natural Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
