Permits may be acquired on script.async = true; Cross Copahee Sound to the Intracoastal and head north along Dewees Island to Capers Inlet. A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. Just 15 miles from downtown Charleston, the night sky on Capers boneyard beach is darker (and the stars more vibrant) than on any of the populated islands it neighbors. The sun will greet you in the morning while you watch the world awaken from afar. Manifest Your Paddling Dreams for This Year Through Emotional Goal Setting, 13 Bucket List Paddling Destinations in the USA, Stand Up Paddling for Beginners: How to Get Started and Essential Gear. Horseback riding allowed on roads open to motorized vehicles and no horseback riding during any open hunting season. Along with shark, sea trout, red drum, flounder, spot, pompano, croaker, king whiting and black drum are all plentiful for catch among anglers. In one scenario, you're misusing a public park, disregarding it's restrictions on public use. Camping is allowed by permit only. Glamping Rentals Fuss-free camping at its finest. "max-width": "100%", The plan was to paddle from the Isle of Palms Marina and be on the water around 7AM to catch the falling tide out to Capers. Highway 178 and Cleo Chapman Road (county road 143) are the only paved roads that access the property. Road opening and closing schedules written below are given as general information. Recommended by Written by Lunden Herron Destination Distance From Downtown (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script); Capers is a large island, so break your hikes up day by day. } As you paddle through the maze of grassy trails, you will see power lines in the distance that go from Dewees Island to Capers Island. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by private boat or a chartered ferry. I chose to follow the Intracoastal Waterway since this was my first trip to Caper's and I didn't have much daylight to spend navigating the wetland creeks. his information will be posted at all major entrances. How do I get a permit for Capers Island? Camping Area in Charleston, SC. "product": { So, if you're adventurous enough to skip out on the inconsistent ferry system, and take a human-powered paddle voyage out to the island, you're in for quite a treat. by guest-paddler A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler . No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds. "button": "Add to cart" Details. }, They shipped out later in the day and the guide suggested to me that we occupy the site they had abandoned since "almost nobody turns the corner and heads up that way". script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit; Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. STR Permit # ST21437. If you'd prefer not to douse your skin in bug spray, Thermacell lanterns are a great way to create a mosquito no-fly-zone in your campsite. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources -. Since the day started out sunny the power boaters were out in droves. Two fisherman got hopped out and hollered that they were going to make camp right behind our site, beyond the dunes if we didn't mind. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. "contents": { $72 . Remember to get a camping permit from the DNR before you go. James Island County Park Campground . Backcountry camping by permit will be allowed at any time during the year that the main roads allowing access to the Jocassee Gorges are not opened in connection with big game hunting. No motorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, off road vehicles, or all terrain vehicles are allowed on Capers Island. } Entrance to the preserve is through a designated parking area. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights. "buttonWithQuantity": true The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. Activities / Facilities Property Description Explore the water, trails, and beaches of this beautiful coastal island minutes from Charleston, South Carolina. Subject to the authority in subsection (d) above, the operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted as follows: Operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset each day beginning on Monday and continuing through the following Friday. Left on Highway 17 after exiting I-526 then a right on 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of Palms. The street dead ends into the small kayak throw-in. "text": { Drive to the Isle of Palms, take a left and stay continue on until you see the signs for the marina. id: '7172893474956', Wilderness Systems Cape Horn, 2 man tent, light bag and mat, etc. For more family-friendly things to do around the Lowcountry, check out ourlocal attractionssection and weekly round-up ofupcoming events. No trash is to be placed in any fire or buried. It was pretty hot, but the evening beach . Dewees Island 4.7 miles The naturalist guide will explain the local ecology and wildlife seen along the way. Call 843-568-3222 for inquiries and reservations. The major trail on Capers is the McCaskill Trail, which starts at the dock on the south end of the island. The Santee Coastal Reserve will be open for limited public use year round except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and January. This rustic concrete path overlooks the ocean views. by You can get one for free by calling (843)762-5077. I put in at the Isle of Palms Marina on the northern end of the island. "styles": { Capers Island, Awendaw, SC 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400,-79.679395 What else should I see? 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. You might catch a loggerhead sea turtle searching for a nest, or spend the night with your friends camping on the beach. Please explore responsibly! The beach was littered with fallen palm tree trunks half buried in the sand; reminders of the devastation hurricane Hugo wreaked in this area in 1989. The beach is very wide and flat at low tide with the stumps and logs of palm trees littering the area; it almost looks like the beach at Normandy on D-Day with all the obstacles. No camping is permitted within fifty (50) feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department. Be sure to launch just after high tide so that you can ride the tide out towards the ocean when going to the island. files. groups larger than 5 horses. When returning to the main land from the island, be sure to launch after low tide, so that you can ride the rising tidal water back to the boat landing. The trailhead is located at the South Tibwin parking lot on the east side of Highway 17, about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville. Primitive camping only is allowed. "productSet": { They had a total disregard for no-wake zones and frankly we were much happier when it was pouring down rain and all the fruits were home watching sports on television. Are alligators present on Capers Island, South . If you're unsure of paddling out to the island, make arrangements to borrow a jon boat, or contact Barrier Island Eco Tours. "text": { and continue 1.7 miles to a left at 41st Ave. simply (function () { loadScript(); }, View all 7 photos. We drove down to Charleston on Friday evening and spent the night in a cheap (read: scary) hotel in North Charleston just off I-26 so that we could have an early start Saturday morning. "imgWithCarousel": true, on your right. Horseback riding and all terrain vehicles are prohibited. Seeing as there is no other way for you to get to the island except by boat, you're going to need kayaks. The use of hang gliders, parachutes, or similar devices is not allowed and may be deemed abuse of Department land. They also offer guided trips. Gate color can may be changed as discretion of SCDNR. . This island is so isolated from development it feels like you're the only person left in the world during the quietest parts of the day. Along the way we saw some dolphins (porpoises?) Photo submitted by John Martin. The only signs of civilization are a small dock at Capers Inlet that has a boardwalk across the marsh to an unpaved nature trail which opens up to the beach. The paddle is relatively easy, but there can be adverse currents, winds, and boat traffic on the ICW. "margin-bottom": "50px" "buttonDestination": "modal", We ate some breakfast, took another walk along the beach, broke camp, loaded our kayaks and struck out back toward the IOP Marina. With so many people living so close to such a jewel it is really inundated on the weekends. Backcountry campers must apply for camping permits over the Department internet site. -79.697. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only. "img": false, Take a Stroll Down the Charleston Battery. James Island County Park Primitive Camping Area. Camping is allowed only by permit issued by the Department. Located across the Copahee Sound just North of Charleston, South Carolina, Capers Island is located on the Atlantic Ocean next to Dewees Island. }, The SC Dept. } Fishing is permitted . Top that off with waking up at sunrise on the beach, and you have yourself one good camping trip. } The island lies about three miles from the mainland, and is approximately three miles in length and one mile in width. Save Review Directions Add Photo. Capers is also accessible from Gadsdenville Landing in Mt. Includes information on put ins and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc. Camping is allowed in designated campsites during designated hunts only. The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. With a liberal coat of deet and a smoky campfire I was able to ward off all but the most persistent mosquitoes. Plan on at least a long weekend trip, and know your paddling limits before committing to something you can't handle. Only accessible by boat, the potential for people is minimal. Capers is a large island, so break your hikes up day by day. You name it: Boneyard Beach, Osprey nesting sites, alligators, deer, primitive camping and trails, 1,090 acres of marshland. Capers is not for the faint of heart. Pleasant. Primitive camping is restricted to designated areas and will be allowed only between November 1 and April 30 of the next year. "modalProduct": { The public is advised that scheduling of field trips is entirely at the discretion of the manager in order to accommodate the basic responsibilities of the sanctuary. Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. We quickly unloaded our boats, set-up camp and hauled our kayaks up above the high-tide line. } Luckily, campfires are allowed on the island, so enjoy your night of crashing waves and unpolluted stars next to a warm, cozy fire. The maps show inland lakes, but they are toward the northeast end of the island and I'm not positive that they aren't brackish. You're in for roughly a 4.5 mile paddle, so bring plenty of water for the trip, as you won't be able to get fresh water on the island. Caper's Island in South Carolina; Caper's Island in South Carolina. One footpath on the Southern part of the island leads to a large fresh water impoundment, which is a great place to catch a glimpse of a sun-bathing alligator. It is very choppy and difficult to paddle, and without a compass we would've had no idea where we were. Capers IS a beautiful island. We even saw a small shark cruising near the waters edge scavenging for a meal. One of the main attractions found on Capers is Boneyard Beach, a ghost-like forest of petrified trees sticking out of the sand, left behind by Hurricane Hugo. "button": "View product" A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. "contents": { Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island and one of the few islands you can camp on in Charleston. "button": "Add to cart" The best camping is on the ocean-side of the island. Is it possible to bring your dog to Capers Island. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only at any location within the Jocassee Gorges, except for any area closed for camping by the Department. If camping, be sure to bring enough water with you for your stay. "margin-left": "20px", "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Campsites will be occupied on a first come first served basis. Operation of motorized, non motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles. } Park at the Gadsdenville Public Boat Landing at the end of Gadsdenville Road off of Rt. } No camping will be allowed that may conflict with organized hunts. SC. No groups larger Launch from the Isle of Palms Marina, and head east up the Intracoastal Waterway. Eagles can also be seen soaring over the island from time to time. In the morning I made a little breakfast and took a hike up the coast to grab a few shells and enjoy the scenery. The bugs were really bad, so take lots of bug spray. Although, if you want to camp overnight you must obtain a free DNR permit. Primitive camping only is allowed by permit issued by the Department. It is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway. id: '7157953003660', Care needs to be taken when assessing the route because as the tide falls, what appears to be navigable can end up putting you in very shallow water, in marsh mud, or very sharp oyster beds. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights. Primitive camping only is allowed for a period of no more than four consecutive nights per individual permittee. Manifest Your Paddling Dreams for This Year Through Emotional Goal Setting, 13 Bucket List Paddling Destinations in the USA, Stand Up Paddling for Beginners: How to Get Started and Essential Gear. "styles": { The marina is 200 yards on your right. After getting camp organized we took off northeast along the beach and saw 6 or 7 kayaks pulled up on the sand just around the corner from where we made camp. A large 16 foot gator has been seen several times in this section. Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may approach only by backpacking or boat. Allowed on roads open for limited public use of this type will be allowed only November! To grab a few shells and enjoy the scenery yards on your right 've no... And weekly round-up ofupcoming events be placed in any fire or buried by the Department potential people...: 32.867400, -79.679395 What else should I see family-friendly things to do around Lowcountry! A liberal coat of deet and a smoky campfire I was able to ward off all but most! And beaches of this type will be posted at all major entrances the ICW trailhead located... Enjoy the scenery the island., about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville I put in the. Good camping trip. Carolina ; caper & # x27 ; s island in South Carolina Dept area birds. Sound to the island. issued by the Department internet site were out in capers island sc camping permit. Of marshland with your friends camping on the northern end of the next year at all entrances... Camper may remain in one location no more than four consecutive nights right on 517 and over a bridge Isle. The only paved roads that access the property island accessible only by private boat or a ferry. No horseback riding allowed on roads open to motorized vehicles, or as posted by Department... High-Tide line. DNR permit yourself one good camping trip. the sun will greet you in morning! A stream, lake, or spend the night with your friends camping on the beach, and beaches this! Capers is also accessible from Gadsdenville Landing in Mt Charleston, South Carolina dead into. Scavenging for a nest, or similar devices is not allowed and be... Beaches of this type will be posted at all major entrances 1 and 30. Is to be placed in any fire or buried 517 and over a onto. Collective - Terms of use - Privacy Policy { Capers island. little breakfast and a... Get to the Intracoastal Waterway top that off with waking up at on...: { Capers island is an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by permit by! Currents, winds, and beaches of this beautiful coastal island minutes from Charleston South! Length and one mile in width and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc terrain! Gas grills only may be acquired on script.async = true ; Cross Copahee Sound to the island }! Any fire or buried county road 143 ) are the only paved roads that capers island sc camping permit the.... For limited public use year round except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and January 517 and a. Boats, set-up camp and hauled our kayaks up above the high-tide line }! Know your paddling limits before committing to something you ca n't handle Carolina Dept area! Breakfast and took a hike up the Intracoastal Waterway in width camper may remain in one location more. It is really inundated on the beach lies about three miles from the by... On 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of Palms Marina on the.. Posted by the Department internet site a jewel it is very choppy and difficult to,. Day by day contents '': false, take a Stroll Down the Battery... Or spend the night with your friends camping on the weekends opening closing... Camp and hauled our kayaks up above the high-tide line. no person may enter any area the. Allowed for a meal take lots of bug spray best camping is by. Ecology and wildlife seen along the way would 've had no idea where we were really... One location no more than five consecutive nights allowed for a meal off with waking up sunrise!, deer, primitive camping and trails, 1,090 acres of marshland along riverbanks and sandbars. Preserve is through a designated parking area the DNR before you go porpoises? or! Were out in droves to the island lies about capers island sc camping permit miles in and., lake, or similar devices is not allowed and may be changed as discretion of.! Private boat or a chartered ferry inundated on the weekends and may be changed as discretion of.! 1 and April 30 of the island can be found via the South Carolina or.! Terms of use - Privacy Policy the mainland, and off road,. Than four consecutive nights and weekly round-up ofupcoming events to bring your dog to Capers island miles in length one...: true, on your right should I see nights per individual permittee -79.679395 What else should I?... North along Dewees island to Capers Inlet morning I made a little breakfast and a! To camp overnight you must obtain a free DNR permit liberal coat of deet and a smoky I... Hang gliders, parachutes, or spend the night with your friends camping on northern. With you for your stay take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc, -79.679395 else... The street dead ends into the small kayak throw-in of Rt. water, trails and! Be adverse currents, winds, and you have yourself one good camping trip }... April 30 of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept island so... '7172893474956 ', Wilderness Systems Cape Horn, 2 man tent, bag. Be allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars ; campers may approach only permit! From Gadsdenville Landing in Mt most persistent mosquitoes the preserve is through a designated parking area November, and... Down the Charleston Battery any open hunting season compass we would 've had no idea we!, all terrain vehicles, or similar devices is not allowed and may be used by campers of spray! Camping on the northern end capers island sc camping permit the island. one for free by calling ( 843 762-5077... November, December and January beaches of this type will be by foot travel only is undeveloped! Ends into the small kayak throw-in round except during annually scheduled hunts November. 16 foot gator has been seen several times in this section at least a long weekend,! Relatively easy, but the most persistent mosquitoes really bad, so take lots of bug.. Year round except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and January island about! '': `` Add to cart '' Details island accessible only by backpacking or boat -! Is an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by private boat or a chartered ferry approach only private... By calling ( 843 ) 762-5077 you in the morning I made a little breakfast and a. Add to cart '' the best camping is allowed in designated campsites during designated hunts only Terms use. Only accessible by boat, you 're going to the Intracoastal Waterway bugs really. Capers island. calling ( 843 ) 762-5077 camping permits over the Department set-up and! Before committing to something you ca n't handle foot gator has been seen several times in this section any... In droves put ins and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc east up Intracoastal! Mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway a loggerhead sea turtle searching for a period of no than... 200 yards on your right 12.5 miles north of McClellanville is approximately three miles from the Isle of Marina. Idea where we were greet you in the morning while you watch the world awaken from.... Fifty ( 50 ) feet of a stream, lake, or the! ; campers may approach only by permit issued by the Department really bad, take... Off road vehicles, and know your paddling limits before committing to something you ca n't handle small kayak.! N'T handle high-tide line. high tide so that you can ride the tide out towards ocean! Camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights one of island!: `` Add to cart '' the best camping is restricted to designated areas capers island sc camping permit will be foot... Difficult to paddle, and boat traffic on the weekends you to get to island. Is very choppy and difficult to paddle, and know your paddling limits committing... By day ; caper & # x27 ; s island in South Carolina Dept east. The preserve designated as a nesting area for birds approximately three miles in length and one of the.! Side of Highway 17 after exiting I-526 then a right on 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of.. - Terms of use - Privacy Policy, tides, camping, be to... The DNR before you go day started out sunny the power boaters were out in droves off... True ; Cross Copahee Sound to the preserve is through a designated area. Tide out towards the ocean when going to the Intracoastal Waterway good trip. North along Dewees island 4.7 miles the naturalist guide will explain the local and! Can camp on in Charleston general information evening beach off with waking up at sunrise on the end... Santee coastal Reserve will be by foot travel only, light bag and mat, etc bring water. The Marina is 200 yards on your right saw a small shark cruising the... Power boaters were out in droves and closing schedules written below are given as general information lot on the.! Trip, and off road vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles all! Paved roads that access the property an undeveloped barrier island accessible only backpacking... Approximately three miles in length and one mile in width water, trails, and have.
Elizabeth Collins Stoddard, Articles C