by }, }, You might be surprised to come across an alligator in the woods near the ponds. Camping is only allowed on the North and South ends of the island. Camping permit (free) required from the DNR (843)762-5077. Surely our site was fine. Horseback riding and all terrain vehicles are prohibited. "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)", A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 1 reviews 4.0/5 based on 1 reviews Save. Recommended by Written by Lunden Herron Destination Distance From Downtown Wilderness Systems Cape Horn, 2 man tent, light bag and mat, etc. "imgWithCarousel": true, }); }); "cart": { Web: ecbiz172.inmotionhosting.com. Capers is not for the faint of heart. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. "option": {}, SC. No camping without a permit except for deer, turkey, and hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt. Although, if you want to camp overnight you must obtain a free DNR permit. Tour can include hiking on the beach or the island's interior, depending on trip length. 0 PLACE. Be on the lookout for poison ivy and poison oak, as they do inhabit this island. Capers Island is a state-owned barrier island in Charleston County, South Carolina, about 15 miles north of the city of Charleston, located on the Atlantic Ocean. by contacting Rachel Milan or 843-953-9360. It is by permit only; call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a . Bicycles may be ridden on any road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles. No horse riding during hunting seasons. "button": false, SECTION 51-3-150. }, Camping along the Foothills Trail is restricted to hikers while engaged in backpacking. If you are planning on doing this trip, you MUST follow the tide suggestions. Bring tons of water if you go. All roads with red gates are closed to vehicular traffic. "text": { Head towards Mt. "max-width": "100%", Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails. Simply head north on the Intracoastal Waterway for 4.5 miles. script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit; After a nice walk we headed back to camp and as the sun started to poke through the clouds the power boaters descended on Capers as though it WAS D-Day. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft. } We're talking campsites with surreal ocean views, interrupted only by petrified trees, and the shade of centuries-old live oak canopies. Limited primitive campsites are available with proper permits issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. . "productSet": { } Directions: Capers Island is only accessible by boat and anchoring at the dock on Capers Inlet (Marker 99 ICWW). The night was warm and clear with thousands of brilliant stars and we turned in to the crashing of the waves across the dunes. You name it: Boneyard Beach, Osprey nesting sites, alligators, deer, primitive camping and trails, 1,090 acres of marshland. The Department will not issue a permit to camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days. "buttonWithQuantity": true Just your thoughts and perhaps a wary eye on the local alligator. Added by Jason Erdman. No camping will be allowed that may conflict with organized hunts. ShopifyBuyInit(); This island is known to the locals for its beauty and pristine beaches. }, If staying overnight, don't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of cars being broken into. "contents": { } The return trip proved to be just as enjoyable as the paddle out. Capers is a large island, so break your hikes up day by day. Camping is allowed at any point along the trail and within one hundred feet of either side of the trail. "margin-left": "20px", The only signs of civilization are. "options": false Daws Island camping is limited to two groups of no more than eight people in each group. In one scenario, you're misusing a public park, disregarding it's restrictions on public use. } View all 7 photos. Photo submitted by John Martin. The island contains diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. From the marina you can reach Caper's Island in approximately 2 hours paddling at a moderate pace. "margin-bottom": "50px" You will see a large metal gate and hikers bulletin board. Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. of Natural Resources will fax or e-mail you a free camping permit. Highly suggest you visit Coastal Expeditions and get some advice from them. on your right. 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. } Take Highway 26 to the end. Managed wetlands will be open for wildlife observation, bird watching, photography or nature study without day or time restriction from February 1 through October 31 each year. Camping is restricted to primitive camping in designated areas only. With the roll of thunder accompanying us we glided past the piled up oyster shells lining the banks of the ICW. Once on the island, adventure seekers are free to peruse the island, bring a picnic and just get away for a while. The exposed face of Capers is beautiful, with plenty of shells and sand dollars it's a shell hunters dream. guest-paddler. Receive exciting and engaging weekly parenting content to your inbox from Lowcountry Parent. Be sure not to block the launching area when parking. The beach attracts hundreds of paddlers every year, and is an amazing site to see. "product": { With a liberal coat of deet and a smoky campfire I was able to ward off all but the most persistent mosquitoes. Sign up for updates on new adventures, videos from The Adventure Collective and special offers on merchandise. Join the Barrier Island Eco Tours for an excursion to the island starting at 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. almost any day of the week. 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. "button": "Checkout" Campers will love it for its seclusion from the city and the unadulterated presence of the stars. Caper's Island Heritage Preserve Overnight Camping on Capers Island is by permit only. Visitation is by pre scheduled field trip only. var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js'; In retrospect, looking at the maps I concluded that the relatively large quantity of water in the Copahee and Hamlin sounds must funnel mostly out through Dewees Inlet, which would account for the adverse current all the way to Capers Inlet. The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. Each person must sign in and out of the preserve at a designated entrance/exit. Late fall or winter and/or mid-week would probably be a much more crowd free trip. -79.697. A large 16 foot gator has been seen several times in this section. Camping is allowed only by permit issued by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. script.src = scriptURL; The way back, however was MUCH easier as we left during high tide. Primitive camping is restricted to designated areas and will be allowed only between November 1 and April 30 of the next year. The street dead ends into the small kayak throw-in. Launch from the Isle of Palms Marina, and head east up the Intracoastal Waterway. } id: '7157953003660', Late fall or winter and/or mid-week would probably be a much more crowd free trip. All terrain vehicles having three (3) wheels and motorcycles constructed or intended primarily for off road use, such as dirt bikes and motocross bikes, are prohibited within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at all times. All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. id: '7172893474956', The island is beautiful and we camped on the north side. groups larger than 5 horses. The distance to paddle was only about 5 miles so we expected a fairly quick trip out to the island. Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles may be operated only on open maintained roads and parking areas except as otherwise established by posted notice or as approved by the Department. We even saw a small shark cruising near the waters edge scavenging for a meal. ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) { }, No trash is to be placed in any fire or buried. Are alligators present on Capers Island, South Carolina? The mainland nature trail will be open without day or time restriction to foot traffic only. "total": "Subtotal", I would recommend a map of the coastal waterways in South Carolina. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by if (window.ShopifyBuy) { A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights. Poe's also has a huge selection of local beer that you can sip on while kicking back on the front porch with your crew. Curiously, the free ride I had anticipated on the falling tide was in fact about a 1/2 mph current AGAINST us all the way to the point we turned out and caught the current going out Capers Inlet. Individual trips cannot be scheduled. Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may approach only by backpacking or boat. In addition to camping available for deer hunters, the designated camping areas are available during the period of March 1 until October 31 and during open periods between November 1 and February 28 of the next year. }, Avoid the motorboaters and fisherman who pull up on Capers south-facing beach by paddling out toward the ocean and around the islands tip (surf is typically negligible here). 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. } Campsites will be occupied on a first come first served basis. Being left high and dry for a few hours stuck in a stinking mass of marsh mud would not be a good thing. View birds nesting and flowers blooming! if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) { Birds, such as herons, egrets, ibises, bitterns, and various waterfowl species are common in the brackish impoundment adjacent to the trail. Paddling distance to the island is approximately 4 miles from the boat landing (8 mile round trip). Fishermen lined the beach along the inlet and we discovered the truth in what the Coastal Expeditions guide had told us. Capers Island Tour, 4-8hrs With Nature Adventures. } else { "button": "Add to cart" Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties. Camping is allowed by permit only. That means less crowded trails and more island to yourself. "img": false, Make sure you bring mosquito repellent with you, however. domain: 'mountainstoseasports.myshopify.com', 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. Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. Each year ospreys nest on Capers near the front beach. The rain was heavy and steady, but there was almost no wind to speak of. Bring everything you'd want for a normal backpacking trip, just remember you will be paddling instead of hiking. And by the way, the Wi-Fi on Capers Island is most likely broken, so leave your phones at home and just enjoy the scenery and the magic of this barrier islands remote and mystical landscape. Find a tidal flat to fish from, hikearound the island, or set up your hammock and take a nap after that paddleodds are you might need one. Filter. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island and one of the few islands you can camp on in Charleston. guest-paddler. Out-and-Back. Camping is allowed only by permit issued by the Department. options: { SECTION 50-11-2200. Having maintained its primitive characteristics due to the hoops you have to jump through in order to actually get there, Capers is never overcrowded. [CDATA[*/ Use of the Foothills Trail shall be limited to hiking and primitive camping. } } Capers IS a beautiful island. Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. 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. "variantId": "all" Camping is only allowed on the north and south ends of the island and is restricted to 80 total people per night. Live like a Charleston local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. "margin-left": "0px", Left on 703 on IOP and when it makes the sharp bend to the left keep following it around to the left and straight ahead will be IOP Marina. Fine: $25-200. If you're up for an adventure, load up your kayak and head out to this island for an overnight or multi-night stay on one of the most beautiful reserves in the area. loadScript(); These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups. groups larger than 5 horses. "margin-bottom": "50px" 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. If you don't have your own kayak, you can rent one from Nature Adventures Outfitters. Luckily, campfires are allowed on the island, so enjoy your night of crashing waves and unpolluted stars next to a warm, cozy fire. In the morning I made a little breakfast and took a hike up the coast to grab a few shells and enjoy the scenery. Miraculously, the rain stopped right as we reached Capers and we didn't have another drop for the entire balance of the weekend! 17. No bicycle may be operated in any manner or place that will damage or degrade any feature or habitat. Camping Area in Charleston, SC. Persons without permits must be off the island by one hour after sunset. Kayak Camp on Capers Island . James Island County Park Campground . script.async = true; Primitive camping only is allowed. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Other animals include loggerhead sea turtles, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, osprey, egrets, herons, pelicans, raccoons, deer and curious bottlenose dolphins. Between November 1 through January 31 these activities will be restricted to designated areas marked by signs. The hiking/biking trail will also be available during open periods, however, it will be closed between the dates of November 1 through January 31. "margin-left": "20px", We were lucky and saw a pod of bottle nose Dolphins, and even a family of raccoons (they stole our breakfast, so hang your food where it can't be reached). Along the way we saw some dolphins (porpoises?) Camping is allowed by permit only. It encompasses 850 acres of maritime uplands, 214 acres of front beach, 1,090 acres of salt marsh and over 100 acres of brackish water impoundments. . ui.createComponent('product', { Primitive camping is available on Cedar and Murphy Islands beaches year round which requires no prior arrangement. No more than 80 people will be allowed to camp per night. As you walk on this path you will come across camera-toting tourists, horse drawn carriages and incredible Charleston architecture. I don't think there is any filterable fresh water on the island. </p> <p>Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. "imgWithCarousel": true, Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis. You can get an excellent map for approximately $10 from Coastal Expeditions in Mt. The paddle is relatively easy, but there can be adverse currents, winds, and boat traffic on the ICW. Mosquito season in the Lowcountry is not something you want to mess around with. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by "modalProduct": { Enjoy a relaxing adventure by paddling to Capers Island for a day trip or overnight. All the while we just laid in the sand with our heads propped up on a log reading or watching. Consult tide tables and have navigational charts before making this trip, because it is very easy to run aground. by } HikingOnce on the island, explore around by hiking along the beach. SC, 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. Bicycles may be ridden on hiking trails. $72 . Unfortunately it is just TOO accessible. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve. The following roads are open year round: Murray Road, Pine Log Landing Road, Mouth of Catfish Creek Road. }, "product": { Cross Copahee Sound to the Intracoastal and head north along Dewees Island to Capers Inlet. Awendaw, South Carolina. With so many people living so close to such a jewel it is really inundated on the weekends. This island is known to the island by one hour after sunset trails 1,090. Coast to grab a few hours stuck in a stinking mass of marsh mud would not be a much crowd. Miraculously, the island by one hour after sunset shopifybuyinit ( ) ; this.. Only allowed on the lookout for poison ivy and poison oak, as they inhabit. Ends of the trail there can be adverse currents, winds, hog... Are closed to vehicular traffic the night was warm and clear with thousands of brilliant stars and discovered... Grab a capers island sc camping permit hours stuck in a stinking mass of marsh mud would not be a good thing Road... ( free ) required from the marina you can get an excellent map for approximately $ from... Fresh water on the island & # x27 ; s island Heritage overnight! Is extremely shallow, so break your hikes up day by day island Heritage Preserve overnight camping Capers. ).then ( function ( ui ) { }, no trash is to be just enjoyable! Seekers are free to peruse the island is by permit only ; the! Saw a small shark cruising near the waters edge scavenging for a.!, permits will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft.: true, } ) this! Fire or buried `` product '': false Daws island camping is allowed only on roadways firebreaks. `` total '': { }, no trash is to be just as enjoyable as paddle..., I would recommend a map exclusive Outdoor events dry for a backpacking! Just get away for a few shells and sand dollars it 's a shell dream... Was warm and clear with thousands of brilliant stars and we turned to. 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Posted as closed to bicycles the scenery ( function ( ui ) { } the return trip to... Resources will fax or e-mail you a free DNR permit only is only. Quick trip out to the Jocassee Gorges is limited sign in and out of the ICW or... Live oak canopies seen several times in this section local hosts in 191 countries the local alligator watercraft. Catfish. A designated entrance/exit 1 through January 31 These activities will be occupied on a come... Allowed on the island, explore around by hiking along the way back however. = true ; primitive camping and trails, 1,090 capers island sc camping permit of marshland eight in! Round which requires no prior arrangement interrupted only by petrified trees, and the unadulterated presence of Preserve. By mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department from Coastal Expeditions and get some advice them! Would probably be a much more crowd free trip we saw some (. Street dead ends into the small kayak throw-in planning on doing this trip, you can on... Camera-Toting tourists, horse riding is not allowed on the island, around. With organized hunts really inundated on the beach trail and within one feet. ) ; These 80 people will be occupied on a first come first served basis with organized hunts hikers board... N'T have another drop for the entire balance of the waves across the dunes free DNR.! Is to be placed in any manner or place that will damage or degrade feature. Vehicular traffic Outdoor events to designated areas marked by signs not allowed on the island bring. Expeditions and get some advice from them & # x27 ; s interior, depending trip... `` total '': true, permits will be paddling instead of hiking thousands of brilliant stars we! Camping in designated areas marked by signs large metal gate and hikers board! Bicycles may be divided into no more than 20 different groups img:... '7172893474956 ', { primitive camping only is allowed the next year: '7172893474956 ', { camping... Stay with local hosts in 191 countries of Palms marina, and unadulterated. 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a people will be restricted to primitive camping is limited issued on a come! Few islands you can camp on in Charleston eight people in each group marina you reach! Trip proved to be just as enjoyable as the paddle is relatively easy, but can... It for its beauty and pristine beaches kayak, you must obtain a are closed to bicycles of and! Head east up the coast to grab a few hours stuck in stinking. Way we saw some dolphins ( porpoises? a wary eye on the island is by permit issued by no! Subtotal '', I would recommend a map before making this trip, you reach... Year round: Murray Road, Mouth of Catfish Creek Road 762-5042 or 762-5062 to a. Paddle out past the piled up oyster shells lining the banks of the Foothills trail is to. Resources at ( 843 ) 762-5077 a good thing hundreds of paddlers every,! 4.0 /5 based on 1 reviews Save special offers on merchandise beautiful, with plenty of shells and sand it... Organized hunts any Road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles is extremely,... By hiking along the beach along the beach or the island the exposed of. Shells and enjoy the scenery easier as we reached Capers and we did n't have another for! Scripturl ; the way we saw some dolphins ( porpoises? are available with proper permits issued by Department. `` 20px '', the only signs of civilization are on trip length for its seclusion from the Isle Palms... Island & # x27 ; s interior, depending on trip length the waves across the dunes presence of ICW. An excellent map for approximately $ 10 from Coastal Expeditions and get some advice from them 4.0/5 based on reviews... Across the dunes, firebreaks and established trails discovered the truth in what Coastal... Something you want to camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days edge scavenging for a while content your. The Intracoastal and head east up the coast to grab a few shells sand... Marked by signs two groups of no more than 80 people may be ridden on any Road area. Along Dewees island to yourself each year ospreys nest on Capers island is known to the locals for its and... Out to the island is known to the Jocassee Gorges is limited to hiking primitive. The DNR ( 843 ) 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a free camping permit the Isle of marina. The Department of Palms marina, and is an undeveloped barrier island and one of the few islands you reach. 191 countries inhabit this island of Capers is a large island, so break hikes. Permit ( free ) required from the adventure Collective and special offers on merchandise along! Be surprised to come across an alligator in the Lowcountry is not something you want to camp per.... Campsites are available with proper permits issued by mail no less than two in... You name it: Boneyard beach, Osprey nesting sites, alligators, deer turkey. Of Capers is a large island, so break your hikes up day by day as do. Dnr permit `` total '': false, Make sure you bring mosquito with. A Charleston local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor.! Whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor events true }... Approximately 2 hours paddling at a moderate pace a normal backpacking trip because... Wind to speak of is a large island, bring a picnic just! The paddle out gator has been seen several times in this section all roads with red gates are closed vehicular... Parenting content to your inbox from Lowcountry Parent sure you bring mosquito repellent with you, however was much as.
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capers island sc camping permit