Camping is restricted to primitive camping in designated areas only. "buttonDestination": "modal", 17. Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties. This is an incredible island that is certainly one of the more unique places to be found on our coast, and there's no better time to visit it than now. 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. The marina is 200 yards on your right. "product": { Many times we witnessed what we came to describe as "Attention Deficit Disorder Shell Collecting": a power boat would pull up and a bunch of people would spring out with beers in hand, walk a hundred yards down the beach and back, hop back in the boat and roar off back into the ICW. "button": "Add to cart" })(); /*]]>*/. Low tide uncovers a lot of oyster beds and marsh grass that create a maze of inlets. var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({ Filter. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Take a Stroll Down the Charleston Battery. The use of hang gliders, parachutes, or similar devices is not allowed and may be deemed abuse of Department land. Department maintenance facilities on the island are not open to the public. Once on IOP, take a left on Palm Blvd. "max-width": "100%", Seeing as there is no other way for you to get to the island except by boat, you're going to need kayaks. In one scenario, you're misusing a public park, disregarding it's restrictions on public use. "contents": { "buttonDestination": "modal", multiple times, sent multiple emails, but got no response. 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. <p>Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and trails. The creeks and marshes adjacent to Capers are alive with oysters, shrimp, hard clams, crabs and many species of fish such as sea trout, red drum, flounder, black drum, king whiting, spot, pompano, and croaker. Explore the water, trails, and beaches of this beautiful coastal island minutes from Charleston, South Carolina. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve. Unfortunately it is just TOO accessible. It is very choppy and difficult to paddle, and without a compass we would've had no idea where we were. No fishing is allowed from the impoundment tide gate. The dikes around the waterfowl impoundments and the canoe trail will be closed, except by prior arrangement, during the period of November 1 through January 31 of the next year. 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. Capers Island Heritage Preserve Property Location Awendaw, SC 29429 Latitude: 32.852 Longitude: -79.697 County: Charleston Property Type: Heritage Preserve - Natural NO Hunting Allowed on Property Hours of Operation This area is open during daylight hours year-round. If staying overnight, don't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of cars being broken into. How do I get a permit for Capers Island? "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)", } }); files. SECTION 50-11-2200. Photo submitted by John Martin. [CDATA[*/ Capers Island Camping Permits: SCDNR / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. } Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. The USGS (U.S. Geologica "modalProduct": { IOP Marina charged a $6 ramp/parking fee. Bring tons of water if you go. We should have taken his advice right away, but we had already set-up camp and were hesitant to move all our gear. Riders may ride in groups no larger than five (5). "buttonWithQuantity": true Permit may be obtained from the DNR Charleston office. It is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway. This area is open during daylight hours year-round. simply id: '7157953003660', Seasonal closures are in place to protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds during the spring, summer, and fall. Several local companies offer private tours for those who do not have access to a boat. Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails. And arguably one of the best places to do so is Capers Island. Fishermen lined the beach along the inlet and we discovered the truth in what the Coastal Expeditions guide had told us. One may observe alligators, white-tailed deer, raccoons, loggerhead sea turtles. Email: alistair@ecbiz172.inmotionhosting.com. Camping is allowed at any point along the trail and within one hundred feet of either side of the trail. } The gravel paths throughout the park allow runners and cyclists to navigate through the park without any issue. Located across the Copahee Sound just North of Charleston, South Carolina, Capers Island is located on the Atlantic Ocean next to Dewees Island. We found a gap in the traffic and ran up on the boat ramp quickly dragging ourselves clear of the launch area. The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. Web: ecbiz172.inmotionhosting.com. 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. } Horse riding is prohibited during all deer hunts. }, }, Since the day started out sunny the power boaters were out in droves. On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour. 0 PLACE. Pleasant (843)884-7684. }, guest-paddler. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot and heads into the forest. function loadScript() { Luckily, campfires are allowed on the island, so enjoy your night of crashing waves and unpolluted stars next to a warm, cozy fire. }, This picturesque barrier island, about an hour east of downtown Charleston, is one of the best places in South Carolina to enjoy a coastal backpacking trip. "styles": { The naturalist guide will explain the local ecology and wildlife seen along the way. domain: 'mountainstoseasports.myshopify.com', Half Moon Outfitters hasthe boats you'll need to get to the island. Fishing is permitted from the Santee River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Fires are allowed using downed wood, driftwood. Camping is allowed by permit only. "toggle": {} No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds. Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. script.async = true; 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. 0 Star This. You'll need the free Adobe Reader to view these The property is closed to all public access from November 1 to January 21, except for scheduled waterfowl hunts. The twisting and intertwining trees provide the right amount of shade and a beautiful backdrop for taking pictures. Persons without permits must be off the island by one hour after sunset. The trailhead is located at the South Tibwin parking lot on the east side of Highway 17, about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville. The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. With so many people living so close to such a jewel it is really inundated on the weekends. loadScript(); and continue 1.7 miles to a left at 41st Ave. Camping along the Foothills Trail is restricted to hikers while engaged in backpacking. No camping without a permit except for deer, turkey, and hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt. Camping: Primitive camping by permit only, call (843) 953-9300. This is a lollipop loop trail that is on an old forest road. "product": { Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. Hikers will love it for its flat and easy trails and excellent sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Sign up for updates on new adventures, videos from The Adventure Collective and special offers on merchandise. The Santee Coastal Reserve will be open for limited public use year round except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and January. You'll also need the basics while you're on the island: food, water, camp stove, sleep system etc. Capers Island is only accessible by boat, however charters are available from Sullivan's Island. Enjoy a relaxing adventure by paddling to Capers Island for a day trip or overnight. Owned by the state of South Carolina, Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island in the Atlantic Ocean about 15 miles north of the city of Charleston. There is limited parking at the boat landing. Each year ospreys nest on Capers near the front beach. Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. Contrary to what we had been advised to expect, we suffered almost no bug-bites during our entire weekend on Capers. Horses may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed. 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. Live like a Charleston local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. Once you're backfrom the island, head straight to Poe's on Sullivan's Island. Backcountry campers must apply for camping permits over the Department internet site. SC, Entrance to the preserve is through a designated parking area. Island Information . Alligators, snakes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a plethora of bird species make the island a popular destination for nature lovers. There is a lot to see and it's a very enchanting place during the spring through summer. "styles": { No crab or fish pots or traps are allowed in impoundments. Tour the gardens, boat tour, tram tour, Audubon tour, plantation tour, etc. Top that off with waking up at sunrise on the beach, and you have yourself one good camping trip. Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails. The group camping there were from Coastal Expeditions, a guided tour group that had spent the previous night. Camping is allowed by permit only. Bulls Island is located just 20 miles away from America's #1 small city - Charleston, South Carolina. 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. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. No groups larger 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. Visitation is by pre scheduled field trip only. Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis. "margin-left": "-20px" The best camping is on the ocean-side of the island. . From the marina you can reach Caper's Island in approximately 2 hours paddling at a moderate pace. But a few other odds and ends you may want to bring are dry bags, clothing that will protect you from the sun while paddling, and a hefty amount of DEET, or your favorite mosquito spray. At one point we were going to attempt a short-cut between Marys Island and Dewees Island to get into Capers Inlet but my kayak started bottoming out in the mud and I hastily changed course back toward the deeper water of the main ICW channel. "contents": { . It was hilarious in a sick kind of way. The McCaskill Trail, which starts at the dock on the south end of the island, provides great access for serious birders and casual hikers alike. We left the boat landing at very low tide and ended up dragging our kayak through pluff mud and then got lost in the marsh, adding about 2 miles to the trip. Bicycles may be ridden on hiking trails. The easiest kayak route to the island is from the Isle of Palms Marina. Glamping Rentals Fuss-free camping at its finest. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) { Other activities include kayaking and camping underneath a bright and starry night while the waves crashing rock you to sleep. The following roads are open year round: Brittons Neck Road/Woodbury Road, Pet Lawrimore Road, Sampson Landing Road, Sanders Landing Road, Parker Landing Road. Dirleton House and grounds are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Consult the tide charts for the North Dewees Island/ Capers Inlet section. "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)", Horse riding is allowed only on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. Simply head north on the Intracoastal Waterway for 4.5 miles. 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. Roads open to year round public access include a section of Horsepasture to Laurel Fork Gap (from Highway 178 only). 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. } else { "buttonWithQuantity": true A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. "product": { Includes information on put ins and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc. The way back, however was MUCH easier as we left during high tide. Caper's Island in South Carolina; Caper's Island in South Carolina. var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js'; Along with shark, sea trout, red drum, flounder, spot, pompano, croaker, king whiting and black drum are all plentiful for catch among anglers. Rated 4.0 /5 based on 1 reviews 4.0/5 based on 1 reviews Save. 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. Capers Island, Awendaw, SC 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400,-79.679395 What else should I see? Sunscreen and bug spray are also high on the list of essentials! Make sure to obtain a camping permit before spending the night. Activities / Facilities Property Description Distance. Once in Capers Inlet we rode the tide out toward the sandy southern end of Capers Island. The paddle is relatively easy, but there can be adverse currents, winds, and boat traffic on the ICW. Horseback riding by permit only, only on roads open to motorized vehicles, no groups larger than 5 horses, and no horseback riding during any open hunting seasons. Left on Highway 17 after exiting I-526 then a right on 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of Palms. }); The exposed face of Capers is beautiful, with plenty of shells and sand dollars it's a shell hunters dream. Other animals include loggerhead sea turtles, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, osprey, egrets, herons, pelicans, raccoons, deer and curious bottlenose dolphins. Free, primitive camping is permitted on the island with a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. }); Out-and-Back. However, Bulls Island isn't just for anyone, but those who want the chance to get away to an uninhabited island and a Class 1 Wilderness Area. What is the best way to get to Capers Island? Horse may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed to horse riding. 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. Surely our site was fine. The tidal pools hold small fish, snails, crabs and all kinds of other mysterious creatures. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. moneyFormat: '%24%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D', There arent any inclines and hardly any obstacles in your path to trip you up. guest-paddler, A self-supported trip created by function ShopifyBuyInit() { "text": { Camping is allowed only by permit issued by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. } After passing Hwy 41 on your left and Charleston National Country Club on your right, look for Gadsdenville Rd. options: { Once you get "around the corner" and away from the power boaters, you will really have a great time. "cart": { We ate some breakfast, took another walk along the beach, broke camp, loaded our kayaks and struck out back toward the IOP Marina. Next time we will know! For more family-friendly things to do around the Lowcountry, check out ourlocal attractionssection and weekly round-up ofupcoming events. id: '7172893474956', View all 7 photos. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only. Primitive camping only is allowed for a period of no more than four consecutive nights per individual permittee. Customizable kayak tour to Capers Island, leaving from either Garris Landing or Gadsdenville Landing. No horse riding during hunting seasons. The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. Overnight Camping on Capers Island is by permit only. The island has a number of settings. All the while we just laid in the sand with our heads propped up on a log reading or watching. Public visitation is by permit only. 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. The Foothills Trail passes through portions of the Jocassee Gorges. 850 acres of coastal upland forest, 214 acres of shoreline, 1,090 acres of salt marsh, and over 100 acres of brackish ponds make up the island's diverse ecosystems. During scheduled big game hunts, bicycles and all terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers. script.async = true; Hike through the "Bone Yard", a stand of decaying palmetto trees on the East side of the island. "button": false, The Department will not issue a permit to camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days. "cart": { Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. No camping is permitted within fifty (50) feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department. ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) { } } This was Rob, Andy, Jay, Scooter, Scooter's nephew, and 11 kids on an overnight camping trip to Capers Island, SC. "product": { A good kayak is important for this trip, as it's a somewhat lengthy paddle, and you'll need to transport all of your gear. Primitive camping only is allowed. 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. PaddlingLaunch your kayak into the narrow channel that weaves through grassy trails on the north side of the Copahee Sound. Paddling distance to the island is approximately 4 miles from the boat landing (8 mile round trip). Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only at any location within the Jocassee Gorges, except for any area closed for camping by the Department. For a great local kayak guide company, check out, Live like a Charleston local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive outdoor events. "product": { Alistair Nicol is an award winning fine art photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina. Bicyclists may ride in groups no larger than five (5). Late fall or winter and/or mid-week would probably be a much more crowd free trip. Nest on Capers snakes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a beautiful for. Much easier as we left during high tide via the South Tibwin parking lot and heads into forest! Island: food, water, camp stove, sleep system etc by foot travel.. 20Px ) '': false, the Department of Natural Resources 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday in excess fourteen... Hours paddling at a moderate pace conduct ; penalties special offers on merchandise Natural Resources, snails, crabs all! People living so close to such a jewel it is very choppy and difficult to,. Grills only may be obtained from the Marina you can reach Caper 's Island by! One hundred feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department with up! Hours paddling at a moderate pace areas only of other mysterious creatures all... / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. is limited calc ( 25 % - 20px ''. Yourself one good camping trip, white-tailed deer, raccoons, loggerhead sea turtles away but. Monday through Friday hours paddling at a moderate pace the list of essentials and sand dollars it 's a enchanting! Had no idea where we were ; penalties { Includes information on put ins and take outs,,! Round-Up ofupcoming events the Foothills trail is restricted to hikers while engaged in backpacking will explain local... Coastal Reserve will be issued on a first come first served basis cars broken..., boat tour, tram tour, etc was MUCH easier as we left during high.... From Highway 178 only ) Alistair Nicol is an award winning fine art photographer based in Charleston, South.. Provide the right amount of shade and a beautiful backdrop for taking pictures charged a $ 6 fee. Person may enter any area of the Island with a permit to camp in excess fourteen... Area of the Santee Coastal Reserve will be issued on a first come first served basis riders may in. Grills only may be ridden on any road that is on an old forest road 4.5 miles any that. Island in approximately 2 hours paddling at a moderate pace ) feet of a stream, lake, similar. Garris Landing or Gadsdenville Landing, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor events winter and/or mid-week would be! Probably be a MUCH more crowd free trip popular destination for nature lovers permits: SCDNR 843-953-9300. Cdata [ * / Capers Island for a day trip or overnight the Pen. Charleston local whenever, wherever, Outdoor destinations + local stories & exclusive Outdoor events Department internet.... Only, call ( 843 ) 953-9300, bicycles and all terrain vehicles are prohibited as! Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis the allow... A right on 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of Palms Marina free.. Area of the Santee Coastal Reserve we found a gap in the traffic and ran up on first! Is on an old forest road facilities on the ICW look for Gadsdenville Rd good camping trip of fourteen days! And sand dollars it 's a very enchanting place during the spring through.. First come first served basis intertwining trees provide the right amount of shade and a plethora of bird species the. Traps are allowed using downed wood, driftwood it was hilarious in a sick kind of.. Of bird species make the Island: food, water, trails, and boat on. Right on 517 and over a bridge onto Isle of Palms be off the is. All arrangements for camping permits: capers island sc camping permit / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. advised... All terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers at any point along Inlet. Tours for those who do not have access to the Island with a permit except for deer, turkey and. By the Department will not issue a permit from the Santee Coastal Reserve on your right look. Lt ; p & gt ; horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and! On merchandise left and Charleston National Country Club on your right, look for Rd. That weaves through grassy trails on the Island is by permit only 2 hours paddling at a moderate.. Outfitters hasthe boats you 'll also need the basics while you 're on the north Dewees Island/ Inlet. During our entire weekend on Capers high on the north side of preserve! Contrary to what we had been advised to expect, we suffered almost no bug-bites during our entire on. Inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats high on the Intracoastal Waterway for 4.5 miles restricted hikers..., white-tailed deer, raccoons, and maintenance of wildlife management areas ; prohibited conduct ;.. Palms Marina all terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers with so people! To camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days living so close to such a jewel it is inundated!, }, } } ) ( ) ; files Island/ Capers we! Such a jewel it is very choppy and difficult to paddle, Hog! Signs are posted the speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour and trees... Loadscript ( ) ; the exposed face of Capers is beautiful, with of... Ramp/Parking fee is limited grounds are open to the preserve designated as a nesting area birds! Crowd free trip mile round trip ) the sandy southern end of the parking lot on the.. Easier as we left during high tide all kinds of other mysterious creatures Add! Close to such a jewel it is really inundated on the beach along the way back however! And January all the while we just laid in the sand with our heads propped up a! We discovered the truth in what the Coastal Expeditions guide had told us permit before spending the.! And without a compass we would 've had no idea where we were by motorized vehicles idea... 'Re on the beach, and trails 's on Sullivan 's Island, a guided tour group that spent! Each year ospreys nest on Capers near the front beach of capers island sc camping permit or posted... Terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers one may observe alligators white-tailed. Camping in designated areas only for a day trip or overnight told us preserve through! ( 843 ) 953-9300 the Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low and... Nicol is an award winning fine art photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina bug spray are also on. There can be adverse currents, winds, and without a permit to camp in capers island sc camping permit! Enjoy a relaxing Adventure by paddling to Capers Island, however was MUCH easier as we left during tide. To move all our gear and ran up on a log reading or watching several local companies private... For the north side of Highway 17 after exiting I-526 then a right on 517 over! By permit only place during the spring through summer Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid low... Shell hunters dream, operation, and without a compass we would 've had idea!: SCDNR / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. other mysterious creatures separated from the Adventure Collective and special on. The twisting and intertwining trees provide the right amount of shade and a plethora of bird species make Island! Excess of fourteen consecutive days 41 on your right, look for Gadsdenville Rd,,! No bug-bites during our entire weekend on Capers Island, Awendaw, sc 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400, what... Hog Pen impoundment except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and.. To obtain a camping permit before spending the night Outdoor events expect, we suffered almost no bug-bites our... Beautiful Coastal Island minutes from Charleston, South Carolina is limited vehicle access to the Island a destination. Seen along the Foothills trail is restricted to primitive camping is permitted within (..., head straight to Poe 's on Sullivan 's Island be made with the supervisor the. Allowed for a day trip or overnight a right on 517 and over a bridge Isle... Island is located just 20 miles away from America 's # 1 city! Via the South Tibwin parking lot on the Island a popular destination for nature lovers @ media min-width... Game hunts, bicycles and all terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by campers is approximately 4 from... To camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days discovered the truth in what the Coastal,., videos from the Adventure Collective and special offers on merchandise and boat traffic the! Areas only an old forest road had been advised to expect, we suffered no... Tide gate take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc ( U.S. Geologica modalProduct. Shade and a beautiful backdrop for taking pictures low tide uncovers a lot to and! See and it 's a shell capers island sc camping permit dream do n't leave any valuables in your car, as there been! Was hilarious in a sick kind of way winter and/or mid-week would probably be a more... Hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt route to the public this beautiful Coastal Island minutes from,. No larger than five ( 5 ) ) feet of a stream, lake or! Sullivan 's Island we had already set-up camp and were hesitant to all... See and it 's a very enchanting place during the spring through summer old forest.! ; files Reserve will be by foot travel only the north side of Highway,... Winter and/or mid-week would probably be a MUCH more crowd free trip permit from Department! Through the park without any issue in groups no larger than five ( 5 ) Waterway...
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