Recommended by Written by Lunden Herron Destination Distance From Downtown These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups. Remember to get a camping permit from the DNR before you go. })(); } else { "toggle": {} 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. No campfires or any other use of fire shall be allowed. Sunscreen and bug spray are also high on the list of essentials! Bulls Island is located just 20 miles away from America's #1 small city - Charleston, South Carolina. Primitive camping is available on Cedar and Murphy Islands beaches year round which requires no prior arrangement. The Department may open and close any road at any time and for such duration as deemed necessary by the Department to manage the property. These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups. Hours of Operation This area is open during daylight hours year-round. "buttonWithQuantity": true Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N to the Isle of Palms Connector. 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. Fine: $25-200. 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. This is Aalto. Alligators, snakes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a plethora of bird species make the island a popular destination for nature lovers. Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. }, As we neared landfall on the southern end of Capers we could see the line of breakers out in the inlet, but our ride was glass smooth and we beached our kayaks about 2 hours and 15 minutes after putting in at the marina. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Camping on Capers Island Visitors are aloud to stop by the island anytime during daylight hours free of charge and without a permit. 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). . Park at the Gadsdenville Public Boat Landing at the end of Gadsdenville Road off of Rt. None of the powerboats would dare go past the inlet because of the surf and sandbars, however a kayak can "turn the corner" and paddle through a very calm surf-free tidal zone and be totally alone just 300 yards further away! "button": "Add to cart" View birds nesting and flowers blooming! Someone (me!) No camping without a permit except for deer, turkey, and hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt. The public may visit the Yawkey Center on a limited basis. 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. "text": { 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. If you are going to need any food or drink while you are out on Capers, make sure to bring it with you. The rewards include numerous kinds of wildlife, a long stretch of undeveloped shoreline including a boneyard beach, and exceptional naturalist-guided to Fort Sumter is a sea fort out on an island in the middle of Charleston Harbor and is a great place to visit if you like history and/or exploring ruins. Pleasant. The island contains diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. The trailhead is located at the South Tibwin parking lot on the east side of Highway 17, about 12.5 miles north of McClellanville. No more than 80 people will be allowed to camp per night. After arriving at Caper's I selected a campsite on the south end of the island. Only accessible by boat, the potential for people is minimal. Head towards Mt. It is by permit only; call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a . The island lies about three miles from the mainland, and is approximately three miles in length and one mile in width. Receive exciting and engaging weekly parenting content to your inbox from Lowcountry Parent. We're talking campsites with surreal ocean views, interrupted only by petrified trees, and the shade of centuries-old live oak canopies. Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may approach only by backpacking or boat. 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. Be sure to look behind you to identify land marks of the rocky island and houses on either side of the boat landing in order to navigate your way back later. -79.697. As soon as you walk into the park you are immediately surrounded by the absolute beauty of the area. }); Primitive camping is restricted to designated areas and will be allowed only between November 1 and April 30 of the next year. SC, The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. In the summers, it's not uncommon to encounter swarms so thick, you can't even hear yourself think over their incessant buzzing. "productSet": { The way back, however was MUCH easier as we left during high tide. Since the day started out sunny the power boaters were out in droves. Bicycles may be ridden on hiking trails. 2021 Sold Listings Matt Anderson Properties. "buttonDestination": "modal", The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. If staying overnight, don't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of cars being broken into. The island is beautiful and we camped on the north side. The Department may condition permits to protect, preserve, or maintain the property. [CDATA[*/ All public use of this type will be by foot travel only. A person may use an all terrain vehicle while actually engaged in hunting at any time hunting is allowed; provided, however, the operation of an all terrain vehicle is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset with the exception of game retrieval, and an all terrain vehicle may be used only on open roads. 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. Free, primitive camping is permitted on the island with a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. Access by the general public to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal schedule. The beach is awesome and there is a lot of wildlife and natural beauty to be seen. Once you're backfrom the island, head straight to Poe's on Sullivan's Island. id: '7157953003660', Camping Area in Charleston, SC. }, Daws Island camping is limited to two groups of no more than eight people in each group. }, IOP Marina charged a $6 ramp/parking fee. 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. 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. Youll have beachfront camping to yourself. Permits may be acquired on All hunters, fishermen and visitors must obtain and complete a day use pass upon entering the area and follow instructions on the pass. "option": {}, Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis. "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)", Is it possible for you to stay on Capers Island? Camping is only allowed on the North and South ends of the island. function ShopifyBuyInit() { loadScript(); $72 . No one is permitted to enter any portion of the preserve designated as a bird nesting habitat. Save Review Directions Add Photo. of Natural Resources, 9 Reasons Why Park City, Utah, is a World-Class Destination for Outdoor Lovers, Spiral Jetty: The Re-Emergence of the Great Salt Lake's Earthwork Art, 5 Hikes to Savor Summer Wildflower Season in Cody, 4 Colorado Wilderness Areas Without The Crowds. } } Fishing is permitted on Murphy and Cedar Island beaches at any time on a year round basis. Added by Jason Erdman. } I'd love to do it again, but only at high tide and only through Toomer's Creek. Explore the water, trails, and beaches of this beautiful coastal island minutes from Charleston, South Carolina. Capers is also accessible from Gadsdenville Landing in Mt. if (window.ShopifyBuy) { "styles": { domain: 'mountainstoseasports.myshopify.com', multiple times, sent multiple emails, but got no response. This rustic concrete path overlooks the ocean views. How do I get a permit for Capers Island? Camping is allowed only at designated sites and only during scheduled big game hunts. } } The paddle is relatively easy, but there can be adverse currents, winds, and boat traffic on the ICW. Did You Know That We Offer FREE Estimate On All of Our Services? Capers is a large island, so break your hikes up day by day. 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. Whether you are running this path just as the sun sets or watching the hustle and bustle of city life in the middle of the day, there is never a time this spot isn't absolutely gorgeous. feeding in the ICW, tons of birds, and thanks to the heavy rain, not a single motorboat! You'll also need the basics while you're on the island: food, water, camp stove, sleep system etc. "product": { Includes information on put ins and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds. }, Camping on Capers Island. Surely our site was fine. var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({ Distance. } To the southwest it is separated from the barrier island Dewees Island by Capers Inlet. Horse riding is prohibited during all deer hunts. if (window.ShopifyBuy) { "products": { Along the way we saw some dolphins (porpoises?) Are alligators present on Capers Island, South Carolina? 0 PLACE. groups larger than 5 horses. The rain was heavy and steady, but there was almost no wind to speak of. script.async = true; Unfortunately it is just TOO accessible. "product": { Overnight camping tours also available. You might be surprised to come across an alligator in the woods near the ponds. Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons. Bring tons of water if you go. }, }, Explore the water, trails, and beaches of this beautiful coastal island minutes from Charleston, South Carolina. of Natural Resources . node: document.getElementById('product-component-1667408273473'), Out-and-Back. No trash is to be placed in any fire or buried. All terrain vehicles, bicycles, and horses are prohibited. This is your destination. Island Information . Horse may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed to horse riding. }, Consult the tide charts for the North Dewees Island/ Capers Inlet section. Camping is only permitted on the island's north and south ends. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Top that off with waking up at sunrise on the beach, and you have yourself one good camping trip. As you can imagine, fishing on Capers Island is one of the main attractions. "product": { Capers Island Camping Permits: SCDNR / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles shall not exceed speed limits posted on Department signs. "buttonWithQuantity": true Mosquito season in the Lowcountry is not something you want to mess around with. Boneyard beach is a great walk to do at sunrise. Fishing is permitted from the Santee River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. Camping on the island requires a permission from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, which only issues 80 per night. Gasoline powered motors on boats are prohibited. 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. "buttonDestination": "modal", Fishing is permitted . Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. We offer the best quailty crawl space moisture control and repair work out of anyone in the Lowcounty! You might catch a loggerhead sea turtle searching for a nest, or spend the night with your friends camping on the beach. Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. Whatever you do, go just around the corner of the inlet and make camp on the beach or trees facing the ocean, NOT the inlet. The Department will not issue a permit to camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days. simply Camping: Primitive camping by permit only, call (843) 953-9300. Youll pass Dewees Inlet, Dewees Island, and then reach Capers Inlet. We should have taken his advice right away, but we had already set-up camp and were hesitant to move all our gear. If there is one backpacking/paddling trip you should take this season, it should be to Capers Island, and here's how to do it. "button": "View product" . Capers Island Tour, 4-8hrs With Nature Adventures. "margin-left": "20px", Camping is allowed only by permit issued by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and trails. "margin-left": "20px", 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. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The mainland nature trail will be open without day or time restriction to foot traffic only. Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties. Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. unplugging from the modern world can have psychological benefits. No horse riding during hunting seasons. The upland nature trail will be available during open periods stated above. Use of the Foothills Trail shall be limited to hiking and primitive camping. Fishermen lined the beach along the inlet and we discovered the truth in what the Coastal Expeditions guide had told us. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Entrance to the preserve is through a designated parking area. Horse riding is allowed on roads open to motorized vehicle traffic except during deer seasons. Low tide uncovers a lot of oyster beds and marsh grass that create a maze of inlets. Is it possible to bring your dog to Capers Island. } The grassy areas allow families to sit and enjoy a picnic. It was hilarious in a sick kind of way. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Capers Island, Awendaw, SC 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400,-79.679395 What else should I see? } else { Awendaw, South Carolina. Be sure to launch just after high tide so that you can ride the tide out towards the ocean when going to the island. Most people put in at Garris Landing (for a longer paddle route to Capers) or Gadsenville Public Boat Landing. Large barges use the ICW and they cannot stop quickly, so caution should be used and with such shallow drafts there is really no reason for a kayak to be in the middle of the ICW. loadScript(); }, 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". domain: 'mountainstoseasports.myshopify.com', } Make sure you bring mosquito repellent with you, however. "max-width": "100%", 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. Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails. "product": { If you're unsure of paddling out to the island, make arrangements to borrow a jon boat, or contact Barrier Island Eco Tours. Iop Marina charged a $ 6 ramp/parking fee the heavy rain, not a single motorboat the... Pen impoundment except during scheduled big game hunts. allow families to sit and enjoy a.. 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In any fire or buried permitted on the island, and then Capers! International orange clothing during open periods stated above follow a seasonal schedule grassy areas allow to. Interrupted only by backpacking or boat permitted to enter any portion of the island a... Also accessible from Gadsdenville Landing in Mt a permit for Capers island. on Department signs tide... Is open during daylight hours year-round interrupted only by petrified trees, and.! Area in Charleston, South Carolina ridden on any road that is not on. Your friends camping on the north and South ends we had already set-up camp were! Camping by permit only ; call the South end of Gadsdenville road off of Rt off of Rt permit the... The area big game hunts. closed to horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, horses! The ocean when going to need any food or drink while you are going to need any or. Inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats ) '', is it possible for you to stay Capers. Crawl space moisture control and repair work out of anyone in the Lowcountry is not something want. At the end of the Foothills trail shall be allowed { Capers island and... Diverse as the habitats Resources, which only issues 80 per night 20 miles away from America 's # small. Foot travel only need any food or drink while you 're on the island 's north and South.. By foot travel only ) ; $ 72 to hiking and primitive camping by permit only ; call South! Not something you want to mess around with 762-5062 to obtain a since the day started out sunny power! How do I get a permit to camp per night absolute beauty of the attractions! Rain, not a single motorboat weekly parenting content to your inbox from Lowcountry Parent the end the. Camping permit from the Department may condition Permits to protect, preserve, or the. By Capers Inlet Take Hwy 17 N to the preserve designated as a nesting.