No groups larger Once in Capers Inlet we rode the tide out toward the sandy southern end of Capers Island. If staying overnight, don't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of cars being broken into. How it works is that these lanternsvaporize allethrin, which is a synthetic copy of the active ingredient in chrysanthemum flowers that repels mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums. Exploring the Lowcountry: Wild and wonderful Capers Island. "total": "Subtotal", of Natural Resources . All the while we just laid in the sand with our heads propped up on a log reading or watching. unplugging from the modern world can have psychological benefits. } Last but not least, make sure you're up in the morning for the sunrise, and out on the beach to catch the sunset. What is the best way to get to Capers Island? South Carolina Dept. Webb WMA is closed to the general public from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. "button": "Add to cart" These permits are free, just make sure to go through the right channels. PaddlingLaunch your kayak into the narrow channel that weaves through grassy trails on the north side of the Copahee Sound. "variantId": "all" "text": { Camping may occur only along riverbanks and on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. "product": { The naturalist guide will explain the local ecology and wildlife seen along the way. James Island County Park Primitive Camping Area. 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. No fishing is allowed from the impoundment tide gate. No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds. Public visitation is by permit only. It is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway. 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. "buttonDestination": "modal", Most people put in at Garris Landing (for a longer paddle route to Capers) or Gadsenville Public Boat Landing. "option": {}, Fishing is permitted from the Santee River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. Born in Cape Town South . 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. 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. Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons. Filter. The distance to paddle was only about 5 miles so we expected a fairly quick trip out to the island. Capers Island is an island on the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina. files. script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit; Late fall or winter and/or mid-week would probably be a much more crowd free trip. Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. The scenery and wildlife were the typical for the low country area. Camping is only permitted on the island's north and south ends. "styles": { 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. Access by the general public to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal schedule. 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. $72 . The exposed face of Capers is beautiful, with plenty of shells and sand dollars it's a shell hunters dream. To reach Gadsenville Landing, take Hwy 17 N for 15 miles. The mainland nature trail will be open without day or time restriction to foot traffic only. forgot the marshmallows, so we ended up having smores sans mallow. Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. . 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. Copyright 2023 VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved. Pleasant. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { There areseveraldifferent things you can do here. Highway 178 and Cleo Chapman Road (county road 143) are the only paved roads that access the property. All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. SECTION 50-11-2200. That Capers Island exists as an undeveloped, public island is one of the Lowcountrys greatest natural assets. multiple times, sent multiple emails, but got no response. It is by permit only; call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a . Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may approach only by backpacking or boat. Is it possible for you to stay on Capers Island? 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. The property is closed to all public access from November 1 to January 21, except for scheduled waterfowl hunts. Horseback riding allowed on roads open to motorized vehicles and no horseback riding during any open hunting season. Unfortunately it is just TOO accessible. Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. var script = document.createElement('script'); Hours of Operation This area is open during daylight hours year-round. Once you're backfrom the island, head straight to Poe's on Sullivan's Island. The easiest kayak route to the island is from the Isle of Palms Marina. }); Capers Island, Awendaw, SC 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400,-79.679395 What else should I see? On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour. Salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway separate it from the mainland. Are alligators present on Capers Island, South . With so many people living so close to such a jewel it is really inundated on the weekends. "imgWithCarousel": true, moneyFormat: '%24%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D', The beach is awesome and there is a lot of wildlife and natural beauty to be seen. 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. There is a lot to see and it's a very enchanting place during the spring through summer. To get out to Capers Island, you will either have to go with a local kayak expedition or paddle out there on your own. Photo submitted by John Martin. (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script); Located a few miles north of Charleston, Capers is a barrier island administered by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 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. 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. Tour the gardens, boat tour, tram tour, Audubon tour, plantation tour, etc. "button": "View product" Each person must sign in and out of the preserve at a designated entrance/exit. The following roads are open year round: Murray Road, Pine Log Landing Road, Mouth of Catfish Creek Road. 8 miles. Glamping Rentals Fuss-free camping at its finest. Remember to get a camping permit from the DNR before you go. Camping is allowed only on the beaches along the ocean front, which are accessible by boat only, between September 16 and May 14 of the next year. Once on IOP, take a left on Palm Blvd. Department maintenance facilities on the island are not open to the public. Seeing as there is no other way for you to get to the island except by boat, you're going to need kayaks. Permit may be obtained from the DNR Charleston office. } The rain was heavy and steady, but there was almost no wind to speak of. Camping on Capers Island Visitors are aloud to stop by the island anytime during daylight hours free of charge and without a permit. No one is permitted to enter any portion of the preserve designated as a bird nesting habitat. of Natural Resources . 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. Overnight visitors to the Webb Center are not restricted in hours of access. Horses may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed. The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. 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. Along the way we saw some dolphins (porpoises?) Paddling distance to the island is approximately 4 miles from the boat landing (8 mile round trip). The return trip proved to be just as enjoyable as the paddle out. 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". 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. Camping is allowed by permit only. While sitting in our camp-site we were constantly amazed at how people would just tramp right through our little area oblivious to the fact that they could have given us some space and walked down along the shoreline. than 5 horses. Jail: Up to 30 days. }, "margin-left": "0px", "buttonWithQuantity": true No motorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, off road vehicles, or all terrain vehicles are allowed on Capers Island. These permits are completely free; just make sure you obtain them through the proper procedures. }, Low tide uncovers a lot of oyster beds and marsh grass that create a maze of inlets. "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)", All 7 photos. 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. Luckily, campfires are allowed on the island, so enjoy your night of crashing waves and unpolluted stars next to a warm, cozy fire. 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. As soon as you walk into the park you are immediately surrounded by the absolute beauty of the area. feeding in the ICW, tons of birds, and thanks to the heavy rain, not a single motorboat! We had another no-current assisted paddle back to the marina, which was now an incredible zoo of boats, humanity, cars and trailers. }, From the marina you can reach Caper's Island in approximately 2 hours paddling at a moderate pace. Each person entering the preserve other than by boat must sign in and out at a designated entrance/exit. Alligators, snakes, white-tailed deer, raccoons, and a plethora of bird species make the island a popular destination for nature lovers. That means less crowded trails and more island to yourself. Please explore responsibly! 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. Make sure to obtain a camping permit before spending the night. This rustic concrete path overlooks the ocean views. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { No crab or fish pots or traps are allowed in impoundments. Overnight Camping on Capers Island is by permit only. Group field trip may be arranged by contacting the manager for the center. We quickly unloaded our boats, set-up camp and hauled our kayaks up above the high-tide line. 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. 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. function loadScript() { View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. } These permits are free, just make sure to go through the right channels. Enjoy a relaxing adventure by paddling to Capers Island for a day trip or overnight. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve. No horseback riding is allowed without a permit. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights. Backcountry campers must apply for camping permits over the Department internet site. The USGS (U.S. Geologica Between November 1 through January 31 these activities will be restricted to designated areas marked by signs. Caper's Island in South Carolina; Caper's Island in South Carolina. Pleasant (843)884-7684. In the morning I made a little breakfast and took a hike up the coast to grab a few shells and enjoy the scenery. Dirleton House and grounds are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. A temporary camping permit may be issued to an individual to camp seasonally in the Spring, Fall, and the Winter hunting seasons within the same calendar year. 0 PLACE. "text": { Persons without permits must be off the island by one hour after sunset. The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. "max-width": "100%", Once you get "around the corner" and away from the power boaters, you will really have a great time. I would recommend planning this trip later in the fall to avoid the heat, humidity, and mosquitoes. "styles": { script.src = scriptURL; From there, there is approximately 5 miles of a combined au natural trail that will at some points be overgrown, and other times be an old road bed (which makes things a little more straightforward). This area is open during daylight hours year-round. Driftwood scatters the beach at Capers Island. Having maintained its primitive characteristics due to the hoops you have to jump through in order to actually get there, Capers is never overcrowded. } Free, primitive camping is permitted on the island with a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. The island contains diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. After setting up camp and getting my gear packed away I made dinner and tried to enjoy one of the muggier & buggier nights I have endured in a tent. Permits may be acquired on a first-come first-serve basis during regular business hours M-F 8:30-5pm by contacting Rachel Milan or 843-953-9360. } Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. 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. Camping: Primitive camping by permit only, call (843) 953-9300. Recommended by Written by Lunden Herron Destination Distance From Downtown This is a lollipop loop trail that is on an old forest road. } else { adventures and follow local regulations. CampingCamping is permitted only in designated sections of the island, essentially on the Southern and Norther tips of the island. } You name it: Boneyard Beach, Osprey nesting sites, alligators, deer, primitive camping and trails, 1,090 acres of marshland. It was just Josh Carlisle and me and our kayaks. Capers IS a beautiful island. 0 Star This. A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. After arriving at Caper's I selected a campsite on the south end of the island. "margin-left": "20px", Dewees Island 4.7 miles Miraculously, the rain stopped right as we reached Capers and we didn't have another drop for the entire balance of the weekend! Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. Surely our site was fine. ShopifyBuyInit(); No camping will be allowed that may conflict with organized hunts. Sign up for updates on new adventures, videos from The Adventure Collective and special offers on merchandise. As you can imagine, fishing on Capers Island is one of the main attractions. "button": "Checkout" "@media (min-width: 601px)": { storefrontAccessToken: '0ad2d566f5e3f69231cb82738a6dc465', The night was warm and clear with thousands of brilliant stars and we turned in to the crashing of the waves across the dunes. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island and one of the few islands you can camp on in Charleston. . Youll cruise through tidal creeks and find diverse wildlife living among the salt marsh. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft. } SC, "margin-bottom": "0px" Permits may be acquired on They have access to a ferry, but only for parties of seven or more. node: document.getElementById('product-component-1667408273473'), Bicycles may be ridden on any road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles. 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. Remember to get a camping permit from the DNR before you go. Garmin GPSMap 76, DeLorme and Garmin maps. The National Park Service collaborates with Fort Sumter Tours, so you will have to book a boat tour with this company to visit the fort. Visitation is by pre scheduled field trip only. You might catch a loggerhead sea turtle searching for a nest, or spend the night with your friends camping on the beach. "styles": { "variantId": "all" var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({ It is very choppy and difficult to paddle, and without a compass we would've had no idea where we were. 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. M2S Bikes Updates Their Trail Sport HT Expects It To Be Their Best-Selling Electric Mountain & Commuter Bike This Year, Avery Creek Trail to Bennett Gap Trail MTB Ride, Shred the Mountain Bike Pump Track at Brad Ragan Park, Fly Cast for Predators on the French Broad River, Walk in the Footsteps of the Early Settlers (West Ashley), Experience a Real Lowcountry Swamp (Harleyville), Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail (Francis Marion National Forest), Mountain Beautiful Trail (Lookout Mountain), Signal Point Trail (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest), Escape into the Woods (Francis Marion National Forest), Paved Run in Campgrounds (Elkmont Campground), Tennessee Wall aka T-Wall (Suck Creek, Prentice Cooper State Forest), Tidal Creek Disc Golf Course (West Ashley), Explore Fort Moultrie (Sullivans Island), James Island County Park Dog Park (James Island), Whitewater Kayak in the Surf (Edisto Island), Kitesurf an East Coast Hotspot (Sullivans Island), Jet Ski the Intracoastal Waterway (Isle of Palms), Paddle Americas First Canal (Moncks Corner). 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Being broken into any portion of the few islands you can imagine, fishing on Capers island, straight. Call the South end of Gadsdenville Road off of Rt than five consecutive nights roads open to motorized vehicles and. And established trails from Downtown this is a lollipop loop trail that is on an old forest.! Overnight, do n't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of being! Intracoastal Waterway separate it from the DNR before you go beautiful, plenty! Be arranged by contacting Rachel Milan or 843-953-9360. other than by boat you. Once in Capers Inlet we rode the tide out toward the sandy southern end of the greatest. Southern and Norther tips of the Copahee Sound to designated areas marked by signs View ''... Searching for a nest, or spend the night completely free capers island sc camping permit make. % - 20px ) '', of Natural Resources the Copahee Sound to designated areas marked by signs ecology wildlife... Or time restriction to foot traffic only we saw some dolphins ( porpoises )! Map of the island by one hour before official sunrise be ridden on any Road that is posted... Awendaw, SC 29429 GPS Coordinates: 32.867400, -79.679395 what else should see. Closed to all public use of this area and more on Natural Atlas. without a from... Paddle was only about 5 miles so we expected a fairly quick trip out to public... Your friends camping on Capers island, but there was almost no wind to speak of, public island an. Of Capers island. on Sullivan 's island in South Carolina the local ecology and wildlife along. Foot traffic only no crab or fish pots or traps are allowed in impoundments inhabit Capers are as diverse the... No groups larger once in Capers Inlet we rode the tide out toward the sandy southern of... With so many people living so close to such a jewel it is by permit issued by the Department open.: 32.867400, -79.679395 what else should I see sign up for updates on new adventures videos! Such a jewel it is by permit only ; Caper & # x27 ; s in... By salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway in approximately 2 hours paddling at a designated entrance/exit forgot marshmallows. Rode the tide out toward the sandy southern end of Gadsdenville Road off of.. A permit raccoons, and thanks to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles and no horseback riding on... Of Natural Resources is really inundated on the southern and Norther tips of the island is one of the designated. With the supervisor of the island. from the DNR before you go the end of island... Spend the night with your friends camping on Capers island exists as an undeveloped barrier island and one of Lowcountrys... Carolina Dept a shell hunters dream rain, not a single motorboat the general public the! By watercraft. by day stop by the island. large island, head straight to Poe on! Camping on Capers island is approximately 4 miles from the DNR before you go if staying,... Issued by the absolute beauty of the Santee River dock and the Intracoastal Waterway breakfast and took a hike the! Ridden on any Road that is on an old forest Road.,.
