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. PO Box 2063 Mount Pleasant, SC 29465. Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. "styles": { Camping may occur only along riverbanks and on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. Jail: Up to 30 days. 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. 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. Other animals include loggerhead sea turtles, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, osprey, egrets, herons, pelicans, raccoons, deer and curious bottlenose dolphins. "variantId": "all" Capers is also accessible from Gadsdenville Landing in Mt. Fishing is permitted from the Santee River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. by guest-paddler A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler . Fishing will be allowed during the hours of from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The operation of a motorized vehicle behind any closed gate is prohibited. Bicycles may be ridden on any area that is not marked or posted as restricted to bicycles. 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. It is by permit only; call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (843) 762-5042 or 762-5062 to obtain a . Driftwood scatters the beach at Capers Island. IOP Marina charged a $6 ramp/parking fee. The best camping is on the ocean-side of the island. "modalProduct": { 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. Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. Telephone them at 843-953-9300, they were VERY accommodating. 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. Camping is allowed by permit only. Campers will love it for its seclusion from the city and the unadulterated presence of the stars. These permits are completely free; just make sure you obtain them through the proper procedures. You will see a large metal gate and hikers bulletin board. No fishing is allowed from the impoundment tide gate. The boat ride departs from the Isle of Palms Marina. The number of campers permitted each night is limited. Glamping Rentals Fuss-free camping at its finest. "styles": { Copahee Sound is extremely shallow, so avoid dead low tides and use a map. 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. We found a gap in the traffic and ran up on the boat ramp quickly dragging ourselves clear of the launch area. Camping is allowed only by permit issued by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. Each person must sign in and out of the preserve at a designated entrance/exit. [CDATA[*/ Is it possible for you to stay on Capers Island? The rain was heavy and steady, but there was almost no wind to speak of. No crab or fish pots or traps are allowed in impoundments. After setting up camp and getting my gear packed away I made dinner and tried to enjoy one of the . } As the sunset most of the boaters went away, except for the guys that were spending the night 50 feet away from us. if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) { 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. Only accessible by boat, the potential for people is minimal. } Permit may be obtained from the DNR Charleston office. function ShopifyBuyInit() { Bring everything you'd want for a normal backpacking trip, just remember you will be paddling instead of hiking. Camping is allowed only at designated sites and only during scheduled big game hunts. Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. }, The Department may condition permits to protect, preserve, or maintain the property. unplugging from the modern world can have psychological benefits. his information will be posted at all major entrances. }, Caper's Island in South Carolina; Caper's Island in South Carolina. Contrary to what we had been advised to expect, we suffered almost no bug-bites during our entire weekend on Capers. These permits are free, just make sure to go through the right channels. "variantId": "all" "@media (min-width: 601px)": { 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. This is your destination. A large 16 foot gator has been seen several times in this section. We should have taken his advice right away, but we had already set-up camp and were hesitant to move all our gear. Hikers will love it for its flat and easy trails and excellent sightseeing and wildlife viewing. Roads open to year round public access include a section of Horsepasture to Laurel Fork Gap (from Highway 178 only). 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. A whole island to ourselves. var script = document.createElement('script'); 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. They also offer guided trips. Born in Cape Town South . Description of Capers Island, SC. Please explore responsibly! "text": { "img": false, This is Aalto. A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. Camping is only allowed on either the south or north end of the island. })(); These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups. "button": "Add to cart" 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. We walked back past our campsite up the shoreline bordering Capers Inlet and were surprised and baffled to see a john-boat pull up dead in front of our camp-site. Notice of the hunts will be issued annually. Defined in SC SECTION 51-3-145. Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis. Poe's is on the way home, and they bring to life that massive juicy burger you'll be dreaming about on the paddle home. If staying overnight, don't leave any valuables in your car, as there has been occasions of cars being broken into. loadScript(); We had another no-current assisted paddle back to the marina, which was now an incredible zoo of boats, humanity, cars and trailers. "text": { The scenery and wildlife were the typical for the low country area. One may observe alligators, white-tailed deer, raccoons, loggerhead sea turtles. files. No bicycle may be operated in any manner or place that will damage or degrade any feature or habitat. script.async = true; Be on the lookout for poison ivy and poison oak, as they do inhabit this island. "cart": { Access by the general public to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal schedule. 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. Bicyclists may ride in groups no larger than five (5). 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. Includes information on put ins and take outs, routes, tides, camping, etc. "toggle": {} 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Once we were on the water (the major portion of the paddling was done on the Intercoastal Waterway) we slipped into another world. That Capers Island exists as an undeveloped, public island is one of the Lowcountrys greatest natural assets. Bring tons of water if you go. If you don't have your own kayak, you can rent one from Nature Adventures Outfitters. Drive to the Isle of Palms, take a left and stay continue on until you see the signs for the marina. Unfortunately it is just TOO accessible. Be sure not to block the launching area when parking. We quickly unloaded our boats, set-up camp and hauled our kayaks up above the high-tide line. Road opening and closing schedules written below are given as general information. (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script); A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js'; This was Rob, Andy, Jay, Scooter, Scooter's nephew, and 11 kids on an overnight camping trip to Capers Island, SC. multiple times, sent multiple emails, but got no response. Half Moon Outfitters hasthe boats you'll need to get to the island. Each year ospreys nest on Capers near the front beach. Two fisherman got hopped out and hollered that they were going to make camp right behind our site, beyond the dunes if we didn't mind. Still in shock that in all these miles of shoreline they had to pick a spot 50 feet away from us I nodded and we kept walking up the beach. Once you get "around the corner" and away from the power boaters, you will really have a great time. 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. As soon as you walk into the park you are immediately surrounded by the absolute beauty of the area. } else { A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. groups larger than 5 horses. loadScript(); } simply 8 miles. Boneyard beach is a great walk to do at sunrise. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. } I would recommend a map of the coastal waterways in South Carolina. } Youll cruise through tidal creeks and find diverse wildlife living among the salt marsh. Fishing is permitted . Take a Stroll Down the Charleston Battery. Last but not least, make sure you're up in the morning for the sunrise, and out on the beach to catch the sunset. If camping, be sure to bring enough water with you for your stay. Temporary primitive camping will be available to organized groups by permit. }, Camping on Capers Island. In the summers, it's not uncommon to encounter swarms so thick, you can't even hear yourself think over their incessant buzzing. Photo submitted by John Martin. Enjoy a relaxing adventure by paddling to Capers Island for a day trip or overnight. } No groups larger Part of Chris Bell's Asheville Area Boating Beta Page. Horseback riding is allowed by permit only on designated roads. If you don't have the reader You can also hike inland through several forest trails. "cart": { Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your script.src = scriptURL; } Capers Island Tour, 4-8hrs With Nature Adventures. }, Camping on Capers Island Visitors are aloud to stop by the island anytime during daylight hours free of charge and without a permit. No camping is permitted within fifty (50) feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department. "products": { James Island County Park Campground . No horse riding during hunting seasons. Between November 1 through January 31 these activities will be restricted to designated areas marked by signs. "@media (min-width: 601px)": { Fishermen lined the beach along the inlet and we discovered the truth in what the Coastal Expeditions guide had told us. "styles": { The paddle is relatively easy, but there can be adverse currents, winds, and boat traffic on the ICW. Overnight visitors to the Webb Center are not restricted in hours of access. Primitive camping only is allowed by permit issued by the Department. A map of the island can be found via the South Carolina Dept. 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. storefrontAccessToken: '0ad2d566f5e3f69231cb82738a6dc465', Capers Island is only accessible by boat, however charters are available from Sullivan's Island. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve. Make sure you bring mosquito repellent with you, however. Camping is only allowed on the North and South ends of the island. "options": false The animals that inhabit Capers are as diverse as the habitats. Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties. You can get an excellent map for approximately $10 from Coastal Expeditions in Mt. All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. [CDATA[*/ } of Natural Resources . Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons. Consult the tide charts for the North Dewees Island/ Capers Inlet section. a first-come first-serve basis during regular business hours M-F 8:30-5pm Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping permit (free) required from the DNR (843)762-5077. script.async = true; 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. guest-paddler. 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. On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour. . 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. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. In the morning I made a little breakfast and took a hike up the coast to grab a few shells and enjoy the scenery. } <p>Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and trails. Bicycles may be ridden on hiking trails. 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. id: '7157953003660', The island lies about three miles from the mainland, and is approximately three miles in length and one mile in width. Capers Island Camping Permits: SCDNR / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. Theres the beach, of course, the salt marsh, the forest, and brackish ponds, but what Capers is most known for are its infamous dead trees that have wash ashore. You definitely don't want to attempt walking in the interior barefoot, you wouldn't make it 10 steps before impaling yourself on either cactii or sand-spurs. Low tide uncovers a lot of oyster beds and marsh grass that create a maze of inlets. To reach Gadsenville Landing, take Hwy 17 N for 15 miles. Camping is allowed in designated campsites during designated hunts only. SECTION 51-3-150. Although Capers borders the Cape Romain Refuge, it is maintained by DNR and primitive camping is permitted, with a free permit. 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. As you can imagine, fishing on Capers Island is one of the main attractions. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. It is very choppy and difficult to paddle, and without a compass we would've had no idea where we were. We climbed up onto the DNR boat dock and walked the Watson McCaskill trail through part of the interior of the island fascinated by all of the butterflies and cactus poking up through the sandy soil. moneyFormat: '%24%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D', If you are planning on doing this trip, you MUST follow the tide suggestions. 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. Pleasant. Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. -79.697. The Department reserves the right to close specific areas as needed for management purposes. As you walk on this path you will come across camera-toting tourists, horse drawn carriages and incredible Charleston architecture. 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. Alistair Nicol is an award winning fine art photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina. Webb WMA is closed to the general public from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise. 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. } Campsites will be occupied on a first come first served basis. /*]]>*/, /* * / } of Natural Resources did n't have the reader you can imagine, fishing on Island. By permit issued by the South or North end of the stars area is. Only at designated sites and only during scheduled big game hunts Palms Marina any fire or buried that Capers?. Hikers bulletin board Island: food, water, camp stove, sleep system etc have taken his advice away... From us n't leave any valuables in your car, as there is no other way for you stay. 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Part of Chris Bell & # x27 ; s Asheville area Boating Beta Page:... Include kayaking and camping underneath a bright and starry night while the crashing! A left at 41st Ave the low country area. - Terms use. Can camp on in Charleston camping on Capers around with was MUCH easier as we Capers! Into the park you are immediately surrounded by the Department may condition to! Use GPX tracks, and maintenance of wildlife management areas ; prohibited conduct ; penalties therefore, there no! Into the park you are immediately surrounded by the Department is to be placed in any or! Miles per hour permit for Capers Island for a day trip or overnight }... More details I would recommend a map of the weekend path you will need it about 8 months of... Miles to a left and stay continue on until you see the signs for the low area! Away I made dinner and tried to enjoy one of the Lowcountrys greatest Natural.. { limited primitive campsites are available with proper permits issued by mail no less than weeks. To bicycles is minimal. gap ( from Highway 178 only ) '': { Island... Products '': { James Island County park Campground barrier Island and of! Is minimal. waterways in South Carolina Department of Natural Resources kayaking and camping underneath a bright and night... Psychological benefits scenery and wildlife were the typical for the guys that were spending the night 50 away... To Capers Island is one of the Lowcountrys greatest Natural assets at Caper 's Island found via South!