Once we were on the water (the major portion of the paddling was done on the Intercoastal Waterway) we slipped into another world. "margin-left": "-20px" "product": { } The sun will greet you in the morning while you watch the world awaken from afar. "productSet": { 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. "productSet": { Salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway separate it from the mainland. }, [CDATA[*/ (function () { }); Last but not least, make sure you're up in the morning for the sunrise, and out on the beach to catch the sunset. After arriving at Caper's I selected a campsite on the south end of the island. guest-paddler. Be sure not to block the launching area when parking. click here You can also hike inland through several forest trails. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve. 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. "product": { unplugging from the modern world can have psychological benefits. (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script); Notice of the hunts will be issued annually. } his information will be posted at all major entrances. Dogs are not permitted. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft. The tidal pools hold small fish, snails, crabs and all kinds of other mysterious creatures. It is separated from the mainland by salt marshes and the Intracoastal Waterway. Mosquito season in the Lowcountry is not something you want to mess around with. Half Moon Outfitters hasthe boats you'll need to get to the island. })(); Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. Be sure to get up early to catch the amazing sunrise while camping on the beach! 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. Bring tons of water if you go. } "margin-bottom": "50px" Capers Island Camping Permits: SCDNR / 843-953-9300 / www.dnr.sc.gov. Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. Paddling distance to the island is approximately 4 miles from the boat landing (8 mile round trip). <p>Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and trails. "total": "Subtotal", Pleasant (843)884-7684. The mainland nature trail will be open without day or time restriction to foot traffic only. Directions: Capers Island is only accessible by boat and anchoring at the dock on Capers Inlet (Marker 99 ICWW). } 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. Capers Island is an undeveloped barrier island and one of the few islands you can camp on in Charleston. "option": {}, PaddlingLaunch your kayak into the narrow channel that weaves through grassy trails on the north side of the Copahee Sound. The preserve is closed to use except by permit. No motorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, off road vehicles, or all terrain vehicles are allowed on Capers Island. You'll need the free Adobe Reader to view these by guest-paddler A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler . Defined in SC SECTION 51-3-145. Caper's Island in South Carolina; Caper's Island in South Carolina. Gate color can may be changed as discretion of SCDNR. Just your thoughts and perhaps a wary eye on the local alligator. Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N to the Isle of Palms Connector. The Foothills Trail passes through portions of the Jocassee Gorges. Youll have beachfront camping to yourself. With the roll of thunder accompanying us we glided past the piled up oyster shells lining the banks of the ICW. These permits are completely free; just make sure you obtain them through the proper procedures. 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. Camping is allowed only at designated sites and only during scheduled big game hunts. The return trip proved to be just as enjoyable as the paddle out. to download the reader and then return here. } Along the way we saw some dolphins (porpoises?) 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. /*]]>*/. View all 7 photos. var script = document.createElement('script'); Part of Chris Bell's Asheville Area Boating Beta Page. The Department may condition permits to protect, preserve, or maintain the property. Photo submitted by John Martin. of Natural Resources will fax or e-mail you a free camping permit. Horse riding is allowed only on designated trails. They have access to a ferry, but only for parties of seven or more. These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups. simply 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. node: document.getElementById('product-component-1667408342563'), ShopifyBuyInit(); Capers Island Tour, 4-8hrs With Nature Adventures. A large 16 foot gator has been seen several times in this section. }); Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers. Although, if you want to camp overnight you must obtain a free DNR permit. Park at the Gadsdenville Public Boat Landing at the end of Gadsdenville Road off of Rt. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your 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. Directions from Charleston: Take Hwy 17 N to the Isle of Palms Connector. The SC Dept. Establishment, operation, and maintenance of wildlife management areas; prohibited conduct; penalties. In one scenario, you're misusing a public park, disregarding it's restrictions on public use. Primitive camping only is allowed. Late fall or winter and/or mid-week would probably be a much more crowd free trip. Seasonal closures are in place to protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds during the spring, summer, and fall. The Adventure Collective publishes a series of outdoor adventure sports guides to adventures in Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Chattanooga, Charleston and The Great Smoky Mountains. Bicyclists may ride in groups no larger than five (5). Drive to the Isle of Palms, take a left and stay continue on until you see the signs for the marina. I don't think there is any filterable fresh water on the island. }, "products": { . 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. "margin-bottom": "0px" Capers IS a beautiful island. var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js'; "toggle": {} One footpath on the Southern part of the island leads to a large fresh water impoundment, which is a great place to catch a glimpse of a sun-bathing alligator. /*]]>*/, /*