# 6 - Coon Island
Rated: Easy to Moderate
7 miles, round-trip
Coon Island is known as one of the best places
for primitive kayak/canoe camping on Lake Moultrie.
There is a beautiful beach with high ground on its
south side. Camping is permitted on a first come,
first serve basis, and the area is large enough
to support dozens of paddle campers.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Distance: 7 miles, round-trip.
Time: 2 - 3 hours, although, we recommend spending the night on this great island!
Crowds: Moderate. You're guaranteed to see boaters/anglers in this area.
Put In / Take Out: Amos Lee Gourdine Boat Ramp, Russell Store Road, St. Stephen, SC 29479. GPS: 33.402138, -79.992848 or 33°24’07.7”N, 79°59’34.3”W. PHOTO of BOAT RAMP.
Fees/Permits: None.
Current: Negligible, generally south direction.
Tidal Influence: None.
Precautions: You’ll stay close to the shoreline on most of this route. Winds can intensify on Lake Moultrie resulting in waves/whitecaps. There are hundreds of tree stumps just inches below the water’s surface. These can flip a paddler if a boat gets wedged on top. Tip: these stumps can usually be seen with polarized sunglasses.
Water Level: For this Blueway paddle trail, water level is not much of a concern because of open waters. Lake Moultrie Water Levels click HERE.
Weather on the Trail: Click HERE
Paddling Through History: Coon Island is named after the similar named "Coon Hill Plantation" that occupied the same land in the 18th century. Parts of the large land plot remained until the area was flooded in the 1940s to create Lake Moultrie.
So Much History Nearby: Did you know Berkeley County has more than 110 historical markers and historical points of interest? CLICK HERE to find your Adventures in History!
