# 6 Coon Island: E. Lake Moultrie Trail — Rated: Easy to Moderate, 7 Miles
Click Here for Downloadable Coon Island Trail Guide
Click Here for COMPLETE Downloadable Berkeley Blueways Guidebook
Summary: Coon Island is known as one of the best places for primitive camping on Lake Moultrie (locals may also call this “Coon Hill Island”). 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 many campers.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 7 miles, round-trip
Time: 2 – 3 hours; although, we recommend spending the night/camping on this great island!
Crowds: Moderate. You’re almost guaranteed to see boaters/anglers, and you’ll probably see other paddlers on the weekends.
Boat Type: Kayaks or canoes 10 feet or longer. Paddle boards are not recommended.
Put In / Take Out: Amos Lee Gourdine Boat Ramp, Russel Store Road, St. Stephen, SC 29479. GPS: 33.402138, -79.992848 or 33°24’07.7”N, 79°59’34.3”W
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.
- Primitive camping on Coon Island is fun and FREE!
- You’ll paddle across open water to get to Coon Island, but it’s easy!
- When camping on Coon Island, this will be your “back porch!”
- Canoe camping on Coon Island.
- Restful break on Coon Island.
- Camping on Coon Island.
- Because of the wide and accessible beach, this is a great paddle for large groups.
- Coone Island Map
- Coon Island Aerial
- E. Moultrie Trail Photo Overall Aerial
- E. Moultrie Trail Overall Map
East Moultrie Trail
East Moultrie Trail Aerial
East Moultrie Trail-Coon Island Section
East Moultrie Trail-Coon Island Section Aerial
Berkeley County Blueways Map
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