Photo courtesy of Monique de Latour.

SPIRIT ISLAND CAMPOUT:
GUIDED TRIP OPTION
    Need to get away for the weekend, but don't want to go too far from home? Spirit Island, on the Haw River, is an ideal place to shed the stresses of an urban lifestyle and enjoy isolation, beautiful scenery and plenty of birds and wildlife.
    Beginning at Saxapahaw, we paddle 4.5 miles to the island on a river segment free from rapids, but home to great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beavers, turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks, belted kingfishers and an occasional bald eagle.
    At the island, we'll set up tents on one of two camping platforms and soak up the surroundings before an evening meal. After breakfast the next day, we'll paddle back to Saxapahaw by noon.
    Fee: $75 per person with the canoe provided, or $65 per person for those bringing their own boat. For a detailed description of camping options, click here (80K PDF).

SPIRIT ISLAND CAMPOUT:
SELF-GUIDED OPTION
    The weekend escape to Spirit Island also is available as a self-guided tour. As with the guided trip, all guests must provide for their own sanitation and will be required to "tread lightly on the land."
    If you pack it in, you'll be required to pack it out. No open fires are permitted. No disturbing birds and wildlife, and no destruction to plants, shrubs and trees. The island is a natural area, protected by conservation easement, and maintained as a refuge for all who visit.
    Canoe rental is available for those who prefer not to bring their own boat. Canoe rental fees: $60 for the first day and $35 for the second day.
    Camping fees: $10 per person per night, with the possibility of guests from more than one party sharing a platform, or $50 per night to reserve an entire platform for up to six people. Reservations are required.
    For a detailed description of camping options, click here (80K PDF).

For information about Spirit Island, click here.

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