Kiawah Island. South Carolina
A True Relaxation Station – Let’s Hurry Up And Do Nothing!
Kiawah is a sea island, or barrier island, on the Atlantic coast of the United States. Located 25 miles southwest of Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina, it is primarily a private beach and golf resort
Nature lovers unite on this barrier island on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean 21 miles south of Charleston. Brimming with lush foliage at every glance, Kiawah Island has ten miles of wide sandy beaches, 123 acres of parks, 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, and world-class golf courses.
To get a true sense of the beauty of Kiawah Island venture to Marsh Island Park where you’ll be rewarded with stunning scenic views atop the Marsh Island Lookout Tower of the Kiawah River, saltwater marshes, and island hammocks.
Visit the Nature Center
Open daily, the Heron Park Nature Center is located in Night Heron Park.
The Nature Center is the heart of the Resort’s Nature Program and is a great first stop to get information about the various activities, or to make reservations for nature tours and programs.
Inside the Heron Park Nature Center, you will find exhibits of the local wildlife, interactive displays and information about the ecosystems that comprise Kiawah Island.
Resort naturalists and staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have and help direct you to Kiawah’s nature hot spots.
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Towers
Check Out Some Terrific Views of the Island from the two towers that overlook the marsh. Marsh View Tower is located at the end of Marsh Hawk Lane.
It overlooks the Cougar Point golf course and the marsh. If you look off into the distance, you can see the Kiawah Island bridge, the only car access to the island.
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Charleston International Airport
There are 14.66 miles from Kiawah Island to Charleston in northeast direction and 26 miles (41.84 kilometers) by car, following the Bohicket Road route. Kiawah Island and Charleston are 59 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop .
The second tower, the Marsh Island Tower, is located in Vanderhorst Plantation, behind the second gate, off Governor’s Drive, just past Persimmon Court.
You can access this by bike. Marsh Island is actually a little nature park. It has a nice boardwalk over the marsh that takes you to the island and the tower. This is a great place to take a little picnic lunch or just to pause and reflect on all the beauty surrounding you.
Nature Paths
Tour the Nature Paths at the East End of the Island at Cinder Creek, by walking or with a bike.
Located off Governor’s Drive, in Vanderhorst plantation (just past the second gate – you can bike into Vanderhorst.
You need a special pass to drive into it), this old house was originally the home of one of South Carolina’s first governors.
The plantation house has since been reclaimed and is now privately owned.
Walk or bike down the Allee of the Oaks. This is the path that the Vanderhorsts used to reach the beach – it is a straight path that leads from the Vanderhorst Mansion, through the woods, to the beach – be sure to stop and read the plaque that tells you more about it.
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This is a terrific place to watch the Egrets roost – there are normally several dozen of the graceful white birds perched in the trees right over the lagoon. Located at the west end of Sea Marsh Drive.
Enjoy Dinner at Mingo Point
These dinners are held at Mingo Point every week during the summer. There’s an oyster roast, BBQ and all the fixin’s for a wonderful Lowcountry cookout.
Mingo Point is located between the Kiawah Island bridge and the first guard house. It is a very special place to enjoy the sunset and dance to the live music. Even the kids have a great time at Mingo Point!
SEE THE SUNSHINE IN KIAWAH ISLAND CLOSE-UP AND PERSONAL
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Where to Rent A Camper
A fun way to tour the island – from the water! During the summer, you can join the group and Kayak the Marsh Creek. Family kayaking is also offered.
Enjoy one of Kiawah’s Festivals at Freshfields Village or in Night Heron Park – Featuring live entertainment, face painting, a jump castle and lots of fun food – come join the fun!
For animal lovers, don’t miss the Heron Park Nature Center where you can participate in nature tours and programs, birding walks, butterfly walks, and alligator walks. Bird admirers love the Great Egret Rookery, a spot where you can typically see several dozen of the magnificent white birds in trees over a lagoon.
For an exceptional picnic area head to Beachwalker Park, which has a wide boardwalk that winds through palmettos, oaks, and pines.
GOLF
Golf on Kiawah Island is not just any recreation amenity, it’s a way of life. There are five championship courses on the island highlighted by the Pete Dye designed Ocean Course site of the 1991 Ryder Cup matches and 2007 Senior PGA Championship. In 2012, the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort will host the 94th PGA Championship. Other courses to play include the Jack Nicklaus designed Turtle Point and Gary Player designed Cougar Point courses.
KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT COURSES
Ocean Course
One of America’s greatest courses, this stunning seaside Pete Dye design is ranked the No. 4 Best Public Golf Course in the U.S. by Golf Digest.
Site for the legendary “War on the Shore” 1991 Ryder Cup, it has 10 holes hugging the Atlantic and the remaining eight running parallel to those.
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Osprey Point Course
“Playability” is the word often used to describe this scenic Tom Fazio designed beauty that was completely renovated in 2014. It has generous landing areas on most holes with smallish greens that run true. In addition to picturesque natural lagoons, you’ll see wildlife relishing the pristine surroundings as much as the golfers.
Cougar Point Course
An ideal choice for a wide range of handicaps, Cougar Point golf course, a Gary Player designed course has a great collection of fun-to-play dogleg holes. Rolling fairways with beautiful oak trees and massive, raised bunkers add lots of character to the course as does the Kiawah River, which comes into play on three holes on the front nine.
Oak Point Course
Situated on the grounds of a former cotton and indigo plantation, Oak Point golf course, a Clyde Johnston design has often been described as the place “where Scottish links golf meets South Carolina’s Lowcountry.” Johnston combined the contours and bunkering of Scottish links courses with coastal South Carolina marshes and waterways.
Turtle Point Course
Turtle Point golf course, opened in 1981 and refurbished in 2016, it’s one of Jack Nicklaus’ earlier designs. Some inland holes have lakes and there are three gorgeous holes on the ocean (14, 15, and 16) where you can hear the waves crashing on the beach. The views from the 16th green are especially inspiring.
Explore the Island on two wheels!
Our wonderful bike rentals are the perfect way to cruise around Kiawah Island, providing ample opportunity to explore. And best of all: our wide variety of bike sizes and accessories accommodate every family member. Take a tour with an experienced naturalist who will show you the wetlands, salt marshes, Loggerhead sea turtles, the American alligator, and various species of birds.
Hit the water (and a multitude of water sports
From kayaking, to surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding, there is a multitude of ways to enjoy the water with your family on Kiawah Island.
Get ready for hours of paddling fun through salt marshes and tidal creeks. Paddle tours give you a chance to get close to the Island’s native wildlife. For a more adventurous ride, our beach rentals like surfboards and stand up paddleboards are perfect for you.
Don’t know how to ride the waves? Take a class or a lesson!
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Hit the tennis court!
The top tennis resort in the world, treat the family to two complete tennis complexes offering the ultimate go-for-the-gold standard in service, instruction, and above all, enjoyment. Get the family ready with an instructional program, or simply head out to enjoy a great game.
Open Daily Year-Round
Head Professional:
David Boyd
Call Today
(843) 768-2838
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The Acclaimed Roy Barth Tennis Center
Kiawah is the South Carolina tennis resort that outperforms the rest—earning top accolades for our facilities and instruction year-after-year. Named after our Director of Tennis Emeritus, the completely renovated Roy Barth Tennis Center is now under the direction of Roy’s son, Jonathan, who will carry on his father’s respected legacy of emphasizing key fundamentals to take your skills to the next level.
For an unsurpassed player experience, we offer 22 tennis courts, including ten new Har-Tru clay courts, all tucked into the resort’s stunning surroundings and bordered by fragrant oleander, rustling palmettos, swaying pampas grass and vibrant flowers.
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Bobcats
Kiawah Island is home to a healthy, stable population of bobcats. Bobcats can be seen in all parts of the island, typically during the hours from dusk to dawn.
Bobcats pose no threat to humans and serve a vital role in managing populations of rats, mice, and deer on the island. Because of their vital importance to the island’s ecosystem, several research projects have been conducted to better understand their habitat needs and requirements.
Bobcats are about twice the size of a house cat. Adult male bobcats weigh 18-25 pounds and adult females weigh 15-20 pounds.
Their hind legs are longer and their tail is shorter than domestic cats. Bobcats are yellowish or reddish-brown and spotted or streaked with brown or black.
The bobcat’s eyes are prominent and are its primary means of locating prey. Unlike other carnivores, cats have excellent binocular vision and depth perception, which makes stalking and catching prey much easier.
Like the house cat, bobcats have elliptical pupils, which allow in as much or as little light as necessary. Their hearing is exceptional and they can hear even the faintest sound. Because bobcats are primarily a visual hunter, they do not have a very developed sense of smell.
Life history
The breeding season for bobcats is February through April and kittens are born 62 days later. The den is typically located under a brush pile, in a hollow tree stump, or in a thicket of palmetto. Kittens are born blind and remain so for 10 days.
They are totally dependent on the mother’s milk for four weeks, after which the female will begin to bring rodents and birds back to the den for them. The female will also teach the kittens how to hunt and kill. When the kittens are 6-8 weeks old, they will typically leave the den but remain with the female for up to a year.
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Charleston International Airport
There are 14.66 miles from Kiawah Island to Charleston in northeast direction and 26 miles (41.84 kilometers) by car, following the Bohicket Road route. Kiawah Island and Charleston are 59 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop .
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Bobcats are very opportunistic hunters and will eat a variety of animals, including rabbits, rodents, raccoons, birds, deer (primarily fawns during the summer), and even reptiles and amphibians. Bobcats often stalk their prey, sneaking in as close as possible before jumping to capture it. At other times, the bobcat will merely hide in an area where prey is abundant and wait for something to come along.
Bobcats are at the top of the food chain on Kiawah and have very few natural enemies. Automobiles and disease are the greatest threats to bobcats, though disease is quite rare. Bobcats will live in close proximity to humans when suitable habitat is available, typically living on the fringes of development. Due to their normally secretive nature, bobcats are rarely seen.
Kiawah’s bobcat population is very unique. First, there are 30-35 bobcats on Kiawah, which is more than double the typical density in mainland South Carolina. Also, Kiawah’s bobcats truly live in and amongst the people and development on Kiawah. They can be found along every single road and lot on the island at one time or another.
The reason for this is that there is still ample food and cover available on Kiawah for bobcats. Current research focuses on identifying and preserving as much of their critical habitat as possible.
TripAdvisor WaterSport Rentals
Pro Tips for Kiawah Island Fishing
Our guide has helped so many people plan the perfect beach getaway. Get your copy for recommendations for restaurants, parks, outdoor recreation, and more.The Best Kiawah Island Fishing Charters
If you are unfamiliar with Kiawah Island, we recommend embarking on a fishing charter. Let the fishing experts of Kiawah Island guide you to the island’s best-kept secrets.
There are so many excellent companies in the area, but Captain Lindsay at Lil Darlin’ Chartersis one of our favorites. Lil Darlin’ Charters offers four- to six-hour inshore fishing charters that accommodate up to six passengers, as well as creek cruises and harbor tours.
Sonny Boy Charters is another great fishing charter company that you can find at Bohicket Marina. Sonny Boy Charters offers offshore, inshore, and nearshore fishing as well as customized tours.
The Bass Pond Fishing Dock
The Bass Pond Fishing Dock is Kiawah Island’s premier fishing pier. You’ll find the dock on a large bass pond near Rhett’s Bluff. It is easiest to access the pond and pier from Vanderhorst Plantation and the Turtle Point area.
Everyone from the novice to the expert angler will love the serenity and the scenery of this bass fishing waterhole. Even better, there is plenty of space for parking cars and bikes near the pier.
The Best Kiawah Island Fishing Charters
Bohicket Marina is only a five-minute drive from Kiawah Island and offers everything you need for a great day on the water. You can even rent a boat from the Bohicket Marinarket.Here, there is an excellent selection of 19’ Key West Skiffs that are perfect for a day of fishing, dolphin watching, and sightseeing through the inlets.
Once you launch at the marina, you’ll find the backwaters of the Edisto River jumping with trout, flounder, and sheepshead.
For offshore fishing, you can catch anything from dolphin to tuna and snapper. If you’d prefer to leave the driving to someone else, consider a fishing charter.
The Kiawah River
The Charleston area is home to three major rivers: The Kiawah, The Stono, and The Folly. All three are home to excellent tidal flow and flush. And, when you vacation on Kiawah Island, you can look forward to closeness to one of these beloved rivers, The Kiawah River.
Because this river offers a variety of structures, fishermen and fisherwomen can fish flats, oysters, and bluff banks.
For those in search of excellent trout, make your way to the mainland where the Kiawah meets the Stono.
Always Have the Proper Fishing License in Your Tackle Box
The first step to a great day of Kiawah Island fishing is having the proper fishing license from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The state requires that you have a license with you at all times, even if you are fishing on private docks and lakes.
CAMPING KIAWAH ISLAND
Oak Plantation Campground is the ideal place to camp when in Charleston. Whether you’re towing a pop-up or driving a large motorhome, let Oak Plantation Campground welcome you with our friendly, southern hospitality.
Family owned and operated for over 45 years. Oak Plantation Campground is just minutes away from Charleston’s historic plantations, downtown historic district, shopping, golf and the beaches. Just look at all Oak Plantation has to offer: Over 200 campsites, clean & modern facilities, a park-like setting, pool & convenience store and we are one of the closest campground to Charleston
3540 Savannah Hwy
Charleston (Johns Island), SC 29455
843-766-5936
toll free: 866-658-2500
Please leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Email: Info@OakPlantationCampground.com
Between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
James Island County Park
We invite you to enjoy the natural beauty of James Island County Park, with year-round fun for the entire family.
Park Amenities Open meadows
Saltwater fishing* and crabbing
Seasonal spray play fountain
Miles of paved trails for walking, biking, and skating
Picnic spots with tables and grills
Sand volleyball court
Horseshoe pits
The Campground has 124 sites and 10 vacation cottages along the Stono River marsh.
Splash Zone Waterpark (seasonal)
Teambuilding and adventure learning programs at The Challenge Course
18-hole disc golf course
Bicycle, pedal boat, stand up paddleboard, and kayak rentals
Covered shelters and meeting and reception facility rentals
SEE THE SUNSHINE IN KIAWAH ISLAND CLOSE-UP AND PERSONAL
RENT A CAMPER TODAY
AIRBNB VACATION RENTALS KIAWAH ISLAND
CATCH A CHEAP FIGHT TO KIAWAH ISLAND, SC
Charleston International Airport
There are 14.66 miles from Kiawah Island to Charleston in northeast direction and 26 miles (41.84 kilometers) by car, following the Bohicket Road route. Kiawah Island and Charleston are 59 minutes far apart, if you drive non-stop
