camping on kayak

The Va. Barrier Islands are designated day use only. These islands include Hog, Cobb, Myrtle, Smith, Rogue, Godwin, and Mink Islands. Does anyone know if it's legal to anchor just off one of these islands and sleep the night on your boat or in my case kayak? Thank you

We were in the area in early summer of this year and visited the Eastern Shore of Virginia Barrier Islands Center (http://www.barrierislandscenter.org/). They have a neat video there about the history of Hog Island.

We asked the same question you are about kayak camping and were told that most of the islands are owned by the Nature Conservancy under their Eastern Shore: Virginia Coast Reserve project, which owns 14 islands. According to the Nature Conservancy webpage for these islands, camping is prohibited (http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/virginia/placesweprotect/virginia-coast-reserve.xml). April to August the islands are closed to anything but water's edge visitation due to nesting sea birds.

Kind of a bummer for those that follow leave no trace principals and enjoy cool water kayak camping.

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Cheers,
Chris

Thanks for the response WG. I would be sleeping on my boat, anchored offshore. I'm wondering if that would be considered as camping on the island.

I just spoke to The Nature Conservancy and they told me you can anchor offshore for the night, sleep on your kayak and not be considered camping on the island.

Hi Toothman. Down this way we share your pain with the authorities as well. Don't know if you've seen this thread but it's pretty informative about sleeping on board . viewtopic.php?f=70&t=13400&hilit=sleeping+on+board
This is a good way to get around the rules.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Yes, I read that thread intently. I like the hammock on a kayak idea. That or some kind of lightweight cot.

Yeah, I'm really happy with mine. So easy to set up and I feel really comfortable in it's strength and stability. I plan to do a video on it's setup and features this season. All I have is this

..................which doesn't show the steps in setup.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.