DNR Managed Lands Regulations

123-204. Regulations Applicable to Specific Properties. (These regulations are for specific Heritage Preserves as well as specific DNR-owned WMAs that are not Heritage Preserves)

1. Aiken County Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve
   • Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks, and trails. Riders may ride in groups no larger than five (5).
   • Bicycles may be ridden on hiking trails. Bicyclists may ride in groups no larger than five (5).
2. Bay Point Heritage Preserve
   
   • No dogs are allowed.
   • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds
3. Bear Branch Heritage Preserve
   
   • Public visitation is by permit only. The preserve is closed to use except by permit.
4. Bear Island
   
   • Public visitation is by permit only.
   • The property is closed to all public access from November 1 to January 21, except for scheduled waterfowl hunts.
   • Horseback riding and all terrain vehicles are prohibited.
   • Camping is allowed only at designated sites and only during scheduled big game hunts.
5. Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
   
   • No dogs are allowed.
   • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
6. Caper’s Island Heritage Preserve
   
   • Overnight Camping on Capers Island is by permit only. Permit may be obtained from the DNR Charleston office. No more than 80 people will be allowed to camp per night. These 80 people may be divided into no more than 20 different groups.
   • Permits will be issued on a first come first served basis.
   • Campsites will be occupied on a first come first served basis.
   • Permits are not required for day use.
   • Persons without permits must be off the island by one hour after sunset.
   • No trash is to be placed in any fire or buried.
   • Department maintenance facilities on the island are not open to the public.
   • No crab or fish pots or traps are allowed in impoundments.
   • No motorized vehicles, nonmotorized vehicles, off road vehicles, or all terrain vehicles are allowed on Capers Island.
   • No fishing is allowed from the impoundment tide gate.
7. Crab Bank Heritage Preserve
   
   • No dogs are allowed.
   • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
8. Daws Island Heritage Preserve
   
   • Camping is allowed only by permit issued by the Department. Primitive camping only is allowed. Daws Island camping is limited to two groups of no more than eight people in each group.
9. Deveaux Bank
   
   • No dogs are allowed.
   • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
10. Donnelley WMA
    
    • Horseback riding is allowed by permit only on designated roads.
    • All terrain vehicles are prohibited.
    • Camping is prohibited.
11. Dungannon Plantation Heritage Preserve
    
    • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
    • Entrance to the preserve is through a designated parking area. Each person must sign in and out of the preserve at a designated entrance/exit.
12. Gopher Branch Heritage Preserve
    
    • Public visitation is by permit only.
13. Great Pee Dee River Heritage Preserve
    
    • Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping may occur only along riverbanks and on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights.
    • Each person entering the preserve other than by boat must sign in and out at a designated entrance/exit.
14. Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges
    This subsection shall apply to all Department owned land within the boundaries of the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at Jocassee Gorges (hereinafter referred to as Jocassee Gorges).
    
    • Camping.
      • Backcountry camping by permit will be allowed at any time during the year that the main roads allowing access to the Jocassee Gorges are not opened in connection with big game hunting. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit only at any location within the Jocassee Gorges, except for any area closed for camping by the Department. Backcountry camping is defined as minimal impact camping. No fires are allowed and each permitted camper is responsible for camping in a manner that results in no trace of the camping activity being left after breaking camp. The Department may condition permits to protect, preserve, or maintain the property. Backcountry campers must apply for camping permits over the Department internet site. No camping is permitted within fifty (50’) feet of a stream, lake, or as posted by the Department.
      • The Foothills Trail passes through portions of the Jocassee Gorges. Use of the Foothills Trail shall be limited to hiking and primitive camping. Camping is allowed at any point along the trail and within one hundred feet of either side of the trail. Camping along the Foothills Trail is restricted to hikers while engaged in backpacking.
    • Operation of motorized, non motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles.
      • Motorized and non motorized vehicle access to the Jocassee Gorges is limited. Highway 178 and Cleo Chapman Road (county road 143) are the only paved roads that access the property. Access by the general public to the Jocassee Gorges by motorized vehicles will follow a seasonal schedule. Road opening and closing schedules written below are given as general information. The Department may open and close any road at any time and for such duration as deemed necessary by the Department to manage the property.
      • The operation of a motorized vehicle behind any closed gate is prohibited.
      • Roads open to year round public access include a section of Horsepasture to Laurel Fork Gap (from Highway 178 only).
      • All roads with Green gates are seasonally open. All roads with red gates are closed to vehicular traffic. his information will be posted at all major entrances. Gate color can may be changed as discretion of SCDNR.
      • Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles may be operated only on open maintained roads and parking areas except as otherwise established by posted notice or as approved by the Department.
      • Motorized vehicles, all terrain vehicles, and off road vehicles shall not exceed speed limits posted on Department signs. On any land where no speed limit signs are posted the speed limit shall be 15 miles per hour.
      • Subject to the authority in subsection (d) above, the operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted as follows: Operation of all terrain vehicles is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset each day beginning on Monday and continuing through the following Friday. A person may use an all terrain vehicle while actually engaged in hunting at any time hunting is allowed; provided, however, the operation of an all terrain vehicle is restricted to one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset with the exception of game retrieval, and an all terrain vehicle may be used only on open roads.
      • All terrain vehicles having three (3) wheels and motorcycles constructed or intended primarily for off road use, such as dirt bikes and motocross bikes, are prohibited within the Jim Timmerman Natural Resources Area at all times.
      • Bicycles may be ridden on any road or area that is not posted as closed to bicycles.
    • Horse may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed to horse riding.
    • The use of hang gliders, parachutes, or similar devices is not allowed and may be deemed abuse of Department land.
15. Joiner Bank Heritage Preserve
    
    • No dogs are allowed.
    • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
16. Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve
    
    • Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails. Horse riding is prohibited during all deer hunts.
17. Little Pee Dee Heritage Preserve
    
    • Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping may occur only along riverbanks and on sandbars, which may be approached only by backpacking or boat. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights.
    • Horse riding is allowed on roads open for use by motorized vehicles. Horse riding is not allowed on firebreaks and trails.
18. Nipper Creek Heritage Preserve
    
    • Public visitation is by permit only. The preserve is closed to use except by permit.
19. North Santee Bar Heritage Preserve
    
    • No dogs are allowed.
    • No person may enter any area of the preserve designated as a nesting area for birds.
20. St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve (Ashe Island, Beet Island, Big Island, Warren Island, and South Williman).
    
    • Camping is restricted to primitive camping in designated areas only.
21. St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve (Otter Island)
    
    • No dogs are allowed.
    • Primitive camping only is allowed by permit issued by the Department. Primitive camping is restricted to designated areas and will be allowed only between November 1 and April 30 of the next year.
22. Samworth WMA
    
    • Managed wetlands will be open for wildlife observation, bird watching, photography or nature study without day or time restriction from February 1 through October 31 each year. Between November 1 through January 31 these activities will be restricted to designated areas on Butler Creek and the Big Pee Dee River. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only after arriving by watercraft.
    • The mainland nature trail will be open without day or time restriction to foot traffic only.
    • All terrain vehicles, bicycles, and horses are prohibited.
    • Temporary primitive camping will be available to organized groups by permit. No camping will be allowed that may conflict with organized hunts.
    • Dirleton House and grounds are open to the public from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
23. Santee Coastal Reserve WMA
    
    • The Santee Coastal Reserve will be open for limited public use year round except during annually scheduled hunts in November, December and January. Notice of the hunts will be issued annually.
    • Hours of visitation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
    • The dikes around the waterfowl impoundments and the canoe trail will be closed, except by prior arrangement, during the period of November 1 through January 31 of the next year. Due to water level manipulations, the canoe trail may not always be accessible due to low water levels.
    • Prior arrangements must be made with the Reserve manager to use observation blinds for waterfowl.
    • The upland nature trail will be available during open periods stated above.
    • The hiking/biking trail will also be available during open periods, however, it will be closed between the dates of November 1 through January 31.
    • The beaches on Cedar and Murphy Islands will be open year round, seven days a week.
    • Bicycles may be ridden on nature trails.
    • A temporary camping permit may be issued to an individual to camp seasonally in the Spring, Fall, and the Winter hunting seasons within the same calendar year. The Department will not issue a permit to camp in excess of fourteen consecutive days.
    • Fishing is permitted from the Santee River dock and the Hog Pen impoundment except during scheduled hunts. Fishing will be allowed during the hours of from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Fishing is permitted on Murphy and Cedar Island beaches at any time on a year round basis.
    • In addition to camping available for deer hunters, the designated camping areas are available during the period of March 1 until October 31 and during open periods between November 1 and February 28 of the next year. A permit is required for all camping. Primitive camping is available on Cedar and Murphy Islands beaches year round which requires no prior arrangement. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve.
    • Horse riding by permit only on roads open to motorized vehicle traffic, upland areas only, no groups larger than 5 horses. No horse riding during hunting seasons.
24. Santee Delta WMA
    
    • Managed wetlands will be open for wildlife observation, bird watching, photography or nature study without day or time restriction from February 1 through October 31 each year. Between November 1 through January 31 these activities will be restricted to designated areas marked by signs. All public use of this type will be by foot travel only.
    • All terrain vehicles, bicycles, and horses are prohibited.
    • Camping is prohibited.
25. Shealy’s Pond Heritage Preserve
    
    • Gasoline powered motors on boats are prohibited.
26. Tillman Sand Ridge Heritage Preserve
    
    • Horse riding is allowed only on roads open for use by motorized vehicles.
    • Camping is allowed in designated campsites during designated hunts only.
27. Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
    The center is a wildlife sanctuary.
    
    • The public may visit the Yawkey Center on a limited basis. Visitation is by pre scheduled field trip only. Individual trips cannot be scheduled. Group field trip may be arranged by contacting the manager for the center. The public is advised that scheduling of field trips is entirely at the discretion of the manager in order to accommodate the basic responsibilities of the sanctuary.
    • Camping is allowed only by permit issued by mail no less than two weeks in advance by the Department. Camping is allowed only on the beaches along the ocean front, which are accessible by boat only, between September 16 and May 14 of the next year. Primitive camping only is allowed for a period of no more than four consecutive nights per individual permittee.
28. Victoria Bluff heritage Preserve
    
    • Horse riding is allowed only on designated trails. Horse riding is prohibited during all deer hunts.
    • Camping is allowed only during Department designated archery hunts. Gas lanterns and gas grills only may be used by campers.
    • No campfires or any other use of fire shall be allowed.
29. Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve
    
    • Primitive camping only is allowed. Camping is allowed only along riverbanks and on sandbars; campers may approach only by backpacking or boat. A camper may remain in one location no more than five consecutive nights.
30. Watson Heritage Preserve
    
    • Camping is restricted to primitive camping
31. Webb WMA
    
    • Webb WMA is closed to the general public from one hour after official sunset to one hour before official sunrise.
    • Overnight visitors to the Webb Center are not restricted in hours of access.
    • No horseback riding is allowed without a permit.
    • No camping without a permit except for deer, turkey, and hog hunters on nights before a designated hunt.
    • Bicycles may be ridden on any area that is not marked or posted as restricted to bicycles. No bicycle may be operated in any manner or place that will damage or degrade any feature or habitat. During scheduled big game hunts, bicycles and all terrain vehicles are prohibited except as used by legal hunters and anglers.
32. Palachucola WMA
    
    • Horseback riding by permit only, only on roads open to motorized vehicles, no groups larger than 5 horses, and no horseback riding during any open hunting seasons.
33. Edisto WMA
    
    • Horse riding is allowed on roads open to motorized vehicle traffic except during deer seasons.
34. Bonneau Ferry WMA
    
    • Horseback riding by permit only, only on roads open to motorized vehicles, no groups larger than 5 horses, and no horseback riding during any open hunting seasons.
35. Woodbury WMA
    
    • Horseback riding allowed on roads open to motorized vehicles and no horseback riding during any open hunting season. The following roads are open year round: Brittons Neck Road/Woodbury Road, Pet Lawrimore Road, Sampson Landing Road, Sanders Landing Road, Parker Landing Road.
36. Marsh WMA
    
    • Horseback riding allowed on roads open to motorized vehicles and no horseback riding during any open hunting season. The following roads are open year round: Murray Road, Pine Log Landing Road, Mouth of Catfish Creek Road.
37. Hamilton Ridge WMA
    
    • Horseback riding by permit only, only on roads open to motorized vehicles, no groups larger than 5 horses, and no horseback riding during any open hunting seasons.
38. Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve
    
    • Horses may be ridden on any road that is not posted as closed.
39. Henderson Heritage Preserve
    
    • Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. No groups larger than 5 horses. Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons.
40. Ditch Pond Heritage Preserve
    
    • Horse riding is allowed only on roadways, firebreaks and established trails. No groups larger than 5 horses. Horse riders must wear international orange clothing during open hunting seasons

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