Kayaking just off of Cockspur Island at Fort Pulaski National Monument

Most people do not think of outdoor activities when coming to a history-based park, but the land under the management of the National Park Service at Fort Pulaski National Monument not only includes Cockspur Island, the island on which the fort is located, but also McQueens Island, the island on the other side of the Savannah River’s South Channel. Being islands and surrounded by water, it should come as no surprise that kayaking and canoeing opportunities are available at the park.

Regardless of your destination, the only place to launch your boat within Fort Pulaski National Monument is the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp on McQueens Island. If you are heading towards Tybee Island on Highway 80, the ramp is located on the right side of the road a half mile after you pass the entrance to Fort Pulaski. Both motorized and hand-paddle watercraft can use the ramp, and there is no launch or parking fee.

Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp location (click to enlarge)

Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp at Fort Pulaski National Monument

McQueens Island is surrounded by smaller creeks and rivers that make paddling safer than on the Savannah River, though there are still plenty of recreational fishing boats plying the waters. Lazaretto Creek separates McQueens Island from Tybee Island to the east. To the south is the larger Bull River and St. Augustine Creek, while the northern end of the island is separated from Elba Island by a small channel known as the Elba Island Cut. 

Another popular destination is the Cockspur Island Lighthouse, which is situated on a small island less than a half mile across the South Channel from the mouth of Lazaretto Creek. At high tide the island is almost completely underwater, but it is exposed at low tide. Unfortunately, both the island and the lighthouse are closed to the public due to the structure being in poor condition and needing extensive renovation, but you can still get a close-up view from the water. If and when it will reopen is unknown. Anyone landing on the island is subject to being fined by the National Park Service, though this doesn’t seem to deter everyone. Landlubbers who want a view of the lighthouse can walk the Lighthouse Overlook Trail from Fort Pulaski.

Cockspur Island Lighthouse at low tide, Fort Pulaski National Monument

Cockspur Island Lighthouse at high tide, Fort Pulaski National Monument

Currents in these tidal regions can make paddling against the tide extremely difficult, so plan your trip so that you are paddling with the tide flow whenever possible. If paddling on tide-influenced waterways is new to you, check out the article How Tides Affect Your Paddling here on National Park Planner.

Regulations per the National Park Service’s website for Fort Pulaski National Monument:

• Must follow Georgia state guidelines regarding boating and fishing. Within the Fort Pulaski National Monuments park boundaries, federal regulations also apply.
• Air boats and personal watercraft (also known as jet skis, wave runners, and Seadoos) may not be launched inside the boundary of Fort Pulaski. This includes Lazaretto Creek boat ramp. Air boats and personal watercraft are prohibited in Oyster Creek. For more details see the Superintendent’s Compendium section 1.5 and 36 CFR 3.9
• Boats are prohibited from anchoring or beaching on the shoreline of Cockspur Island.
• Attaching of any items to trees or park structures is prohibited, including the Cockspur Island Bridge.
• It is prohibited to enter the marshlands of the park on both Cockspur Island and McQueen Island.
• Boats of all types are prohibited in the fort moat, feeder canals, and the historic dike system.
• Lighthouse Island and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse are closed to the public, including beaching watercraft of any size or traversing the island in any way.
• Commercial boating, launching or activity of any kind at the Lazaretto Creek Boat Ramp and in Oyster Creek is prohibited except with a permit.

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