Spirit Island Camping

Overnight Primitive Camping

by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.· Graham, NC★ 4.9 · 298 reviews on google_reviews
From$75
Group sizeMain campsite fits 3-4 tents comfortably. Larger groups welcome but must call to book!
Ages5+

What to Expect

Nestled between the Eastern side of the Haw River and the old mill race of the abandoned Swepsonville dam, Spirit Island is a unique & natural paddle-in campsite on the Haw. Roughly 5 acres in size, the island offers guests a relaxing night in the North Carolina wilderness within earshot of the roaring dam.

To reach Spirit Island, guests typically launch from our office at the Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access and paddle about 5 miles upriver, a 2-3 hour journey. After camping for the night, guests paddle back down to Saxapahaw Lake the next day. This section of the river is totally smooth and beginner-friendly, with no rapids or current; paddling upriver is no harder than paddling back down.

We offer a no-amenity, primitive camping experience staying on the island. Small fires are permitted, so long as they are kept within a ring of stone. No glass and no alcohol while canoeing or kayaking, and guests must pack out any trash they bring in. We recommend reviewing the Leave No Trace principles before camping!

The island's main camping area (a sandy beach well-shaded by trees) comfortably fits 3 - 4 tents. Groups larger than 8 are welcome but must call to reserve!

Includes

Overnight reservation of Spirit Island campsite
Canoe or kayak rentals if needed (PFDs and paddles included)
Portable camp-toilet & wag bags

Duration

11am Day One – 5pm Day Two

Address

The Haw River Canoe and Kayak Company

Pricing

Single Kayak · For 1 Person • 275lb Weight Limit • Minimum 8 Years Old$70
Tandem Kayak · For 2 People • 435lb Weight Limit • Minimum 2 Years Old & 30lbs$115
Canoe · For 2 People + 1 Small Child • 600lb Weight Limit • Minimum 2 Years Old & 30 lbs$115
Just the Island · For reservations without boat rentals$25

Prices are typical; see the booking calendar for live availability and rates.

Cancellation Policy

By the Customer

  • A reservation can be rescheduled or canceled at least 24 hours in advance in order to receive full in-store credit towards a future trip or course.
  • Cancellations or “no-shows” within 24 hours of a reservation will receive no credit or refund.
  • Any credit towards a future trip will be issued using a digital gift card. We do not offer cash or credit refunds at this time.
  • Call (336) 260-6465 or email us at [email protected] to cancel your reservation.

By The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.

  • If a reservation needs to be rescheduled or canceled due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will contact the customer as soon as possible in order to reschedule.
  • If rescheduling is not possible at the time, guests will be reimbursed with a digital gift card towards a future trip or course of their choosing.
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