Big Sabine Point Primitive Campground

I had promised Doug Alderson of Florida Paddling Trails Association that I would help by getting some pictures of the primitive campsite made as an Eagle Scout project on Big Sabine Point. I waited for a clear day and off I went. Not wanting a full day of it, I towed my Kestrel 160 to a parking area and pulled the kayak on a cart a quarter mile across the soft sand. Bad idea but we made it.

I had the gps coordinates in my gps. I put the boat in the water and started paddling towards the arrow and watched the distance to the waypoint decrease. The spit of land was covered with dead trees and did not look inviting at first. Finally I spotted a blue sign and beached my boat.

The site had two benches and a fire pit with a plaque on one bench. There was a sandy area behind to pitch a tent. That was it.

The down side of humanity are those who just don't care and just don't get it. The campsite was six months old. One of the benches was broken. Maybe someone had leaned firewood and stomped it breaking the bench instead. The fire pit was full of beer cans and other trash including a leather glove. Trash was strewn about including glass bottles. Two pair of men's underwear were hanging in the bushes. One pair almost on the No Trace Campsite sign.

I didn't get where they chose to locate this campsite. Right beside the campsite was what appeared to be a stagnant pond. It appeared to be a bad spot for bugs.

As I paddled back I could see the Portifino Towers two miles in the distance. I paddled to the sand dune covered with a dark leafed magnolia looking bush. That is where I turned to the parking lot. The parking lot is on the beach side of the island. A concrete restroom with outdoor showers is located there.