Backpacker – August 2019

JULY/AUGUST 2019

BACKPACKER.COM 69

ON THIS UNTOUCHED lowcountr y
refuge, a smattering of sandy hard-
wood hammocks (slightly raised
areas) and patches of salt marsh
come together to form a primitive
barrier island. And the whole 6,780-
acre preserve’s shoreline is open to
camping—that’s a lot of real estate
for scouting a personal beach.
Launch a kayak from Tybee
Island at low tide (grab a tide table
and know how to read it; tidal
changes here are extreme, ranging
from 7 to 9 feet). Paddle about a mile
across Tybee Creek for the quick-
est access to Little Tybee, scanning
for ibises, herons, and ospreys above
and dolphins below. When choos-
ing a campsite, stick to the beach
and steer clear of the sensitive dune
habitats (BYO water).

Swim season April to October
(but beware midsummer bugs).
Put-in A lley 3 Boat Launch
(31.9933, -80.8538) Regs None
Contact exploretybee.com

No. 10

PADDLE

TO LITTLE

TYBEE

ISLAND.

Little Tybee Island State

Heritage Preserve, GA

NO. 12

HIT THE

BEACH.

Don’t let ’skeeters ruin a summer evening in camp.

1.Pre-treat your gear. Spray a layer of permethrin on your tent,

rainf ly, and clothing before heading out. Most treatments last

long enough to repel mosquitoes and other pests all summer.

2.Get high and dry. That lakeside campsite might seem appeal-

ing, but higher elevations (away from water) have fewer bugs.

Ridelines with a nice breeze offer extra protection.

3.Gear up. Dress in light-colored, loose-f itting clothing. W hen

all else fails, raingear is your best armor.

4.Embrace your last resort. DEET a nd citronella a re your

tickets to bug-free camping. –Z.G.

Keep the bugs away.

Pack a pool toy for

Little Tybee Island.