Cape

Cape Island is a rugged island of 14 acres with a split personality. The west side, which faces the harbor and Trott Island, is protected and relatively tranquil, while the seaward side is wild and exposed. In 2007 a microburst wind storm felled a number of trees on Cape, resulting in fewer campsites.

There are currently two camping spots on Cape, both facing the harbor. The Bayview site faces Trott and Goat Islands and has a monumental fire ring. The West Point site is nestled in the trees between the Bayview site and northern tip of the island. Landing is tricky at both locations, with no accessible beaches and many boulders.

Please remember to carry off all evidence of your visit, including human waste. Please kindle fires only in established fire rings. While KCT is managing poison ivy with ongoing vinegar treatments, poison ivy infestation is sometimes significant.

The entire archipelago drains at low tide, leaving a small channel between Cape Island and Stage Island to access Stage Island harbor, and a tight passage past the Goat Island Light up to the town pier within Cape Porpoise Harbor. In order to remain clear of the Cape Porpoise Harbor channel that local fishing boats must use, recreational boaters are encouraged to anchor in the Stage Harbor area. When anchoring, be aware of the shoal area and unmarked large rock (invisible at all but low tides) just off the NE side of Trott Island - always check water depths carefully!