Botany Bay Plantation
Edisto Island is home to Botany Bay Plantation, a unique and ecologically significant tract of land that measures over 4,000 acres. The Botany Bay Plantation is made up of lush forests, marshland, beaches and the wildlife that inhabits the wide range of environments.The Botany Bay Plantation was privately maintained for many years, long before the Civil War. In recent times Margaret Pepper preserved the natural integrity of Botany Bay, fostering diverse habitats including maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds and hammock islands.
Now managed by the South Carolina Department of Resources, Botany Bay Plantation is now open to the public. Access hours are roughly one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, and offer activities to take up all hours in between.
Recreational opportunities on Botany Bay Plantation include seasonal hunting, bird watching, kayaking, catch and release fishing, shrimping and crabbing on available waterfront.
DNR protects and manages Botany Bay by making wise and balanced decisions for the benefit of the state's natural resources and its people. In order to understand conservation rules visit their site to learn more before your visit.
To reach the Botany Bay Plantation by car, travel down SC Highway 174 towards Edisto Beach. Turn left onto Botany Bay Road, located about 8.5 miles south of the McKinley Washington Bridge. Follow the dirt road about 2 miles to near where the road dead-ends. Turn left at the gate and into the property.
Refer to the kiosk at the main entrance for maps and information. For more information on Botany Bay, contact the DNR's Coastal Reserve Program at (843) 953-9300.
