A Dog-Friendly Day on James Island and Johns Island
James Island and Johns Island are the Lowcountry side of Charleston: marsh, live oaks, and quiet county parks. This day pairs the area's best off-leash park with a fish camp that has its own dog menu, wooded trails by the Stono River, a look at the Angel Oak, and dinner on a deck over the marsh. Each island alone is a little short on verified stops, so this guide covers both.
The day at a glance
- Morning: James Island County Park
- Lunch: A dog menu over the marsh
- Afternoon: Wooded trails by the Stono River
- Late afternoon: The Angel Oak, from the picnic area
- Dinner: A deck over the marsh at Bowens Island
See the day on a map
Opens Google Maps with the stops in order and driving directions, so you can see how far the day is.
Morning
James Island County Park
James Island County Park's dog park has separate large and small dog areas and water dogs can swim in. Walk the park's trails on leash before or after. Admission is $2 per person. The dog park is closed Wednesday mornings until 9am, and dogs aren't allowed in the spray play area.
Lunch
A dog menu over the marsh
Ellis Creek Fish Camp says plainly that it's dog friendly. It has a dog menu (turkey dinner, or beef with carrots and rice), water bowls, and picnic tables over the marsh. Open every day from 11am. Parking is limited.
Afternoon
Wooded trails by the Stono River
Stono River County Park on Johns Island has about 1.5 miles of wooded trails and marsh boardwalks on leash, plus a chilled drinking fountain. There are no trash cans, so pack out your dog's waste. Admission is $1 per person, and hours change by month.
Late afternoon
The Angel Oak, from the picnic area
Angel Oak Park allows leashed dogs in designated areas, including the picnic area, but not on or around the tree itself. It's free and open every day except holidays. Take turns: one person stays with the dog in the picnic area while the other walks up to the tree.
Dinner
A deck over the marsh at Bowens Island
Bowens Island Restaurant has a dog-friendly deck over the marsh. It's open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am, and steamed oysters start at 4pm. Call ahead in case of a private event.
Getting around with your dog
- Lyft pet-friendly rides: The Lyft app offers pet-friendly rides in Charleston. Pick the pet option when you book; the app shows the current price.
Season notes
- James Island County Park hours: January to April 8am to sunset; May to August 8am to 8pm; September and October 8am to sunset. November and December hours aren't published, so check before you go.
- Summer: do the dog park early and save the wooded trails for later. Ticks, snakes, and alligators are part of Lowcountry trails; see Watch-Outs.
Good to know
- Island Pet Urgent Care on Johns Island is open Tuesday to Friday 2pm to midnight and weekends noon to midnight, closed Mondays: 843-386-5404.
- Nearest 24/7 emergency vet for James Island: Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) in West Ashley, (843) 614-8387.
- Johns Island County Park also has a dog park, and walkers there may only use the yellow trail loop.
More walks nearby
Have a few extra hours? Drive on to the Charleston Tea Garden on Wadmalaw Island, the next island out past Johns Island. Leashed dogs can walk the grounds; the gift shop, factory tour, and trolley tour are people-only.
Staying nearby? See dog-friendly hotels
