on the Haw River

If you’re really looking to get away from people, try Spirit Island. For one, you need a canoe or kayak to get there. Either put in-at Swepsonville River Park and paddle to the dam, then portage and look for the island access immediately river left, or paddle up the still, dammed waters of the Haw from Saxapahaw (about 4.5 miles). Two platforms keep you high and, unless there’s rain, dry.

More info.

Getting there from downtown Chapel Hill
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Address: P.O. Box 22 (for Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.)
City: Saxapahaw
State: N.C.
Zip: 27340
Latitude: 36.0043
Longitude: 79.2166
Distance: 35 minutes to put-in from downtown.
No. of campsites: Two camping platforms
No. with hookups: None
No. without hookups: None
Primitive sites: Two
Reservations? Yes. 336.260.6465
Cost: $10 per person or $50 per platform for up to six people.
Year-round? Yes
Gate hours: None
Stuff to do nearby: Canoe or kayak the Haw River