ABOUT THE
SYCAMORE ISLAND CLUB

THE ISLANDS

The Club owns two islands in the Potomac River: Sycamore Island and Rupperts Island. All club facilities are located on the lower Island, Sycamore. Rupperts Island, which is directly upstream, is home to beaver, cormorants, geese and other wildlife.

CANOEING

Flat-water canoeing can be enjoyed in the quiet water around the islands. It's recommended that members and guests canoe upstream, but never downstream. Less than a mile downriver from Sycamore Island is the Little Falls Brookmont Dam which should be avoided at all costs.

The Club maintains a canoe-shed to store member-owned canoes. The Club also owns several canoes and kayaks which are stored separately that can be used by members and their guests.

SWIMMING

The swimming dock and float are located at the upstream end of Sycamore Island on the Virginia side. Though the current is generally mild, there are no lifeguards, so swimming is at your own risk. Also, because the Potomac is a wild river, swimmers should never dive and should be cautious about possible changes in water levels and possible branches or obstructions in the water.

FISHING

Catfish and carp are plentiful near the islands. Smallmouth bass, walleye, tiger-muskies and bluegills can be found in the swift water a short distance upstream.

GAMES

There is volleyball and croquet equipment for outdoors, and a pool table and a ping-pong table in the clubhouse.

EVENTS

Organized annual club activities include a Fishing Derby, the Sycamore Island Regatta, a Family Campout, Performance Events, and the Spring and Fall Workfests. The club also annually co-hosts the Potomac River Downriver Race each spring with the Canoe Cruisers Association.

PARTIES AND GUESTS

Members may brings guests when visiting the island or host day-time parties on the island. Parties are restricted by certain scheduling rules to limit their number and duration. Guests must abide by the rules of the Club and members are considered responsible for any infractions by their guests.

CARETAKER AND THE FERRY

The Club is open to members and their guests during daylight hours. Ferry service is provided during certain hours by a permanent caretaker and by members acting in relief if the caretaker is off.

PICNICS

Grills are available for barbecuing and picnic tables are located all over Sycamore Island for the use and convenience of members and their guests. Camping is allowed with advanced notice.

CAMPFIRES

Only deadfall or driftwood is used for campfires -- not standing wood (living or dead), unless authorized. No campfires are permitted during excessively dry periods.  Those lighting fires must clear the fire pit and surrounding area of any flammable material,  keep a bucket of water nearby at all times, always have an adult monitoring the fire, and ensure that all embers are completely cool before leaving the fire pit area.

CLUBHOUSE

The clubhouse consists of a main large upstairs room with wood stove and ping pong table, a smaller pool table room and a kitchen. Downstairs has a covered screened porch, bathrooms and lockers for the members.

KITCHEN

Members can use the kitchen in the clubhouse for picnic and food preparation and must clean up after themselves.

TRASH DISPOSAL

Members, when leaving the island, must carry out any trash they and their guests produced. The principal rule of good camping applies at Sycamore: If you carry it in, pack it out with you when you go.

WATER ON SYCAMORE ISLAND

Water on Sycamore Island usually tests potable but members and their guests may bring down their own water for drinking or cooking.

SYCAMORE ISLANDER

All members and club applicants on the Waiting List receive the club's monthly newsletter, the Sycamore Islander. The newsletter informs on club activities, officers, and rule changes.

MEMBER PARTICIPATION

All members are expected to assist in maintenance work on the buildings and grounds. Each year the Club organizes a spring and fall work day called a "workfest." The spring workfest is to make the Club's facilities available for the summer months and the fall workfest to secure the island for the winter. Other maintenance chores are also scheduled.

WHO IS IN CHARGE?

We are -- all of us. The Club is a non-profit Maryland corporation. Decisions are made by the membership at open monthly meetings. During warm weather, many of these meetings are held on Sycamore Island, in winter months, in the homes of members, participation via Zoom is also provided. The club's officers are unpaid but elected members who have volunteered their time to maintain our beautiful islands.

PROHIBITIONS

Alcohol (this includes beer and wine), guns, archery and gambling are forbidden. Dogs are not allowed on Sycamore Island. There is no smoking allowed in the clubhouse or other out buildings. These restrictions also apply to parties held on the island. Amplified music is not permitted except during Performance Events or with special membership approval for a large party.