Hunting Island State Park Information

About Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island State Park is a 5000-acre, semitropical barrier island located 15 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina. Named one of America’s Top Ten Beaches by TripAdvisor, Hunting Island attracts over a million visitors every year. Yet for all its popularity, the miles of white sand beach remain pristine and uncrowded.

Hunting Island also boasts miles of hiking trails through the maritime forest, fishing in Fripp Inlet, the lagoon, and the ocean, a Nature Center with live animal exhibits, a camping area with easy access to the beach, and a recently updated Visitor Center with murals of the ecosystems on Hunting Island.

Hunting Island State Park Hours, Fees & Camping

For current park hours and fees plus campsite reservations and information, check the Hunting Island State Park website, or call
843.838.2011.

PARK HOURS

6 AM – 6 PM daily (extended to 9 PM during Daylight Saving Time)

OFFICE HOURS

9 AM – 5 PM (Monday – Friday)
11 AM – 5 PM (Saturday – Sunday)

PARK FEES

Adults $8
SC Seniors $5
Youth 6-15 $4
Ages 5 and younger—FREE

Park Rules

Alcoholic beverages, fireworks, and explosives are not allowed.
Do not feed, approach, or harass wildlife.
Fires must be contained within designated camping fire rings.
Pets are allowed on the beach and in the camping area but not in the buildings. Pets must be constrained or on a leash not more than 6’ in length.
Pets may not disturb wildlife, guests, or habitat.
No live animals or plants (including sand dollars) may be collected. Check all shells.
Metal detectors are not permitted near the lighthouse grounds.

Click here for printable brochure

The Beach

Bring your own food and drinks to the beach. Food and water are not supplied on the beach.
Snacks and drinks are available at the Lighthouse Gift Shop.
Insect repellent and sunscreen are available at the Lighthouse Gift Shop.
Bring your own beach towels, chairs, umbrellas and sand toys.
Only North Beach has lifeguards during the summer months.
Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach.
Stay off sand dunes, sand fences, and sea oats.
Please leave nothing behind but your footprints.

The Drive into the Park

"Surprisingly enough, one of the least talked about features of Hunting Island is the drive through the sub-tropical maritime forest as you leave the front gate after entering the park. One of the most awe-inspiring three minute car rides in the entire Lowcountry, it’s as if you were on a winding road through the Amazon or on the set of Jurassic Park during its filming"....Explore Beaufort

Warning

Watch for the flags that warn of rip tides and beach closings.
Currents can be strong. Watch everyone in your group while swimming and be aware of the signs of drowning.

The Trails

There are no restroom facilities along the trails, so use facilities before you start.
You’ll want to have sunscreen and insect repellant with you.
Binoculars might be useful.
Check out trail information on the Hunting Island map.

Accessibility

Improved parking areas, handicap accessible restrooms, and beach accesses that include “Mobi-Mats,” allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the park.
Many of the hiking trails were widened and paved with a mixture of sand and shell to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
All-terrain wheelchairs can easily negotiate many of the trails.
Friends of Hunting Island and Beaufort County A-Tax funding constructed new accessible changing stations and shower towers at three public beach access locations.