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Hunting Island State Park

Saint Helena Island, SC

State Historic Site

Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches

As a first-time visitor to the park, I recommend visiting the park’s Nature Center. This facility is home to wildlife, educational displays and some of the most knowledgeable and passionate park employees in the state. It makes Hunting Island State Park unique and is a true gem to the State Park Service.

Admission

$8, kids 6-15; free

Grades

K–12th

Weekly hours

See weekly schedule

What to expect

Hunting Island is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.

Hunting Island is home to the historic Hunting Island lighthouse, built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is that it was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled should it ever need to be moved. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889.

Hunting Island State Park camping is available at 100 campsites with water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways and a playground. Hunting Island State Park camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights.