This is by far, my most favorite state park in the Southeast that I have been to. I already love South Carolina, so put camping and a beach together and you have a perfect place!
Hunting Island State Park is a whole island that is right next to Fripp Island and Parris Island (yes, where the marines train…but sorry…you can’t see any of them). It has one very small bridge going into the island, so beware if you have a truck or camper with big mirrors or anything hanging off the sides.
The Campground
There is a large campground (with an awesome playground that is perfect for kids) with all the sites within walking distance to the beach (some of course a farther walk). Our favorite sites were always 89-93, because there is a direct walkway to the beach right next to the campsite, but they are now a fan favorite and very hard to reserve!
With the campground being on the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the most amazing sunrises. I’m definitely not a morning person, but I promise that these sunrises are worth the early wake-up! Just see for yourself in the picture below!
If you aren’t into the whole sleeping outside part, Hunting Island does offer one cabin that you can rent out for your vacation. We’ve never tried out the cabins, but have seen them in passing when riding our bikes on the beach and going through the trails.
Things to Check Out
If you just want to go visit the park, there is a lighthouse as well as a pier with an awesome nature center that is very family friendly and shows you the coastal nature that is around the island.
The lighthouse has 167 steps and only costs $2 to enter and climb up. There are also some old historic homes and foundations laid out around the lighthouse. Definitely read about the background of this lighthouse, because you will learn that it has not always been in this exact spot!
If you are into photography, there are numerous driftwood trees that are downed and make for amazing pictures whether you’re doing portraits or nature pictures. The lighting is perfect and the whole island offers a multitude of shots waiting to be taken.
Within the campground, there are about 8 miles of trails that you can either walk/run/bike that can lead to you from the campground to the lighthouse and back or you can ride the beach back (you’ve gotta work with the tides though).
Hunting Island also hosts a Polar Plunge if you decide to visit during the New Year! The water is still freezing and is just as fun as the one at Skidaway (you can check out my post about it here).
Lately, the hurricanes have left some damage to the park and it is not the same as I remember or that are in these pictures, but I know that the people there have tried very hard to make it like the place my family and I love so much!
You can find out more information about Hunting Island on their website here.
If you have any stories about visiting this wonderful campground or if you have any questions, please feel free to comment below! I look forward to hearing from you!
