This past weekend we were blessed with a 3-day weekend, thanks to Labor Day. While I had to work on Saturday at a ticket stop and we also had to watch the Georgia Bulldogs take on Clemson, we decided to take a day trip on Sunday to Hunting Island State Park.
We only get my stepdaughter every other weekend, and we just happened to have her for the long weekend, which made it easier to take a day trip without completely tiring ourselves out. We also had to make it a day trip since we have the pups at home, and I’m just not comfortable leaving them with just anyone, especially with Harley and her seizures. So, thankfully, we have a few beaches that are a short drive away. And Hunting Island State Park has become one of our favorite spots in South Carolina.
Not Our First Trip To Hunting Island State Park
Last year, we visited Hunting Island State Park for the first time. And of course, being the beach lover that I am, I immediately fell in love. We learned early on that we have to get there early if we want to ensure we can get it. It tends to fill up and they close the gate to incoming traffic. And while it can get crowded, it still makes for a great beach day.
Honestly, I was quite surprised on Sunday that it didn’t seem to get as crowded as I was expecting. Usually, holiday weekends tend to be pretty busy. We arrived about 8:40 a.m. and had no issues parking and finding a great spot on the beach. For this trip, we packed some bottled water, bread, deli meat, cheese, and chips to make our lunch on the beach so we could soak up as much beach time as we could. And it worked out perfectly.
We brought our boogie boards to try riding the waves, and we did manage to catch a few good ones. But overall, the ocean was pretty calm. I just enjoyed floating on the small waves and hunting for sand dollars. I actually wound up finding 10 sand dollars while we were there.
Knowing we needed to get home in time for Harley’s medicine, we wound up leaving the beach just after 1 p.m. Of course, I would have loved to stay much longer, but I am thankful it’s not too far that we can maybe squeeze in another beach day before the weather gets too cold to enjoy the water.
About Hunting Island State Park
Hunting Island State Park is located at 2555 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC in Beaufort County. According to the South Carolina Parks website, it’s South Carolina’s single most popular state park and attracts more than a million visitors per year. The park includes 5 miles of beaches, along with thousands of acres of marsh, a saltwater lagoon, and an ocean inlet.
On the island, there’s the historic Hunting Island lighthouse that was originally built in 1859 but had to be rebuilt in 1875 after being destroyed during the Civil War.
Camping is available at Hunting Island State Park. There are 100 campsites available for reservation for a minimum of two nights. The sites have water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways, and a playground.
The park is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily – but extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time. The nature center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors, $4 for kids ages 6-15, and free for children 5 and under.
Pets are not allowed inside cabins, in the cabin area, on the pier, or inside the lighthouse complex. Dogs aren’t permitted on the tip of North Beach past posted markers. But pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas as long as they are restrained or on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Photos From Hunting Island State Park
I didn’t take many photos, because I was busy soaking up the sun and enjoying the water… but here are a few from our day trip!
