Hunting Island

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Established: 1938
Location: Eastern South Carolina (15 mi E. of Beaufort on US 21)
Acres: 5,000

Fifteen miles east of Beaufort on Rt 21, midway between Charleston and Savannah, is Hunting Island. The site of the first unsuccessful French colony of 1562. And subsequent Spanish settlement at Fort San Felipe in 1566. Expansive inland salt marshes, sand dunes, and four miles of primitive glistening white sandy beaches highlight the terrain of Hunting Island State Park. Home to 130 species of birds including herons, egrets, pelicans, and osprey. There are endless opportunities for strolling the sandy beaches or pine and palmetto forests. Sea shells, driftwood, and even the possibility of finding sunken pirate treasure can be afforded on these shores.


Hunting Island acquired its name from hunters who frequently came here to hunt deer and raccoon. You will soon agree the name is appropriate as a prolific population of raccoons greet you at night. There are hundreds of raccoons which roam the park boundaries after dusk. The park provides an excellent refuge for these animals which thrive in this coastal marsh setting. The nature trails wind their way through the densely forested hammocks of palmetto, pine, and palm to the salt marshes and sand dunes. All combine to make this local a place for memorable adventures.

SC, Hunting Island State Park, Salt Marshes.

Hunting Island contains a 132 foot lighthouse that was built in 1889. There are four miles of white sandy beach, nature trails, and boardwalks providing access across its salt marshes. There is also a 1,120 foot fishing pier at the entrance to Fripp Island. From the surf or pier fisherman catch whiting, spot, redfish, seatrout, and flounder.

SC, Hunting Island Lighthouse.

The camp ground has 200 campsites which can be reserved ($22/night Apr-Oct; $18/night Nov-Mar). The campground is appropriately located in a serene subtropical hamlet of pines and palmettoes. A quiet and secluded repose for those wishing the sanctuary of sand dunes and inland salt marshes without the crowds present in campgrounds located near the state's larger cities. One of the premier coastal parks in the nation. The most scenic and spacious oceanfront sites are #'s 42, 43, 47, 49, 51, 60, 62, 69, 71, 73, 74, and 76. Some of the more secluded, wooded sites, near the ocean are #'s 109, 158, and 159. There are also 15 cabins. Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC 29920 (843) 838-2011. Hunting Island State Park

SC, Hunting Island State Park, Sand Dunes.

For additional information on attractions and outdoor recreational adventures in South Carolina, contact the South Carolina Division of Tourism at Box 71, Room 902, Columbia, South Carolina 29202 (803) 734-0235.  www.state.sc.us  and  www.travelsc.com/welcome/index.html



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