A Full Guide to Huntington Beach State Park SC
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Looking for an in-depth review of Huntington Beach State Park? I’ve got you covered!
If you’re dreaming of a coastal camping trip that combines beachside sunsets, alligator sightings, and peaceful trails, let me introduce you to Huntington Beach State Park, SC, one of my favorite one-night stays of 2025.
At the end of August, Connor, Ollie (our four-legged explorer), and I rolled into one of the park’s walk-in campsites. We weren’t expecting much for a quick stop, but Huntington Beach quickly proved us wrong. With stunning beach access, shady sites, and scenic trails, this place is a true South Carolina gem.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from when to go and what to pack, to the best campsites and how to catch a magical sunset.
Quick Guide
When to Visit: Late spring through early fall is ideal, but I loved our late August visit: warm water, lush greenery, and fewer crowds than during peak summer. If visiting on a holiday, book far in advance as this is a highly sought-after campground!
Overall Cost: Expect to pay around $25–$50 per night for campsites, depending on the type. A South Carolina State Parks Pass is totally worth it if you’re hitting multiple parks.
Main Amenities: Direct beach access, paved and walk-in campsites, hot showers & water stations, group campsites, trails, marsh views, and wildlife sightings galore. One of the main attractions is Atalaya, the Moorish-style castle that was the Huntington family’s home.
Best Campsites: We stayed at a walk-in site, but my favorite area was a shadier section in the back of the campground: excellent tree cover and a little more privacy. Aim for sites 104-133. You’ll be just a bit farther from the beach (not by much), but you will be happy with your fully shaded site, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.
Things to Do: Watch sunset on the beach (a must!), walk the trails and spot gators & birds, explore nearby Pawleys Island attractions, and relax. This is the perfect place to do just that.
How to Get There
Huntington Beach State Park is located on the coast of South Carolina, just south of Murrells Inlet and north of Pawleys Island. It’s easily accessible off Highway 17, and once you arrive, signs will clearly guide you to the campground, beach, and visitor areas.
If you’re coming from Charleston, expect a 90-minute drive north. From Myrtle Beach, it’s only about 30 minutes south, making it an easy addition to any coastal itinerary. If you’re driving in from Columbia, plan for roughly three hours on the road.
Check-in was quick and seamless, which we appreciated after a long travel day.
When To Visit
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot at Huntington Beach State Park. We visited in late August, and it was the perfect blend of warm water, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant wildlife activity.
Summer brings the heat, but it’s also ideal for swimming and catching that golden-hour glow on the beach. If you prefer milder weather, April to early June or September to October will still give you plenty of sun without the peak-season business. September and October are hurricane season, so you may end up with random storms (you’ve been forewarned)!
And don’t sleep on a winter beach camping trip. If you don’t mind slightly cooler temps, winter offers quiet trails, open campsites, and peaceful beach walks. I personally love bundling up and experiencing the coast with fewer people around; it’s magical.
Overall Cost
Camping at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, is surprisingly affordable, especially considering the beachfront access and amenities. Campsites typically range from $25 to $50 per night, depending on the type (standard, RV, or walk-in) and the season. Holiday weekends will cost you more, whereas sites are much more affordable during the off-season.
If you plan to explore more than one South Carolina state park during your trip, I highly recommend purchasing the South Carolina State Parks Pass. It pays for itself quickly by waiving entrance fees and can save you a chunk over multiple visits. We love using ours for day trips and exploring nearby state parks.
For a one-night stay, we found it totally worth the price, especially given the clean facilities and prime location.
Camping Essentials I Highly Recommend
The comfiest pad you’ll ever use
Cooking pot set I can’t live without
My favorite camp cooler
Best campfire blanket (this also doubles as a sleeping bag in the summer!)
Main Amenities
Huntington Beach State Park SC is well-equipped without feeling overdeveloped. It’s got everything you need for a comfortable stay, whether you’re roughing it in a tent or rolling in with a camper.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Direct beach access from multiple points in the campground
- Clean bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets
- Water and electric hookups at many sites
- Designated walk-in tent sites for a more secluded experience
- Picnic areas and fire rings at each site
- Easy access to nature trails and boardwalks for wildlife viewing
The layout makes it easy to get around, and we loved how connected everything felt without sacrificing the peace and quiet. Plus, there are tons of restaurants and attractions in Pawley’s Island to explore right down the road.
Best Campsites
Most campsites at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, offer decent shade, but if privacy and tree cover are your priorities, aim for sites 104-133. This section in the back of the campground is quieter, more secluded, and feels a bit more tucked into the woods, perfect for a relaxing camping trip (if that’s what you’re going for).
If your main goal is quick beach access, consider sites 26-35 or 3-13. These are some of the closest to the sand, but be aware that you’ll see a lot more foot traffic from other campers heading to and from the beach.
For those sensitive to noise or smells, you may want to avoid sites 69-73 and sites 1-4, as they are closest to the main exit and dumpsters.
We stayed in one of the walk-in tent sites and loved the experience, but next time, I’d absolutely try to book one of the more shaded spots toward the back.
Things to Do
There’s more to do at Huntington Beach State Park, SC, than just lounging on the beach (though that’s reason enough to visit).
Inside the Park
- Catch sunset on the beach – One of the most peaceful and breathtaking moments of our trip.
- Walk the trails and boardwalks – Great for spotting birds, gators, and sweeping marsh views.
- Visit Atalaya Castle – A historic Spanish-style home tucked inside the park. It’s only a few dollars to tour, and it’s worth a quick walk-through if you’re a history or architecture lover.
- Birdwatch – Huntington is one of the best spots in the state for birding, especially around the marsh.
- Fish, paddle, or relax – There’s access to both saltwater and freshwater fishing spots if that’s your thing.
Nearby
- Pawleys Island is just down the road and has that classic, laid-back coastal vibe. Stop by local shops or grab lunch at one of the seafood joints.
- Myrtle Beach is only about 30 minutes north and offers everything from boardwalks and arcades to golf courses and restaurants, which is great if you’re traveling with kids or want more variety on your trip.
You could easily fill a weekend just within the park, but having both nature and town vibes so close is a huge bonus.
FAQs: Huntington Beach State Park SC
Can I swim at Huntington Beach?
Yes! Swimming is allowed, and the beach is gorgeous. Just note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk. Also, only certain sections allow dogs!
What animals are in Huntington Beach State Park?
This place is a wildlife hotspot. We saw alligators and a wide variety of shorebirds. It’s also a popular birding destination, so bring your binoculars if that’s your thing.
Are there bathrooms at Huntington Beach State Park?
Yes, and they’re actually clean and well-maintained. Expect hot showers, flush toilets, and outdoor sinks for washing up.
Can you drink alcohol at Huntington State Beach?
Alcohol is not permitted in South Carolina state parks, including Huntington Beach State Park. Luckily, there are numerous bars, restaurants, and taverns nearby that serve drinks, including cocktails, beer, and wine!
Wrap-Up: Huntington Beach State Park SC
If you’re looking for a place that offers easy beach access, peaceful campsites, and beautiful coastal wildlife, Huntington Beach State Park, SC delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re stopping through for a night like we did or staying for a whole weekend, it’s a spot you’ll wish you had more time to explore.
The trails, the sunset views, the shady campsites, all of it felt like the best version of a beach camping trip. And with Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach just a short drive away, it’s easy to mix nature and exploring town in one visit.
My only regret? Not booking a longer stay.
