Hunting Island & Local Parks


Hunting Island & Local Parks
This popular park near Historic Beaufort is a large secluded barrier island with semi-tropical beauty and an abundance of wildlife. A variety of flora and fauna may be seen throughout the park. The historic 19th-century Hunting Island lighthouse provides an excellent view of the coastline and is the only lighthouse in South Carolina open to the public. The island got its name because it was once used for hunting deer, raccoon and other small game and waterfowl. In the 1930's the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today the park is a popular beach destination. HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK AMENITIES Overnight Accommodations 14 cabins Fee/cabin: $73-116/night. Cabins can be reserved by contacting the park directly. Available ocean-front or lagoon side. One, two and three bedroom cabins available accommodating 6 - 10 people. Each cabin includes bath and bed linens, cooking and eating utensils, color television, microwave oven, automatic coffee maker, central air and heat, outside grill, picnic table and screened porch. Four cabins include fireplaces. Handicapped accessible cabin available with handrails, roll-in shower, ramp and user-friendly kitchen. Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. Hunting Island offers 200 Campsites Fee/site: $22/site April - October; $17.60/night November - March. A limited number of sites may be reserved for $1 extra per night, while remaining sites are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Two sites may be reserved exclusively for the handicapped. Campsites can be reserved by contacting the park directly. For additional information refer to the . Each site has individual water and electrical hookups and picnic table. The campground has restroom facilities with hot showers (winterized stations available). The campground roads are paved while the campsites are packed soil. 2 dump stations for RV's. Primitive camping Area for organized groups of up to 100 people. Area includes picnic tables, central water, and nearby restroom. Day-use Facilities Visitors' Center Includes the park office with brochures, history and nature exhibits. Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Lighthouse The present Hunting Island Lighthouse replaced a brick structure that was destroyed during the Civil War. Constructed of prefabricated curved iron plates, the tower was completed in 1875. Severe beach erosion forced the dismantling and relocation of the structure inland where it continued to aid navigation until 1933 when the function was taken over by a buoy. This National Register of Historic Places structure is South Carolinas most accessible lighthouse. Lighthouse tours are held daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for 50 /person. Tours are self-guided with an attendant on duty to answer questions. Guided tours are held three times a week from March to November. Park Store Located in the campground and open year-round, the park store offers limited grocery items, souvenirs, snacks, drinks Hours: April - October: 8 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. November - March: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Beach Shop Located on the North Beach across from the Lighthouse. Open April - October from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Offers snacks, drinks and souvenirs. Trails Hiking/bike trail - moderate 4 miles one-way. Boardwalk Extends into the saltmarsh for viewing wildlife or crabbing. Fishing Pier Located in the inlet, the pier is operated year-round. Fishing Enjoy fishing in Johnson Creek, the lagoon or surf fishing on the beach. Boating Click Here for Info. Boat ramp (1). Public boat access available at the south end of the park. Ramp provides access into the Atlantic Ocean at Harbor River. Picnic Shelters (3) Available free on a first-come, first-served basis or reserved for $20/day. A day visitor admission fee applies. ADDRESS 2555 Sea Island Parkway Hunting Island, SC 29920 (Located in Beaufort County in the Tourism Region) WEB SITE Friends of Hunting Island CONTACTS Tel - (843) 838-2011. PARK HOURS April - October (daily) 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. November - March (daily) 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday (daily) 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday - Sunday (daily) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. HOW TO GET THERE (See Map) Hunting Island is 16 miles east of Beaufort on US 21. NEAREST TOWN 17 miles (Beaufort) NEAREST HOSPITAL 17 miles (Beaufort) NEAREST GROCERY STORE 14 miles NEAREST PAY PHONE At the park store, north and south beach areas, pa DISTANCE FROM: Charleston, SC.....85 miles Columbia, SC.......150 miles Florence, SC........168 miles Greenville, SC.......236 miles Charlotte, NC........236 miles Raleigh, NC..........317 miles Atlanta, GA..........282 miles Augusta, GA........135 miles