Campground Review: Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort, SC

By Cathy Rubin, CCC President

After the Myrtle Beach rally, I went to Hunting Island State Park Campground with Vivian and John. This campground is across the road from a beautiful beach. Be aware, the waves are great fun to play in but there is a very strong undertow. A short walk along the beach brings you to the state park, historic lighthouse and gift shop. After walking the entire campground, I believe I had the best site…#127. While it seemed level but really wasn’t, and it took a long time to get it level y to my satisfaction, it was very spacious and private.|

Most other sites in that loop were densely crowded together, and the sites along the back loop were in dense vegetation, which made for a very damp and airless feeling. The write up says “modern restrooms”. The two I went into were old and cramped, but had plenty of hot water.

Hunting Island State Park Campground, located on a semitropical barrier island 16 miles east of Beaufort, South Carolina, is the state's most popular park. It features 102 water and electric sites for RVs and tents, plus 25 rustic tent-only sites, situated near the Atlantic shoreline and maritime forest.

Campsite Details

• RV & Standard Sites: 102 paved sites with 20/30/50-amp electricity and water. Can accommodate rigs from 28 to 40 feet. Every site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.

• Rustic Tent Sites: 25 walk-to, tent-only sites near the ocean and camp store. They require a short walk (25 to 350 feet) from the parking lot. No vehicles or generators are permitted at these specific sites.

• Facilities: The campground features modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, a camp store, and a dump station.

Pricing & Reservations

• Cost: Typically ranges from $25 to $45 per night, depending on the site type and season.

• Policies: A two-night minimum stay is required. A maximum of 2 vehicles (or 1 vehicle and 1 boat/trailer) are permitted per site. Pets are allowed if kept on a 6-foot leash.

• Availability: Because it is highly sought-after, you should secure reservations several months in advance. Check availability and book your spot using the South Carolina Parks Reservations portal