South Carolina State Parks
Barrier island · lighthouse · maritime forest
A developed coastal basecamp where maritime forest, beach ecology, lighthouse history and ongoing shoreline change meet.
GPS32.356° N
80.450° W
Estimated 2-Night Spend$250–$850
Camp on a barrier island where five miles of beach, marsh, and maritime forest are continually reshaped by coastal forces, then visit South Carolina’s only publicly accessible lighthouse, a cast-iron tower moved 1.3 miles inland in 1889 to escape severe erosion.
Hunting Island | developed ocean-adjacent camping | 102 water/electric standard sites + tent sites | hot showers, laundry and dump station | some RV sites up to 40 ft | check current closures and exact site fit.
Google Maps opens separately, so this destination page remains available when you return.
Developed barrier-island gateway. Large powered/towed rigs are conditional on site fit; current campground data lists sites up to 40 ft. Coastal closures can change and should be confirmed before arrival.
Current-condition note: High tides, storms and erosion can trigger temporary area closures; current access should be confirmed before arrival.
14 mi · W of park
Use live data for current diesel-capable stations suitable for larger travel rigs. Official park info places the nearest grocery/resupply corridor about 14 miles away; current fuel should resolve live.
Driving Directions ↗14 mi · W of park
Official park page lists the nearest grocery store at about 14 miles.
Driving Directions ↗17 mi · W of park
Official park page places the nearest hospital about 17 miles away; Beaufort Memorial has 24/7 emergency care at 955 Ribaut Rd.
Driving Directions ↗17 mi · W of park
Island location increases the importance of resolving current repair/towing options before arrival.
Driving Directions ↗
Short boardwalk to a salt-marsh viewing dock, especially useful near sunset.
Nature-center programs and easy access to changing barrier-island landscapes on the southern end of the park.
Two-mile easy trail through dense maritime forest and wildlife habitat.
Climb 167 steps in South Carolina’s only publicly accessible lighthouse and see the barrier island, ocean and surrounding marsh.
WORTH THE DETOUR
A locally rooted downtown Beaufort gastropub with a very strong traveler review record, market-driven food, regional beer, wine and cocktails. It gives a Hunting Island trip an evening Lowcountry town experience that the island itself does not provide.
Downtown Beaufort · 1.5–2 hr · $20–60 per person
Driving Directions ↗Dinner: Tue–Sat 5–9 PM; Sun 5–8:30 PM. Bar remains open later. Reservations recommended. 205 West St, Beaufort, SC 29902 · (843) 379-2855 · oldbulltavern.com. Hours and menu verified from the official site on 2026-09-25.
Accuracy note: This digital guide shows the best verified information currently available. Categories without reliable source data may be omitted. Conditions, access, services, and supporting details are continuously reviewed and updated as better information becomes available.