SP Campground Review – Hunting Island State Park, SC
This the sublime beach campground we stayed at in the Sea Islands of SC
Link to campground here: Hunting Island State Park, SC
Link to map here: Hunting Island State Park, SC
- Site Quality = 3.5/5
This is a beach park and the sites are in a heavily forested area right next to the beach. As a result they are simply cleared-out forest area and ground can vary from firm to semi-firm (partially sandy) with trees that may or may not get in the way. On the positive side the trees provide nice privacy and there’s a good selection of larger sites. Each site has water/electric (30 or 50Amp) hookups, a picnic table and fire-pit. - Facilities = 3.5/5
Facilities are decent but older here. There’s flush toilets and large shower stalls which are definitely a bit on the dated side and can get sandy/muddy from all the beach-goers, but water pressure is good and they work as they should. There’s also a small store and several dump stations on-site. - Location = 5/5
Location is what this place is ALL about. You are literally right next to the beach and no site is more than 200 yards from the entrance to the most sublime and gorgeous coast. You’re also ~15 miles from St Helena and a short drive from Beaufort with shopping & local restaurants. Hunting Island also has a historic light-house, hiking trails, birdwatching, a large lagoon (for kayaking and fishing) and picnic areas. - Pet Friendliness = 5/5
Oh, doggie heaven is this! Miles of open beach and water, and ALL of it is dog-friendly.
Overall Rating = 4.25
BONUS ALERT = Sublime beach only footsteps from your RV!
Summary: Well, if you love beach it really doesn’t get much better than this! This park is completely enclosed by the State Preserve. So, you’re smack in the middle of a gorgeous coastline surrounded by forest and wilderness. The beach is literally right in front of the campground so no-one is more than a minute walk from the water, and amazingly, it’s almost completely deserted (most mornings we had 4 miles of beach almost entirely to ourselves). You’re also only ~15 miles from “civilization” on St Helena and within a short drive to historic and trendy Beauford.The sites are basically just cleared-out forest spots so they can vary a bit in size, firmness and access. Towards the back of the park (away from the beach) the sites are firmer but the roads are *very* tight with trees and not for the faint of heart if you’re driving a big-rig. The front (beach) area is sandier, but more open access. Most sites are heavily forested, although there’s a few open spots and some of the spots at the very front have beach-views. All have water/electric (either 30 or 50 Amp) with picnic table and fire-pit. Overall it’s an older park, but in the most amazing location. We’d come back again and again just for the beach and gorgeous surroundings.
Extra Info: No connectivity here, but we were able to get on-line with Verizon using our external antenna and amplifier. $26/night for water/50AMP electric sites (special monthly winter rate of $300/month after Thanksgiving). Small central store and multiple dump stations on site.
Do you smell the paper mills of Charleston yet? 🙂 I was stationed at Charleston, and about twice a week in the middle of the night…they would let it rip. Whew!!! I love South Carolina, except for that one thing.
Luckily we’ve been well away from that area. It’s been a beach getaway for us, so nothing but the smell of sea and sand here 🙂
Just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for all of the information you publish – it is very helpful and generous of you to share! I have spreadsheets for the various states (sites to camp, things to see, etc..) we will be visiting in the next two years and your recommendations are regularly inputted into the file. Thanks, again – and enjoy your travels.
I’m so happy they’re being used! And I’m a bit of a spreadsheet-lover myself, so I’m totally with you on that one 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about your travels!
Check out Topsail State Park by Destin FL….AMAZING and the most beautiful white sand beach ever….it will be your fav next year I promise.
Oh yeah. It’s def on our list. We’re planning to hit it on our way North next year. Can’t wait! Nina
JUST realized Topsail doesn’t allow dogs on the beach so, unfortunately, it won’t make our visit list next year. I’m bummed since we’ve heard very good things about it, but if we can’t romp in the sand w/ pooch it just doesn’t cut it for us. Nina
I enjoy your reviews. The wife and I will be camping on site 112 in May with a pop-up trailer(hopefully I won’t put any marks on the lower end of that tree), how private is that site ? Will our little pop-up be lost on it ?
Rob
I would say it’s about in the middle as far as privacy is concerned. Not totally private, but not totally open. We DID like the space on the site. We were able to fit our RV, our car and still have lots of space to sit around the campfire. Enjoy your stay!! Nina
Thanks so much for the info! We camp with 3 shelties and a pop-up and are always looking for “pet friendly” spots. We have made reservations on site #180 (the only “secluded” spot available in July) and are so excited…your info has been wonderful!!
Cool! So happy the info is helpful. Enjoy your stay! Nina
I also endorse Hunting Island SP. I’m a tent camper living in western NC (near Asheville) so the SC coast is an easy afternoon drive. I’m going to Hunting for my fourth time in April, and enjoy it greatly. This year, I’ll be there oceanside in site 75 in my Eureka tent RV 😀 I also like Hunting’s neighboring (relatively speaking) SP, Edisto Island SP. The beach campground portion of Edisto is just as beach-accessible as Hunting, and it’s close to Charleston for day trips. RV ownership may be a bit down the road for me, but I’ve enjoyed visiting your website. Thanks!
Thanks for this great review! We’re putting it on our list to stay here soon.
Nina,
I wanted to share how much we appreciate your blog and reviews. Brenda and I are going to Hunting Island soon and taking our chocolate lab (who is getting a bit mature) and wondered if you all would have felt comfortable letting your doggie run without a leash? Our thoughts remain with you during your challenging time.
All the best,
Fred and Brenda
Wildcat 312 QBX Fifth Wheel
Hunting Island State park and Campground were destroyed by Hurricane Mathew in October, 2016. They may not open at all in 2017. Great place, hope they get repair and back open.