Located just offshore from the bustling port city of Beaufort, South Carolina, Hunting Island State Park is a 5,000-acre barrier island that’s teeming with natural beauty and outdoor adventure. It’s a popular spot for camping, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and simply relaxing on the beach. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the info you need to know about Hunting Island State Park so you can plan your visit.
Getting There
Hunting Island State Park is located just 16 miles from downtown Beaufort, South Carolina. The best way to get there is to take US Highway 21 south over the bridges to Sea Island Parkway. Follow signs for Hunting Island State Park. Once you’re on the island, there is admission fee of $8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger.
What to Do
There’s no shortage of things to do at Hunting Island State Park. Many people come for the incredible fishing opportunities. Saltwater fishing is allowed from all docks, piers, jetties, surf beaches, and freshwater areas within the park boundaries. Common catches include red drum, flounder, trout, and sheepshead. You can also surf fish along most of the park’s five miles of ocean beachfront. If you don’t have your own gear, no worries—there are several charter companies in Beaufort that offer half-day and full-day fishing trips.
Other popular activities at Hunting Island State Park include hiking and bird watching. The park has four miles of hiking trails that wind through maritime forests, salt marshes, and along the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, herons, egrets, and ibis as you hike through the park.
If you’re looking to cool off on a hot day (and let’s face it—it gets pretty hot in South Carolina), head over to the beach where you can swim in the Atlantic Ocean or paddle around in a rented kayak or paddleboard. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Hunting Island State Park has something for everyone. With five miles of beaches, ample fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do at this barrier island state park. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
