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South Carolina
601

South Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
South Carolina
Lowcountry Region
Hunting Island State Park
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Hunting Island State Park © The original uploader was Cdamgen at English Wikipedia. / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Marsh Boardwalk at Hunting Island State Park in Beaufort County, South Carolina.
Hunting Island State Park © The original uploader was Cdamgen at English Wikipedia. / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The marsh views from Hunting Island have become representative of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Hunting Island State Park © Paul Conklin / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Hunting Island State Park Stalking Gator © Robert Immordino
In pond near visitors center
Hunting Island State Park Great Blue Heron © Robert Immordino
Very people friendly Great Blue.
Hunting Island State Park Eastern Bluebird © Robert Immordino
Hunting Island State Park Boardwalk to beach © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park Hunting Island Lighthouse © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park Marsh Boardwalk © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park Lagoon © Katherine Gatlin
Picture on the Lagoon on a foggy day
Hunting Island State Park Trees in fog © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park Tree falls in ocean © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park The Lagoon © Katherine Gatlin
Hunting Island State Park Great Blue Heron © Robert Immordino
Hunting Island State Park Osprey catches fish © Robert Immordino
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HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK
HUNTING ISLAND STATE PARK
2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, South Carolina   29920
(lat:32.3585 lon:-80.4521) map location

Phone: 843-838-2011
Reservations: 843-838-4868
Email: park email button icon
This popular state park, located near historic Beaufort, is a 5,000-acre secluded barrier island of semitropical beauty.

As the name implies, the island was once used for hunting deer, raccoon, waterfowl and other small game.

As a state park, the island serves as a preserve for its abundant wildlife. With more than four miles of beach, a maritime forest and extensive saltwater marsh, the island is also a retreat for people who love a natural coastal environment.

An historic 19th-century lighthouse is Hunting Island?s most popular landmark, where guests can climb to the top for a spectacular view of the coastline. The lighthouse and its complex are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Passes
South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Swimming
1. Hunting Island State Park offers a beautiful beach for swimming, stretching over five miles.
2. The park's lagoon also provides an alternative spot to swim and explore nature.
3. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season ensuring safe swimming conditions at the beach area.
4. Swimming is allowed from sunrise until sunset in designated areas only due to safety reasons.
5. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling as well along with regular swims near the shorelines of this state park.

Fishing
Visitors can enjoy saltwater fishing from the surf, pier or lagoon. Species include red drum, flounder and spotted sea trout.

Fishing licenses are required for anyone over 16 years old.

The park's Nature Center offers rental equipment including rods and reels.

Crabbing is also popular in the area with blue crabs being a common catch.

Freshwater ponds within the park provide opportunities to fish for largemouth bass and catfish.


Location
Hunting Island State Park is located near Beaufort, Hilton Head Island

Picnicking
Picnic Area and Shelters: A picnic shelter may be reserved for $25-32/day.

If the shelter is not reserved, guests may use it on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a popular activity, with miles of trails available. However, caution should be taken due to uneven terrain.

The park's paths are not paved and can become muddy after rain; cyclists need to stay alert for these conditions.

There isn't any bike rental service within the area so remember to bring your own bicycle if you plan on cycling here.

Cyclists must also respect wildlife by keeping their distance and never feeding animals they encounter during their ride.

Riding at night is discouraged as there aren't adequate lighting facilities along most routes which could lead to potential accidents or mishaps.

Please note that helmets are highly recommended while biking in this location for safety reasons.
Nature Programs
2005-07-22 LAGOON KAYAKING Become "one with the water"?. Or get as close as you can during our kayaking adventures! Carried on the whim of a tide, we will explore the Hunting Island lagoon, search for seashells on a sandbar, or observe various wildlife?..offerings vary weekly. Life jackets, equipment and instruction are provided by the Kayak Farm. No experience is required; however the program is limited to paddlers age 12 and older. An adult must accompany ages 12-17. Bring drinking water and sunscreen. Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet.
Birding
The park offers a diverse bird population, with over 180 species recorded. Birdwatchers can spot ospreys, pelicans and bald eagles among others. The lagoon area is particularly popular for spotting waterfowl and wading birds. There's also the option of joining guided bird walks during certain seasons.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 9 by Mary Ann
park review stars; one to five Our favorite campground!! You need to make your reservations at the earliest date.
June 14 Beyond the roads -Primitive!!
park review stars; one to five Lovely park and very primitive! Besides the roads in the park and the very few buildings its very isolated and beautiful. Didnt get to see enough and will be back for sure!!!
December 15 my favorite place to be by VICKIE
park review stars; one to five Hunting Island campground is the best park by far. I love being on the ocean. Its a very clean park .I feel very safe and for my little granddaughter she loves it . We just cant go anytime because you need reservations. The park stays full. We try and make them a year in advance. We love it when we get to go.
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