Palm trees, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and long-leaf pines line the campsites at Hunting Island State Park Campground, a full-service coastal campground on a barrier island off the South Carolina coast. The campground sits close enough to the Atlantic that some sites are within 40 yards of the water, and the sound of waves carries through the maritime forest at night. Deer wander through campsites with regularity, raccoons will test any unsecured cooler, and reviewers have spotted bobcats near neighboring sites. This is a well-populated park, not a remote one, but the density of wildlife gives it a character distinct from typical drive-in campgrounds.
Sites vary considerably in what they provide. Tent sites closer to the beach tend to have less shade, which matters in summer when temperatures climb above 90 degrees. Reviewers consistently flag mosquitoes as a serious issue from late spring through early fall, particularly after rain leaves standing water. The beach provides the most reliable relief, where a breeze off the water keeps insects manageable. Scott F. notes that "Little Hunting Island is a cool small island filled with petrified trees and driftwood," accessible via a roughly four-mile loop trail. Frequently recommended sites include 13, 95, 126, 158, and 172, each cited for shade, size, or proximity to the water.
Facilities are a consistent strength. Multiple bathhouses are distributed throughout the campground and reviewed as clean and well-maintained. The camp store near the entrance carries groceries, ice, and camping supplies. Electric and water hookups are available for RVs up to 40 feet, with two dump stations on site. WiFi is available in the campground, though cell coverage receives only occasional mention. Reservations are accepted and fill quickly, especially on weekends and in summer. The park has no pet policy, so campers traveling with dogs should check current rules before booking.
The surrounding area adds to the draw. A climb up South Carolina's only accessible lighthouse costs $2. A nature center on the island covers local ecology, and over nine miles of trails cover maritime forest, lagoon edges, and beach access. The town of Beaufort, roughly 15 miles away, has restaurants, grocery stores, and seafood markets. Campers looking for campgrounds near Hunting Island State Park will find limited options on the island itself, making advance planning important. Tuck in the Wood Campground provides an inland alternative to the west.
Hunting Island State Park Campground suits campers who want direct beach access with full amenities, and who are prepared for crowds, close site spacing, and active insect management during warmer months.
Description
While tent campers may use standard campsites, a designated walk-in tent camping area is available that includes tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, no power and centralized water. A vehicle parking lot is also provided. All walk-in tent sites are a short walk away from the designated parking lot and a short walk away from the ocean. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.
Camping Information: Two campgrounds are located at the northern end of the park near the ocean. One of the campgrounds provides individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft.; others up to 28 ft. Camping Reservations:
Hunting Island is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
Hunting Island is home to the historic Hunting Island lighthouse, built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is that it was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled should it ever need to be moved. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889.
Hunting Island State Park camping is available at 100 campsites with water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways and a playground. Hunting Island State Park camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights.
Reservation Info
To make a camping reservation or view current rates, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or visit our reservations page by clicking here. Rates vary by season and demand and are subject to change.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHunting Island State Park Campground is located in South Carolina near Edisto Island
Address
2555 Sea Island PKWY
Hunting Island, SC 29920
Coordinates
32.3752377 N
80.4381293 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/31/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/31/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 11 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Hilton Head Island, SC
- 1 hr 18 min from Savannah, GA
- 1 hr 40 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 45 min from Hinesville, GA
