Huntington Beach state park

Huntington Beach State Park Campground stands as one of South Carolina's most celebrated and highly sought-after coastal camping destinations. Located in the beautiful Murrells Inlet area, this campground offers a unique blend of pristine Atlantic Ocean beach access, extensive marsh and wildlife viewing opportunities, and modern camping amenities. For residents of the Palmetto State, it is a treasured retreat where the natural beauty of the Lowcountry coastline is preserved and celebrated. The facility is not merely a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it is an immersive experience that connects campers with the rich ecosystems and local history of the Grand Strand.

The campground provides a significant number of campsites—over 170 in total—catering to various camping styles, from large Recreational Vehicles (RVs) requiring full hookups to those preferring a more traditional tent camping experience. It operates year-round, allowing local South Carolinians to enjoy the milder winter months as a quiet retreat or book far in advance for the peak summer beach season. The park's commitment to maintaining its natural environment while offering convenient services makes it a consistently top-rated choice for coastal vacations in the state. Whether you are looking to surf fish, bird-watch, or simply relax with the sound of the ocean, Huntington Beach State Park offers a premium, accessible outdoor experience right here in South Carolina.

Furthermore, the park’s proximity to the historic town of Murrells Inlet, known for its seafood restaurants and MarshWalk, adds a convenient local flavor to the camping trip, allowing visitors to easily combine a rustic outdoor stay with coastal dining and local culture. This combination of natural splendor and modern convenience is why it is considered one of the gems of the South Carolina State Parks system.

The campground is ideally located at 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA. Situated directly on the coast, south of Myrtle Beach and adjacent to the world-renowned Brookgreen Gardens, its location is a major draw for local and regional visitors. The park is easily accessible via U.S. Route 17 (Ocean Highway), which runs parallel to the coast, providing a direct route from both the north (Myrtle Beach) and the south (Georgetown). This centralized location along the Waccamaw Neck makes for a relatively stress-free drive for most South Carolina residents.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours until 10 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time, providing ample time for campers to arrive and settle in. Check-in time for camping is typically 2:00 p.m., and check-out is 12:00 p.m. The entire state park property is well-maintained and provides designated parking areas for campers and day-use visitors.

Accessibility within the park itself is also a priority. Several boardwalks and overlooks extend out into the saltmarsh and freshwater lagoon, designed to provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities for all visitors. The park is also connected to the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, a flat, paved trail that runs along U.S. 17, offering a convenient and safe route for local bicyclists to explore the area between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island.

Huntington Beach State Park Campground is divided into North and South campgrounds, each offering distinct advantages and a variety of services to maximize camper comfort. The camp's offerings are extensive, ensuring all guests, whether in a tent or a large RV, have necessary conveniences.

• RV Camping Options: The park features a significant number of RV sites, accommodating vehicles up to 40 feet in length. These sites are split into two main categories:
  • Full Hookup Sites (66 total): Located primarily in the South Campground, these sites include water, electrical, and sewer connections, offering maximum convenience for extended stays. These sites are generally paved and closer together.
  • Standard Sites (107 total): These sites, found throughout the North and South Campgrounds, provide water and electrical hookups only, and are convenient to nearby comfort stations.
• Tent Camping Amenities: While tent campers may use the standard sites with water and electric, the campground also provides 6 dedicated, rustic walk-in tent sites. These feature tent pads and have central water access, offering a more traditional and private experience.
• Onsite Services and Facilities: Essential services include several clean and well-maintained comfort stations with hot showers and flush toilets. A dump station is available for RV waste, and the park also offers a camp store, gift shop, and trash pickup services.
• Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi service is available in the campground area and at the park’s Visitor Center, though signal strength may vary by campsite, particularly in the more heavily wooded North Campground.
• Pet Policy: Huntington Beach State Park is a dog-friendly park year-round, allowing pets on a leash no longer than six feet. Dogs are permitted in the campground and on the south end of the beach.

The allure of Huntington Beach State Park goes far beyond its campsites. Its primary appeal lies in the unique blend of coastal ecology, historical landmarks, and recreational activities that make it a favorite for South Carolina nature lovers and history buffs alike.

• Three Miles of Pristine Beach: Campers enjoy direct access to a gorgeous, undeveloped three-mile stretch of beach along the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and surf fishing, all with a breathtaking view of the sunrise.
• Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark: Located within the park, Atalaya is the stunning former Moorish-style winter home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, philanthropist Archer M. Huntington. Visitors can tour this impressive architectural marvel for a small admission fee and learn about the Huntingtons' legacy.
• World-Class Bird Watching: The park is recognized as one of the premier birding destinations on the East Coast, with over 300 species documented. The marsh boardwalks and nature trails provide excellent vantage points for viewing migratory and resident birds.
• Fishing and Boating Access: Anglers can enjoy fishing from the beach or the park's jetty. A boat ramp located at Oyster Landing, near the park entrance, provides convenient access to Murrells Inlet for those wishing to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
• Nature and Interpretive Programs: The park often hosts interpretive programs, including nature walks and naturalist-led salt marsh kayaking programs, educating visitors on the local ecology, wildlife, and conservation efforts.

For up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific campsite features, South Carolina residents should contact the park directly.

• Address: 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
• Local Phone: 1-843-237-4440
• Reservations: Campsite reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and can typically be made up to 13 months in advance through the official South Carolina State Parks reservation system.

For South Carolina families and outdoor enthusiasts, choosing Huntington Beach State Park for camping is a decision that offers unparalleled value due to its location and comprehensive amenities. It stands out from other local campgrounds by providing a direct, unspoiled beach camping experience combined with the reliability and professionalism of the state park system. The park's dual nature—offering the coastal environment alongside significant historical and ecological features like Atalaya and the birding sites—ensures there is something for every member of the family, from toddlers to seniors.

Specifically, the option of full-hookup RV sites directly across from the ocean is a premium feature not easily found elsewhere along the Grand Strand. While the South Campground offers proximity and convenience with paved, full-hookup sites, the North Campground provides a more rustic, wooded atmosphere for those who prefer more privacy. This diversity in camping environments, coupled with the security of a state-managed facility, makes it a reliable and superior choice. For local South Carolinians seeking a coastal getaway that blends history, wildlife, and modern camping comfort, Huntington Beach State Park remains the premier location.

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Huntington Beach state park

16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA