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Editor’s Note: Due to safety concerns, the state has temporarily closed tours of the lighthouse mentioned in this article until repairs can be made. (Updated May 31, 2022)
South Carolina is home to remarkable state parks with amenities that include stunning beaches, mountaintop overlooks, cabins, secluded islands, and more. But the state park that reigns supreme as the fan favorite among visitors is Hunting Island State Park. Among other features, the park is home to a 19th century lighthouse visitors can climb to the top for unending 360-degree views. A campground, eight miles of trails, a nature center, and more round out the many reasons to put Hunting Island on the bucket list for repeat adventures.
Like the ever-flexible and bending palmetto trees that line the beachfront on Hunting Island, the state park has survived (although not unscathed by any means) hurricane after hurricane over the past 84 years since the park first opened.
With four-plus miles of pristine beachfront, Hunting Island's beach is one of the best in the state. And in spite of this being the most traveled park, you never really get a sense of being swamped by other visitors.
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The 5,000-acre island and park features some outstanding amenities including a 6.1-mile loop trail around the island that traverses a maritime forest.
Still another trail features a boardwalk over marshy territory and past a gorgeous lagoon. Imagine the ocean breezes and salty air as you wander around this unspoiled slice of paradise located just 17 miles east of Beaufort.
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In addition to the reasons to visit Hunting Island for a day trip, there is also a campground carved into a palm tree forest next to the beach on the north end of the island.
A total of 110 campsites are available for affordable nightly rates; each includes water and electric hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. For those who prefer cabin camping, the state park has one two-bedroom cabin located near the lighthouse.
It's hard to compete with a pristine beach, boardwalk trails, and a beach side campground, but the Hunting Island Lighthouse is a main attraction for most visitors to the park.
For the time being, visitors can climb to the top of this beloved relic. However, a recent announcement indicates it's time for some serious repairs that will entail closing the tower for tours and then removing those cast iron sections. No date has been announced as of yet for the repairs to begin.
From the top of the Hunting Island Lighthouse you'll have views well beyond the imagination.
Currently, the lighthouse tours only allow six persons at a time inside the tower or on the observation deck. It's 167 steps to the top of the spiral staircase and costs $2/person.
Day use hours for Hunting Island State Park are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during winter and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during daylight savings time. Admission is $5/adults, $3.25/seniors, $3 children age 6-15, children 5 and under are free.
Address: 2555 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC, 29920
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