Ultimate Hunting Island State Park: A Breathtaking South Carolina Coastal Escape

Hunting Island State Park has a special place in my heart. Although every South Carolina State Park has its own charm, Hunting Island remains my favorite. In 2019, I set a goal to visit all 47 South Carolina State Parks, and Hunting Island is where I earned my Ultimate Outsider certificate.

Located in Beaufort County along South Carolina’s beautiful coast, Hunting Island is a spectacular combination of sandy beaches, maritime forest, salt marshes, lagoons, and abundant wildlife. The land was donated to the state in 1938, and the park was later developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the effort to provide jobs during the Great Depression. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hunting Island State Park boasts more than five miles of sandy beaches, making it a wonderful destination for swimming, fishing, beachcombing, photography, and simply enjoying the ocean. It also offers camping, hiking, boating, and plenty of opportunities to experience the Lowcountry’s natural beauty.

One of the park’s most recognizable landmarks is the Hunting Island Lighthouse, the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. Climbing the 167 steps to the top is well worth the effort. From the observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounding islands, maritime forest, and salt marshes.

I’ve visited Hunting Island many times, and the photographs in this post come from several of those trips. Each visit has offered something different.

On my first visit, we explored several trails, including the Maritime Forest Trail and Lagoon Trail, and crossed the bridge toward Little Hunting Island. The trails provide a wonderful opportunity to experience the park beyond its beaches.

One of my favorite places in the park is Boneyard Beach, particularly at sunrise. The weathered remains of trees scattered along the shoreline create an almost surreal landscape. I love arriving early, watching the sun come up over the water, and photographing the beautiful silhouettes of the driftwood and trees.

Boneyard Beach is accessible from the area near the Nature Center, which has its own parking at the park’s periphery. Be sure to check current access conditions, as coastal areas can change with storms, tides, and erosion.

Hunting Island is also a fantastic place for wildlife watching. Loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach, and I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph ospreys and bald eagles during my visits. Depending on the season and where you explore, you may also encounter snakes, raccoons, alligators, herons, egrets, and other coastal wildlife.

If you enjoy sunsets, don’t overlook the boat ramp. It has its own parking area across from the Nature Center and offers beautiful views as the sun goes down. I’ve taken several photographs there, and the peaceful setting makes it another favorite spot of mine.

The boat ramp is also a departure point for excursions to St. Phillips Island, a roughly four-mile-long barrier island that was once owned by media mogul Ted Turner.

Hunting Island changes with the seasons, and each time I return, I discover another reason to love it. Fall and winter are my favorite seasons for hiking, when temperatures are more comfortable and mosquitoes are generally less troublesome. Summer is perfect for cooling off in the ocean, while spring can bring pleasant beach days and abundant coastal wildlife.

For me, Hunting Island represents everything I love about South Carolina: history, nature, wildlife, photography, beautiful scenery, and plenty of opportunities to explore. It is easy to understand why it became my favorite state park—and earning my Ultimate Outsider certificate here made it even more meaningful.

If You Go

Location: Beaufort County, South Carolina
Park history: Land was donated to the state in 1938 and the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Highlights: Five-plus miles of beach, Hunting Island Lighthouse, Boneyard Beach, maritime forest, salt marshes, lagoons, and wildlife
Lighthouse: Climb 167 steps for panoramic coastal views when the lighthouse is open.
Trails: Maritime Forest Trail, Lagoon Trail, and other walking opportunities
Best for: Hiking, photography, swimming, wildlife watching, fishing, camping, and sunrise/sunset views
Best hiking season: Fall and winter for cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes
Summer: Great for swimming and enjoying the beach, but expect heat and insects.
Wildlife: Watch for loggerhead sea turtles, ospreys, bald eagles, herons, egrets, alligators, raccoons, and snakes. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Boneyard Beach: A must-see for photographers, especially around sunrise. Check current access and tide conditions before visiting.
Sunset: The boat ramp is a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
St. Phillips Island: Boat excursions are available through Coastal Expeditions.
What to bring: Water, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, and your camera.
Important: Check current park hours, admission fees, lighthouse access, trail conditions, and beach closures before your visit.