Hunting Island

PARK NEWS

Food trucks are rolling into the park every Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day! Stop by for great food and park views, weather permitting.

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is currently closed for repairs. It will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting.

We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding as we work to restore this historic feature for public access and enjoyment! Check out our update here.

We now have a track chair available for visitors with mobility impairments, thanks to the Ford Bronco Wild Fund. Visitors are encouraged to call the park to reserve the track chair at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. There is no additional charge to use the track chair, but a Park Passport or park admission is required for entry for all visitors. Read more about this new track chair here.

Discover St. Phillips Island

Once the private retreat of conservationist Ted Turner, St. Phillips Island is a 4,680-acre barrier island accessible only by boat. Take a day trip to explore forested trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy the island’s undeveloped shoreline.

Book your trip with Coastal Expeditions and experience one of South Carolina’s most pristine coastal destinations.

Stay at the Turner House
Extend your adventure with an overnight stay at the Turner House on St. Phillips Island. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the house offers a private retreat surrounded by unmatched natural beauty. Perfect for family gatherings, group getaways, or a peaceful escape.

Learn more

HOURS

Park Hours:
6 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time)

Nature Center Hours:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily

Campground Store Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily.

Lighthouse Store Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sa-Su

OFFICE

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sa-Su

ADMISSION

$8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger

PETS

Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex. Dogs are not permitted on the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.

Wifi Available

EV Charging Station

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Hunting Island State Park

Coast

Lighthouse

The Hunting Island Lighthouse is currently closed for repairs. It will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, at 11 a.m.

The lighthouse can still be viewed from the grounds, and docents will be on hand to interpret and give more information about the lighthouse. On weekdays, equipment noise may impact this area of the park. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding as we work to restore this historic feature for public access and enjoyment!

Learn more about the lighthouse and progress on repairs here.

The historic lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina.

Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s 167 steps and enjoy panoramic views of the barrier island, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding marshlands from the observation deck.

The original lighthouse was built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after being destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the structure is its cast-iron construction, designed so the lighthouse could be dismantled and relocated if needed. Due to severe beach erosion, the lighthouse was moved 1.3 miles inland in 1889.

The lighthouse underwent major repairs in 2003 to reinforce portions of the cast-iron staircase and preserve the historic structure. In 2022, the lighthouse again closed for an extensive restoration project that included structural stabilization, stair repairs, metal restoration, and improvements to the lantern room and observation deck before reopening in 2026.

Lighthouse Climb Information

Admission: $5 per person
Climbs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets must be purchased at the time of climb from the oil house directly across from the lighthouse.
First climb: 9:30 a.m.
Last climb: 4:30 p.m.
Groups are limited to 12 guests per climb.
Each climb group is allotted 30 minutes to complete the climb and descent.
Climbers must be at least 44 inches tall.
The lighthouse may close at any time due to unsafe weather conditions.

Please note: Lighthouse admission does not include park admission.

Lighthouse Climb Guidelines

Safety Requirements

Climbers must be able to complete the climb independently.
Children ages 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
Climbers must weigh less than 260 pounds.
Carrying or lifting individuals is not permitted, including child carriers.

Conduct & Restrictions

Running, jumping, or stomping on stairs and landings is prohibited.
Throwing objects from the lighthouse is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the park.

Food & Personal Items

Food, beverages (except water), smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco are prohibited inside the lighthouse.
Please leave personal items such as umbrellas, backpacks, tripods, coolers, beach bags, surfboards, and fishing poles in your vehicle.
The park is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Clothing & Footwear

Shoes are required.
Bare feet and high heels are not permitted.

Pets

Pets are not allowed inside the lighthouse.
Service animals should use caution due to open grating and railings.

Closures & Updates

Closure updates will be posted on the official Hunting Island State Park webpage.

Virtual Reality headsets are offered in the Visitor's Center.

Golf Cart Policy

Important Info

At Hunting Island State Park

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