Huntington Beach State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
Are dogs allowed at the park?
Huntington Beach State Park is a dog friendly park year round. Please keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, including Atalaya and on the north end of the beach. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty.
Is wi-fi available at your park?
The park now offers wi-fi in and around the gift shop area. It does not reach to the campground. The domain is public and the password is posted at the gift shop. The password changes on Monday mornings.
Do you have any bike trails in the park?
The park is connected to a bike trail called the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway. This flat paved trial parallels US 17 from Murrell’s Inlet to Sandy Island Road near Huntington Beach State Park. By using sections of completed trail and roads with Share the Road signs, you can ride or walk from Murrell’s Inlet to Pawley’s Island. The park does not offer bike rentals, however, there are local companies that provide this service. For more information about this trail visit the
Bike the Neck website.
What trails do you offer?
Walking trails: "The square” is a two-mile loop. Start at the south beach access and walk to the causeway where you will follow the causeway until you reach Terrapin Drive (just after admissions). Follow this road until you reach the historic straight road and follow this until you return to the south beach access. View wildlife along the way.
Hiking Trails: The 1-mile (one way) Sandpiper Pond Trail can be accessed from either the parking lot by the Nature Center or the north end parking lot.
Interpretive Trails: The 1/4-mile (one way) Kerrigan Trail can be accessed from the gift shop parking lot.
Boardwalks: Several boardwalks and overlooks extend out into the saltmarsh and freshwater lagoon for exceptional wildlife viewing.
Biking Trail: The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway joins the park and provides 3 miles of paved bike trail within the park boundaries. This flat paved trail parallels US 17 from Murrell’s Inlet to Sandy Island Road near Huntington Beach State Park. By using sections of completed trail and roads with Share the Road signs, you can ride or walk from Murrell’s Inlet to Pawley’s Island. For more information on this trail visit the
Bike the Neck website.
What is “Atalaya” and how do you pronounce it?
Atalaya (pronounced Ah-ta-LIE-yuh) is the former winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. This National Historic Landmark is open 9am-5pm daily, except when closed for our special events: 3-in-1 Day, the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival and the Atalaya Holiday Celebration.
Atalaya may be rented for weddings and is a popular spot for photography. Guided tours are available from March – October. An audio tour and self-guided tours are available year round. Atalaya admission - $1/person. Audio tour - $4/person.
Are weddings allowed at Huntington Beach State Park?
Atalaya can be rented for weddings after hours on most Saturdays (March – October). The cost is $2,400 which includes two large courtyards, indoor and outdoor studios, several smaller courtyards, restrooms and the park admission of your wedding party and guest.
Following historic property guidelines, you may set up your own catering, equipment, music, décor, etc. Weddings are also permitted to take place elsewhere on the park (e.g. beach).
Please contact the park to fill out a special use permit application. The application has a $25 non-refundable fee and park admission would apply for your wedding party and guests.
What type of kayaking programs do you offer?
The Education Center offers a weekly, naturalist led, salt marsh kayaking program (March – October). Preregistration and fees are required. Black River Outdoors Center, the concessionaire for this program, also offers a number of their own trips. Please
visit their website for more information.
We do not rent kayaks on the park. If you bring your own, make sure to check out a tide table as some of the smaller creeks go dry at low tide. You may access the marsh approximately one mile north of the park at Oyster Landing. Kayaks are not allowed in interior water bodies including Mullet Pond, Mallard Pond or Sandpiper Pond.
What are the best places to view alligators and birds on the park?
The park has spectacular alligator and bird viewing opportunities that provide for great photography. Alligators can be found mainly on the freshwater side of the causeway as well as on the straight road which leads from the entrance of Atalaya to Hwy. 17.
The best places to view birds on the park are on the marsh side of the causeway, off of Sand Piper Pond Nature Trail as well as near the Nature Center.
Does the park allow golf carts?
Golf carts are permitted as long as they adhere to the following:
1. Operated by someone with a valid drivers license
2. Restricted to roadways and daylight hours and must follow the laws concerning the use of any vehicle on state roads
3. Must be able to show proof of insurance to gift shop staff upon check-in
Is a fishing license needed?
Surf fishing and fishing from the jetty are popular pastimes for guests. Please keep in mind the jetty is a 1.2-mile walk (one way) on the beach. A South Carolina Salt Water Fishing License is also required.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.
How do I make a reservation at a state park?
Reservations at state parks may be made up to 11 months in advance. There are three convenient ways to make reservations at South Carolina State Parks:
Call toll free 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
Online at
SouthCarolinaParks.com or
click here to reserve
At the park of your choice, by calling the park directly
Reservations for group camps or primitive camping must still be made through the state parks.
Camping Reservations: Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Campsite reservations require payment in full at the time the reservation is made.
Cabin Reservations & Day Use Facilities: Reservations requested LESS THAN three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Wednesday and you are making a reservation for the upcoming Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.
How far in advance may I make a reservation?
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For example: If you would like to check in on November 1, 2012 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2011.
What is the cancellation policy for park reservations?
Fees assessed to reservation cancellations or changes are based on the amount of notice given in advance of the arrival date. Transaction fees are not refundable. Below is more detailed information:
CANCELLATION POLICY:
|
LODGING
|
CAMPING
|
DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
15+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
15-29 Days
|
1 night charge
|
4-14 Days
|
1 night charge
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
|
0-14 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
|
LODGING
|
CAMPING
|
DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
15-29 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
|
0-14 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
* Changes that result in additional nights reserved will not incur handling fees or penalties, but will be subject to non-refundable transaction fees for the additional nights.
EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY: Cancellation Policy applies in conjunction with Fee Policy for Emergency Waivers.
Are pets allowed in state parks?
Pets are allowed in most 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. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.
Which parks offer free wi-fi internet service?
The following parks offer free wifi in some capacity on the park: Caesars Head State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Dreher Island State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Hunting Island State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Santee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Lake Hartwell State Park. For more detailed information, please contact the park you are interested in visiting, directly.
What is the discount policy for senior citizens, blind and disabled citizens?
South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age, legally blind or disabled, qualify for certain rate reductions. Proof of age or disability is required. These qualifying residents receive 35% off admission fees, camping, picnic shelters, golf greens fees and fishing pier admission. In order to receive the camping discount, qualifying individuals MUST occupy the site reserved. Also these qualifying residents may purchase a Palmetto Passport for $37.50 (50% off) for admission to all state parks for the period of one year. There are NO rate reductions for lodging, building or meeting facility rentals, leased facilities, resale items or equipment rentals.
Do out-of-state senior citizens, blind or disabled citizens receive any discounts?
The same rate reductions as listed in the question above are extended to out-of-state U.S. residents only at the following parks: Baker Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hamilton Branch, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek, EXCEPT for the Palmetto Passport discount.
What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?
What are your geocaching guidlelines for state parks and state park properties?
How can I get printed information on state park camping and lodging?
Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?
What is the minimum age required to reserve/occupy a campsite?
To reserve and/or occupy a campsite, a member of the party must be least 18 years of age and present at the time of check in. They must also be present on the site with the camping equipment.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on park property?
It is unlawful for any person to consume or display in public any beverage of alcoholic content, including beer and wine, except where specifically authorized by the Department.
Are golf carts permitted on state parks?
For information regarding the use of a personal golf cart, please contact the individual park that you plan to visit.
What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?
Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob. Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.