Coastal Escapes: Camping at Huntington Beach State Park
Adventure Destination

Coastal Escapes: Camping at Huntington Beach State Park

Camp at Huntington Beach State Park for a mix of beach activities and wildlife viewing. Located 90 minutes from Charleston, it offers both RV and tent sites, with easy access to three miles of uncrowded beaches. Explore Atalaya Castle and keep an eye out for local wildlife like alligators and spoonbills.

Camping7.8/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Camping

Typical Duration

Overnight

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Camping at Huntington Beach State Park offers an unforgettable mix of pristine beaches, diverse wildlife, and rich history, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Nestled along the Grand Strand, just 90 minutes north of Charleston, this coastal gem promises a serene retreat amid the sights and sounds of South Carolina’s natural beauty.

The park’s campground features spacious sites, many shaded by live oaks and palmettos. Options include full hookups for RVs and more rustic settings for tent campers, ensuring something for every style of outdoor adventurer. With the Atlantic Ocean just a short walk away, you can fall asleep to the rhythmic crash of waves and wake up to the salty breeze of the sea.

A highlight of camping here is easy access to three miles of uncrowded, unspoiled beaches. Spend your days beachcombing for shells, wading into the surf, or simply soaking up the sun. Early risers are treated to stunning sunrises over the Atlantic, painting the sky in a spectrum of colors.

The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Take a stroll along the causeway, where you’re likely to spot alligators basking in the sun and a variety of birds, from great blue herons to roseate spoonbills. The park’s salt marshes, freshwater lagoons, and maritime forests support an incredible array of species, making it a top destination for birdwatchers and photographers.

For a taste of history, don’t miss Atalaya, the Moorish-style mansion once home to Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. A self-guided tour reveals the fascinating story behind the park’s founding and its artistic legacy.

Huntington Beach State Park is more than a campground—it’s a coastal sanctuary where you can reconnect with nature, relax by the waves, and create lasting memories under the stars.


Editorial Assessment

Huntington Beach State Park offers a beautiful coastal environment ideal for camping and enjoying outdoor activities, featuring sandy beaches and opportunities for wildlife observation. While it is an attractive and enjoyable location, it doesn't have unique natural features that would rank it among the world's most iconic outdoor destinations.

Coastal Escapes: Camping at Huntington Beach State Park

Adventure Guide to Coastal Escapes: Camping at Huntington Beach State Park

1

#

  • Highlights:

2

Campground Features

  • Details:

    Sites Available: Full hookup sites for RVs and standard sites for tents.

  • Details:

    Amenities: Restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, and picnic tables at most sites.

  • Details:

    Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (spring and summer).

3

Activities

  • Details:

    Beach Fun: Swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing.

  • Details:

    Wildlife Viewing: Spot alligators, egrets, and over 300 species of birds.

  • Details:

    Atalaya Castle: Explore the historic mansion and learn about the park’s origins.

4

Tips for Campers

  • Details:

    Bring binoculars for birdwatching and a camera to capture the wildlife and scenery.

  • Details:

    Use bug spray, particularly in the evening when mosquitoes can be active.

  • Details:

    Pack for coastal weather: layers for breezy mornings and evenings, and sunscreen for daytime.

5

Getting There

  • Overview:

    Huntington Beach State Park is located along Highway 17 in Murrells Inlet, about 90 minutes from Charleston. Parking is available, and the campground is well-marked upon arrival. Camping at Huntington Beach State Park is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering a coastal escape that captures the magic of South Carolina’s shores.

Reviews

K
Kathryn Zinsmeisterin the last week

Very nice park. The charge to enter is per person not per car. Then there is an additional charge to go through the Huntington summer home. Nice play area and camping grounds. Loved the Nature Center and hiking trails. Gift store and ice cream shop was also there but I didn't check them out.

J
J.C. Smallin the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

A
Andrew Karlin the last week

So clean so nice and we were here in winter! Look forward to coming back in summer.

T
Travis Lloydin the last week

A must check out!

J
Justina Deskinsin the last week

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

'Side Kick' Near‑Shore Half‑Day: A Compact Sportfishing Run out of Georgetown0.47 mi
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

'Side Kick' Near‑Shore Half‑Day: A Compact Sportfishing Run out of Georgetown

A 4‑hour, customizable near‑shore charter aboard a 32‑ft sportfishing boat for trolling or bottom fishing for mackerel, sea bass and sharks.

0.47 miView Trips & Details →
Line and Tide: Private Charter Fishing from Pawleys Island to the Reefs1.79 mi
Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Line and Tide: Private Charter Fishing from Pawleys Island to the Reefs

Private charters run out of Murrells Inlet for up to five guests; all gear and the fishing license are supplied and professional fishermen will fillet fresh catch for you.

1.79 miView Trips & Details →
Sunset Lines: An Evening Fishing Charter from Murrells Inlet aboard the Outlaw2.20 mi
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Sunset Lines: An Evening Fishing Charter from Murrells Inlet aboard the Outlaw

A three-hour evening fishing trip in Murrells Inlet that supplies fishing licenses and cleans your catch—this guide explains what to expect and where to meet.

2.20 miView Trips & Details →
A renewed 24' pontoon, six seats, and an inshore chase for flounder to sharks in Murrells Inlet2.22 mi
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

A renewed 24' pontoon, six seats, and an inshore chase for flounder to sharks in Murrells Inlet

A hands-off, gear-included inshore fishing charter aboard the newly renovated Black Diamond that targets a wide variety of coastal species—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

2.22 miView Trips & Details →
Shark Days on the Sidekick: An 8‑Hour Offshore Combo from Murrells Inlet2.28 mi
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Shark Days on the Sidekick: An 8‑Hour Offshore Combo from Murrells Inlet

An 8‑hour offshore combo aboard a custom 32 ft sport fishing boat departing Crazy Sister Marina, combining shark drift fishing and bottom fishing for parties up to six.

2.28 miView Trips & Details →
Six Hours Offshore: Fast, Salt-Slick Action Out of Murrells Inlet2.55 mi
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Six Hours Offshore: Fast, Salt-Slick Action Out of Murrells Inlet

A 6-hour offshore fishing charter from Murrells Inlet that puts families and small groups 20–30 miles out to target Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and black seabass with gear, bait, licenses and fish cleaning included.

2.55 miView Trips & Details →