County Park · SC

Palmetto Islands County Park

Palmetto Islands County Park offers a vibrant natural setting in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, providing a diverse range of recreational activities amidst scenic landscapes.

County Park9432+ Trails

1992COUNTY PARK

Designation

County Park

Total Wilderness Area

943

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Palmetto Islands County Park

Palmetto Islands County Park offers a vibrant natural setting in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, providing a diverse range of recreational activities amidst scenic landscapes.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Palmetto Islands County Park is a lush, 943-acre park known for its opportunities for outdoor recreation and its scenic beauty. The park's geography is defined by its marshland vistas, tidal creeks, and an array of trails ideal for hiking and cycling. It serves as a habitat for diverse wildlife, including alligators, birds, and marshland inhabitants, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Established in 1992, the park has grown to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who are drawn to its picnic sites, boardwalks, and the Otter Slide water feature. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, canoeing, and kayaking along the serene waterways. Palmetto Islands County Park is cherished for its ease of accessibility, family-friendly amenities, and events that range from educational programs to guided nature walks.

Field Guide · County Park

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Palmetto Islands County Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Observation Tower offering panoramic views of the surrounding marshlands.✦ A vibrant ecosystem with opportunities to observe local wildlife such as alligators and birds.✦ The Marsh Boardwalk, providing an immersive experience in a tidal creek environment.✦ The Big Toy playground area for children and family-friendly recreational zones.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Palmetto Islands County Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Palmetto Islands County Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

Park Recreation

Biking

Available in Palmetto Islands County Park

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Palmetto Islands County Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry fee required per person or by vehicle.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Palmetto Islands County Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

⌖ 2.73 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Mount Pleasant, a charming coastal town near Charleston, offers an array of outdoor activities from kayaking and biking to wildlife viewing and fishing. Enjoy the Southern hospitality and natural beauty.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 4.21 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Isle of Palms is a sunny South Carolina beach town perfect for kayaking, fishing, and cycling along scenic coastal landscapes. Its wide sandy beaches and calm salt marshes create a great spot for outdoor adventurers year-round.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 4.64 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is a quiet coastal town perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, and biking. With historic sites, gentle shorelines, and rich birdlife, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor lovers seeking relaxed seaside adventure.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 6.31 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, SC, offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique mix of coastal activities and historic escapades. Paddle through calm waterways, bike scenic paths, and explore beaches for a relaxing escape.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 7.85 miles

Gateway Basecamp

North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston offers coastal adventure with kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking amid tidal marshes and forest trails. Palmetto Islands is a must-visit for outdoor lovers wanting a blend of water and woods close to the city.

Spring through Fall

Explore Town

⌖ 11.48 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Hanahan, South Carolina

Hanahan, South Carolina, offers a peaceful outdoor escape close to Charleston with kayaking, birding, fishing, biking, and trail running through scenic marshlands and green spaces.

Spring and Fall

Explore Town

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Palmetto Islands County Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Meet New Friends on Mount Pleasant’s Paddleboard Socials

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

SUPADV Bookable

Meet New Friends on Mount Pleasant’s Paddleboard Socials

Nature Adventures LLC runs a one-hour paddle in Mount Pleasant followed by a relaxed hangout — this guide explains where to meet, launch rules, and rental options so you can arrive ready to connect.

SUPPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Two Hours on the Atlantic: Fall Group Surf Lessons for Young Riders in Mount Pleasant

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Guided TourADV Bookable

Two Hours on the Atlantic: Fall Group Surf Lessons for Young Riders in Mount Pleasant

A 2-hour group surf lesson run by Sol Surfers for 6–10‑year‑olds at Isle of Palms and Folly Beach; this guide clarifies schedule, cost, and what to expect.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Shem Creek by Paddle: Single, Tandem and SUP Rentals from Nature Adventures

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

KayakADV Bookable

Shem Creek by Paddle: Single, Tandem and SUP Rentals from Nature Adventures

Reserve single or tandem kayaks or a stand-up paddleboard for 3-hour or full-day rentals at Shem Creek; happy hour pricing applies late in the day.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Anchor Under the Stars: An Overnight Sunset Sail from Charleston Harbor

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

SailingADV Bookable

Anchor Under the Stars: An Overnight Sunset Sail from Charleston Harbor

Sail at sunset, drop anchor for an overnight aboard a yacht, dine under the moon and return to port by 9AM—this guide lays out the flow, stops, and what to bring for the Overnight Sail.

SailingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Lowcountry Dusk: A Private Sundog Sunset Cruise from Mount Pleasant

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Boat TourADV Bookable

Lowcountry Dusk: A Private Sundog Sunset Cruise from Mount Pleasant

A private, guided sunset cruise aboard Sundog Sailing’s 21ft center-console Scout that glides Charleston’s waterways so you can watch dolphins, seabirds and the skyline change with the light.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

MoonLight Sail: Charleston Harbor Lit by Moon and Stars

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

SailingADV Bookable

MoonLight Sail: Charleston Harbor Lit by Moon and Stars

A three-hour evening charter aboard a 50 ft luxury sailing yacht that pairs harbor views of Charleston’s historic sites with guided stargazing—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

SailingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Specialties: A Four‑Hour Descent into Charleston’s Underwater Curriculum

ADVEXPEDITION

Charleston, South Carolina

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Specialties: A Four‑Hour Descent into Charleston’s Underwater Curriculum

Choose from a wide range of SDI/TDI and PADI specialty dives — from deep and night diving to underwater navigation — in a focused, instructor‑led session useful for building skills or adding certifications.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Beachcombing for Ancient Teeth: A 2‑Hour Shark‑Tooth Hunt off Mount Pleasant

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

FishingADV Bookable

Beachcombing for Ancient Teeth: A 2‑Hour Shark‑Tooth Hunt off Mount Pleasant

A two-hour outing with The Reel Deal Charters that takes you ashore to scenic banks where crew teach simple techniques to find shark teeth—useful for first-timers and families alike.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Shark-tooth Hunting off Mount Pleasant: A Short, Hands-on Quest from an Avenger Bay

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

FishingADV Bookable

Shark-tooth Hunting off Mount Pleasant: A Short, Hands-on Quest from an Avenger Bay

Two-hour excursions with Reel Fish Finder Charters aboard a stable Avenger Bay boat—rods, tackle, bait and ice provided—ideal for families and groups of up to six.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Back Under the Surface: A Mount Pleasant Scuba Refresher to Reclaim Your Confidence

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Guided TourADV Bookable

Back Under the Surface: A Mount Pleasant Scuba Refresher to Reclaim Your Confidence

A focused refresher that pairs eLearning with a supervised pool dive to help certified divers revisit core skills before returning to open water.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four Hours Aboard the Avenger: A Half-Day Fishing Charter Out of Mount Pleasant

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Guided TourADV Bookable

Four Hours Aboard the Avenger: A Half-Day Fishing Charter Out of Mount Pleasant

A concise guide to a 4-hour, family-friendly fishing trip aboard an Avenger Bay Boat with pick-up from Charleston-area marinas and gear and bait provided.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four Hours of Inshore Shark Fishing from Mount Pleasant: A Family-Friendly Charter through Charleston’s Estuaries

ADVEXPEDITION

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

FishingADV Bookable

Four Hours of Inshore Shark Fishing from Mount Pleasant: A Family-Friendly Charter through Charleston’s Estuaries

A 4-hour inshore shark-fishing charter—run by Lowcountry Coastal Excursions—staged in Mount Pleasant’s inlets, sounds, bays and tidal creeks; this guide helps you know what to expect on calm, wildlife-rich waters.

FishingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip