Hunting Island
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Hunting Island

A pristine barrier island defined by boneyard beaches, saltwater marshes, and a historic lighthouse.

Arrival airport
HHH
Airport drive
1 h 27 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
Standard cars are sufficient; campers should check the state park website for specific pad lengths and turn-around limits in the maritime forest.
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Top tour

Most popular experience near Hunting Island

Know before you go

Beach Access Lots

Parking at North Beach fills rapidly during summer weekends. Arrive early or use the south end lots and be prepared for a longer walk to the boneyard.

Coastal Connectivity

Cellular reception is generally available but can be spotty under the dense maritime forest canopy. Do not rely on streaming for navigation inside the park.

St. Helena Service Hub

Fuel and groceries are available on St. Helena Island before you cross the final bridge. No fuel is sold within the state park boundaries.

Tidal Planning

High tide can significantly narrow the beach and make the boneyard inaccessible. Plan your shore walks around the daily tide cycle for safety and views.

Lighthouse Restrictions

Children must meet a height requirement to climb the lighthouse. The structure may close during high winds or thunderstorms for safety.

2RVs, campervans & cars near HHH

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
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Flights to HHH

Check on Aviasales
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2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at HHH
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at HHH

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at HHH
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2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at HHH
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at HHH

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at HHH
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A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Hunting Island

  1. 01

    Boneyard Beaches and Lowcountry Tides

    Suggested: 8 AM from St. Helena Island

    • North Beach Boneyard

      Photograph the weathered, fallen trees along the shoreline, a result of significant coastal erosion.

    • Hunting Island Lighthouse

      Climb the historic cast-iron tower for a view of the Atlantic and the ACE Basin.

    Allow 15-20 minutes from St. Helena; internal park roads are low-speed

    The Boneyard is best explored during low tide; check local NOAA charts.

    Pick up your vehicle at HHH →
  2. 02

    Maritime Forests and Marsh Wildlife

    Suggested: 9 AM from the Nature Center

    • Marsh Boardwalk

      Walk across the salt marsh to a small hammock island to spot fiddler crabs and wading birds.

    • Lagoon Trail

      Look for alligators and herons along the quiet waters of the saltwater lagoon.

    Minimal driving within the park; allow for walking time between trailheads

    Carry insect repellent for the shaded forest trails, especially in humid months.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Historic Sea Islands and Beaufort

    Suggested: 10 AM from the Park Exit

    • Penn Center

      Visit this historic site on St. Helena Island to learn about Gullah-Geechee culture and history.

    • Beaufort Waterfront Park

      Conclude with a walk through the historic district to see antebellum architecture and live oaks.

    Allow 30-40 minutes to reach Beaufort; traffic can slow on the bridge

    Penn Center hours vary; check their official schedule for museum access.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Moderate

Check Tide Charts and Lighthouse Climbing Access

State park camping is highly competitive and must be reserved through the South Carolina State Parks portal months in advance. Lighthouse climbing requires a separate ticket and may be restricted based on weather or structural maintenance. Verify current entry fees and park capacity alerts on the official Hunting Island site.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

HHHHunting Island

Hilton Head Airport · 1 h 27 min drive

Find flights to HHH

Plan your road trip

From Hilton Head Airport

1 h 27 min

about 56 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Hunting Island on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping en Busa.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Hunting Island on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Hunting Island

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

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RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Hunting Island

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Hunting Island

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Hunting Island

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

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