Myrtle Beach State Park
4.7(8.7K)google
4.0(144)yelp
CampingFishingNatureOutdoorSecluded & UncrowdedSunrise
Overview
Myrtle Beach State Park is a gorgeous, 312-acre coastal sanctuary that offers a stunning escape from the neon-lit, commercialized sections of the Grand Strand. Opened in 1936 as South Carolina's very first state park, this pristine oceanfront preserve protects a rare, untouched maritime forest filled with live oaks, wax myrtles, and towering southern pines. Visitors can stroll along a beautiful ocean fishing pier, pitch tents or park RVs at spacious shaded campsites, and walk quiet nature trails where songbirds thrive. The park's expansive white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and watching unforgettable Atlantic sunrises.
Practical Info
Every day6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeMid-to-late October or clear summer mornings between 6:00 AM and 8:30 AM offer the finest natural rewards. Early morning mist frequently blankets the secluded maritime forests, and the rising sun casts a perfect gold glow along the massive timber public fishing pier cutting into the deep blue Atlantic surf.
Getting TherePositioned cleanly along the extreme southern coastal tail at 4401 Business Highway 17 South. Driving is the only practical route: follow US-17 Business south out of the city center for 5 minutes, and make a clean left turn into the parkway gate. Extensive, free public surface parking lots are open at every trailhead.
Travel Tips
- Park entry is credentialed on a strict per-person tariff system; note that the federal US Interagency Pass (America the Beautiful) is completely invalid at South Carolina state parks.
- The 138 full-hookup RV sites require an 11-month booking horizon via the state's online reservation platform; same-day walk-up camping availability is practically non-existent during peak seasons.
- Fishing from the ocean pier exempts anglers from holding an individual SC marine fishing license under a commercial master permit; however, a park pier-fishing pass must be purchased on-site.
Reviews
Positive
- A natural sanctuary! It perfectly escapes the concrete downtown of Myrtle Beach, blending ancient maritime forests with wide, pristine sand for elite views.
- The lengthy wooden fishing pier is the park's crown jewel. Watching the sea, fishing, or catching the sunrise here is romantic and deeply healing.
- The low vehicle entry fee grants high-value access to clean picnic lawns, shaded nature walks, and prime ocean shores, ranking among the best values in US state parks.
- The visitor density is beautifully controlled, far from commercial noise and crowds. Restrooms and shower facilities are plentiful and run orderly.
Heads up
- On mid-summer weekend mornings post-11 AM, car lines at the entrance gate stretch very long. Arriving too late risks rejection due to full lots.
- During summer, heavy foliage and nearby marshes mean bugs and sand flies are vicious deep in shaded paths, turning hikes into an ordeal without spray.
- While the pier is awesome, casting a line requires paying an extra fishing fee and license, and the rental prices for tackle and gear feel a bit steep.
- The entire park lacks formal dining restaurants, housing only a small store selling basic microwave fast food and ice cream, requiring driving miles out for real meals.