Myrtle Beach State Park
Stand on the Myrtle Beach State Park fishing pier and look north along the Grand Strand. You’ll see high-rise hotels stretching to the horizon—a concrete canyon of vacation condos, mini-golf courses, and neon signs. Now look south into the park. Ancient live oaks twist toward the sea, their canopies draped in Spanish moss. A maritime forest rises behind pristine dunes. It’s like stepping back in time to a South Carolina that existed before the beach boom.
Opened in 1936 as South Carolina’s first state park, Myrtle Beach State Park preserves 312 acres of the last undeveloped oceanfront on the entire Grand Strand. Those original six cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps still welcome overnight guests, just as they have for nearly 90 years. Whether you’re casting a line from the famous pier, camping under towering pines just 300 yards from the beach, or simply escaping the crowds for a quiet nature trail, this park offers something the surrounding resort strip cannot: authentic coastal South Carolina.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575 |
| 🗺️ Region | Grand Strand (Horry County) |
| 📐 Total Area | 312 acres |
| 🏖️ Beachfront | ~1 mile of Atlantic Ocean beach |
| 📅 Established | 1936 (First SC State Park) |
| ⭐ Google Rating | 4.7 stars (8,200+ reviews) |
| 🚗 Distance from Downtown | 3 miles south of Myrtle Beach strip |
Entrance Fees
The park charges per-person admission fees year-round. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| 🧑 Adults (16+) | $8.00 |
| 👴 SC Seniors (65+) | $5.00 |
| 👧 Children (6-15) | $4.00 |
| 👶 Children (5 & under) | FREE |
| 📅 Annual Individual Pass | $75 |
| 📅 Annual Family Pass | $125 |
Hours: 6 AM – 10 PM daily (gate hours may vary seasonally)
The Fishing Pier
The Myrtle Beach State Park fishing pier is a Grand Strand institution—one of the best places on the South Carolina coast to catch everything from spot and whiting to king mackerel and flounder. A separate pier fishing pass is required (no state fishing license needed).
| Pier Pass Category | Daily Fee |
|---|---|
| 🧑 Adults (16+) | $8.00 |
| 👴 SC Seniors (65+) / Disabled | $5.00 |
| 👧 Children (6-15) | $3.00 |
| 👶 Children (5 & under) | FREE |
| 🎣 Rod Rental | Available at Gift Shop |
| Species | Best Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Spot | Fall (Sept-Nov) | Excellent eating; abundant during fall run |
| 🐟 Whiting | Summer-Fall | Year-round; best May-October |
| 🐟 Flounder | Spring-Fall | Near structure; live bait preferred |
| 🐟 Spanish Mackerel | Summer | Fast action; use metal lures |
| 🐟 King Mackerel | Late Summer | Trophy fish; live bait required |
| 🐟 Red Drum | Fall | “Puppy drum” common near pier |
| 🐟 Speckled Trout | Spring & Fall | Near structure on incoming tide |
Historic CCC Cabins
The six cabins at Myrtle Beach State Park aren’t just accommodations—they’re living history. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, these original structures have hosted guests for nearly 90 years. Each cabin has been carefully maintained while adding modern conveniences.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏡 Number of Cabins | 6 (CCC-built, 1930s) |
| 📍 Distance to Beach | ~200 yards |
| 🛏️ Sleeps | Up to 6 guests |
| 🍳 Kitchen | Full kitchen with utensils |
| 📺 Amenities | A/C, heat, TV, Wi-Fi, linens provided |
| 🐕 Pets | NOT allowed in cabins |
| 💰 Rate | Starting ~$100/night (varies by season) |
📢 Booking Tip: CCC cabins book months in advance for summer and holidays. Reserve at SouthCarolinaParks.com as early as possible.
Camping
With 278 campsites tucked under towering pines and live oaks—just 300 yards from the beach—Myrtle Beach State Park offers one of the most popular camping experiences on the South Carolina coast.
| Site Type | Count | Features | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Full Hookup Sites | ~200 | Water, electric (30/50 amp), sewer | $40 – $55/night |
| 💧 Water/Electric Sites | ~48 | Water, electric; no sewer | $35 – $50/night |
| ⛺ Tent-Only Sites | 30 | Designated tent camping; shaded | $25 – $35/night |
| 📶 Wi-Fi | — | Available throughout campground | FREE |
| 🚿 Bathhouses | Multiple | Hot showers, flush toilets | Included |
⚠️ Airport Note: The park is located near Myrtle Beach International Airport. Campers may experience airplane noise during the day, though most find it minimal compared to the benefits of the location.
Maritime Forest & Nature Trail
Behind the beach, a rare maritime forest ecosystem thrives—one of the last remaining examples on the Grand Strand. The Sculptured Oak Nature Trail winds through this unique environment.
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌳 Sculptured Oak Nature Trail | 0.9 mi loop | Easy | Maritime forest; ancient live oaks; wildlife viewing |
| 🏖️ Beach Walk | ~1 mi one-way | Easy | Atlantic beachfront; shelling; sunrise views |
What is a Maritime Forest?
Maritime forests are unique coastal ecosystems that develop behind protective dunes. At Myrtle Beach State Park, you’ll find:
- Live Oaks – Wind-sculpted trees draped in Spanish moss
- Cabbage Palmettos – South Carolina’s state tree
- Wax Myrtle – The aromatic shrub that gives Myrtle Beach its name
- Diverse Wildlife – From white-tailed deer to migratory songbirds
Wildlife
The park’s diverse habitats—beach, dunes, maritime forest, and wetlands—support a remarkable variety of wildlife.
| Animal | Where to See | When |
|---|---|---|
| 🦌 White-tailed Deer | Forest edges; campground | Dawn & dusk |
| 🐿️ Eastern Gray Squirrel | Nature trail; campground oaks | Year-round; daytime |
| 🐢 Loggerhead Sea Turtle | Beach (nesting) | May – August (nesting season) |
| 🦅 Osprey | Near pier; fishing | Year-round |
| 🐦 Brown Pelicans | Pier; ocean | Year-round |
| 🦀 Ghost Crabs | Beach dunes | Night (most active) |
| 🐬 Atlantic Dolphins | Offshore; visible from pier | Year-round |
Seasonal Activities Guide
| Season | Best Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Mar-May) | Beach walks, fishing, camping, birding | Perfect weather; fewer crowds than summer |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Swimming, pier fishing, sea turtle programs | Peak season; reserve camping/cabins early! |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fishing (spot run!), camping, nature trails | Best fishing season; crowds thin after Labor Day |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb) | Pier fishing, birding, cabin getaways | Mild temps (50s-60s); winter camping deals available |
Nature Center & Programs
The park’s Nature Center offers educational exhibits about coastal ecosystems, sea turtle conservation, and the park’s CCC history. Ranger-led programs run seasonally.
| Program | Season | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 🐢 Sea Turtle Walks | Summer (Jun-Jul) | Early morning; see nesting loggerheads |
| 🌌 Night Sky Programs | Year-round | Star gazing away from city lights |
| 🌿 Nature Walks | Year-round | Guided trail hikes; wildlife spotting |
| 🏛️ CCC History Tours | Seasonal | Learn about the 1930s construction legacy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Myrtle Beach State Park special?
Myrtle Beach State Park is South Carolina’s first state park, opened in 1936. It preserves 312 acres of pristine maritime forest and oceanfront—the last natural shoreline on the otherwise heavily developed Grand Strand. The six original CCC cabins from the 1930s still welcome guests, making it both a natural treasure and a piece of living history.
Can you swim at Myrtle Beach State Park?
Yes! The park has approximately one mile of Atlantic Ocean beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is generally less crowded than the public beaches along the Myrtle Beach strip, offering a more peaceful experience.
Do I need a fishing license for the pier?
No state fishing license is required to fish from the pier. However, you must purchase a daily pier fishing pass ($8 adults, $3 children 6-15, free for 5 & under). Fishing rods are available to rent at the pier gift shop if you don’t have your own gear.
Are the CCC cabins worth booking?
Absolutely. The six cabins are original 1930s structures with modern updates—a rare opportunity to stay in historic CCC architecture just 200 yards from the beach. They book months in advance, especially for summer and holidays. Full kitchen, A/C, Wi-Fi, and linens are included.
Is camping noisy due to the airport?
The park is located near Myrtle Beach International Airport, so daytime airplane noise is possible. Most campers report it’s not disruptive, and the benefits—shaded sites 300 yards from the beach, full hookups, and Wi-Fi—far outweigh the occasional overhead traffic.
What is the best time to visit?
Fall (September-November) offers the best combination of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and excellent fishing (the “spot run” is legendary). Spring is also ideal. Summer is busiest but perfect for swimming and sea turtle programs. Winter offers solitude and cabin getaway deals.
Plan Your Visit to Myrtle Beach State Park
Experience South Carolina’s first state park—312 acres of maritime forest, Atlantic beach, and living history just minutes from the Grand Strand.
📍 Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
🌐 Official Website: South Carolina Parks – Myrtle Beach
📞 Park Office: (843) 238-5325
🏕️ Reservations: Book Camping & Cabins
