🌤 Weather at Myrtle Beach State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–79 °F | 68–87 °F | 42–83 °F | 34–59 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Myrtle Beach, 10 mi away, elevation 39 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
More parks nearby: Huntington Beach State Park is a short drive away, while Hampton Plantation State Historic Site lies elsewhere in the state.
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
Explore More South Carolina State Parks
Myrtle Beach State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
⛺ Camping at Myrtle Beach State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 278 sites — 278 campsites: 138 with full hookups (water/electric/sewer), 30 designated seasonal tent sites. RV length limits not stated. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 CCC-built (1930s) cabins ~200 yards from the beach: 4 two-bedroom (sleep up to 4), 1 three-bedroom (sleeps up to 6), 1 four-bedroom (sleeps up to 10). Furnished: cable TV/DVD, fully-equipped kitchen incl. microwave, central heat/air, linens, cooking/eating utensils, screened porch w/ rocking chairs, charcoal grill, fire pit, picnic table, free WiFi. Check-in 4pm/check-out 10am. |
| Pets | Pets not allowed in any cabin or cabin areas. Allowed elsewhere year-round on a leash no longer than 6 ft; not allowed on the beach 10am-5pm daily May 1 through Labor Day. |
| Reservations | reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/myrtle-beach; Reservation Center 866-345-7275 option 1, hours 9am-5pm M-F. |
| Special sites | Additional charges apply for pier fishing, overnight camping, and certain park programs. |
| Season notes | May-September cabin rentals restricted to Monday-to-Monday or Friday-to-Friday bookings only. |
Camping questions about Myrtle Beach State Park
Can you camp at Myrtle Beach State Park?
Yes. Myrtle Beach State Park has 278 campsites. 278 campsites: 138 with full hookups (water/electric/sewer), 30 designated seasonal tent sites. RV length limits not stated.
How do you reserve a campsite at Myrtle Beach State Park?
reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/myrtle-beach; Reservation Center 866-345-7275 option 1, hours 9am-5pm M-F.
Are there cabins at Myrtle Beach State Park?
6 CCC-built (1930s) cabins ~200 yards from the beach: 4 two-bedroom (sleep up to 4), 1 three-bedroom (sleeps up to 6), 1 four-bedroom (sleeps up to 10). Furnished: cable TV/DVD, fully-equipped kitchen incl. microwave, central heat/air, linens, cooking/eating utensils, screened porch w/ rocking chairs, charcoal grill, fire pit, picnic table, free WiFi. Check-in 4pm/check-out 10am.
Are pets allowed at the Myrtle Beach State Park campground?
Pets not allowed in any cabin or cabin areas. Allowed elsewhere year-round on a leash no longer than 6 ft; not allowed on the beach 10am-5pm daily May 1 through Labor Day.
Source: southcarolinaparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Myrtle Beach State Park
Park policy: A Horry County ordinance covering every public beach in the county closes the sand to pets during those midday hours in season; outside that window your leashed pet may go on the beach year round. Bicycles are barred during the identical periods.
- Pets allowed?
- No pets on the beach 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, May 1 through Labor Day
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than six feet (or other physical restraint) required at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities except in designated pet-friendly units at eight parks (Barnwell, Devils Fork, Dreher Island, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell, Oconee, Santee, Table Rock); up to two pets under 75 pounds each; additional charge applies
- Pet fees statewide rule
- Additional charge for pet-friendly cabins/villas; no fee for day use
- Park-specific rules
- Pets are shut out of the park's CCC cabins and of the cabin areas surrounding them, not just the buildings themselves.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park staff may require removal of noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten wildlife
Are dogs allowed at Myrtle Beach State Park?
No pets on the beach 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, May 1 through Labor Day.
Beyond that, South Carolina’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via southcarolinaparks.com. More: South Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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