Huntington Beach State Park in winter: 6 p.m. closing, dog beach rules and birding trails

Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet is now on its standard hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, after staying open until 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time, per South Carolina State Parks as of Nov. 2, 2026. With Myrtle Beach State Park‘s trails closed through January, Huntington Beach is the Grand Strand‘s easiest place for a winter walk, and its rules on dogs and closed areas are worth knowing before you go.

What are Huntington Beach State Park’s hours and fees?

The park is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, with the later 9 p.m. closing returning when Daylight Saving Time does. Admission, per the park:

• $8 for adults.
• $5 for South Carolina seniors 65 and older.
• $4 for ages 6 to 15.
• Free for children under 6.

Atalaya, the castle inside the park, costs $2 more per person age 6 and up.

Where can I walk at Huntington Beach in winter?

The park lists two trails:

• Sandpiper Pond Trail, 1 mile one way from the north parking lot.
• Kerrigan Trail, a quarter mile one way from the gift shop lot.

The Marsh Boardwalk is closed for construction. Hunting is not allowed in the state park.

Where is the best birding?

The park points birders to the marsh side of the causeway and to Sandpiper Pond Trail. Alligators live on the freshwater side of the causeway, so keep a distance and keep dogs close.

Can I bring my dog to Huntington Beach State Park?

Yes, year-round, on a leash of 6 feet or less. But dogs are allowed only on the south end of the beach. They are not allowed on the north end, from the north parking lot to the jetty, or in buildings, per the park.

At campsites, South Carolina State Parks requires dogs to be on a 6-foot leash or crated and never left alone at the site, per its camping rules.

How does it compare with Myrtle Beach State Park this winter?

Both parks charge the same admission, and neither allows hunting. The difference this winter is the trails: every trail at Myrtle Beach State Park is closed from November through January for maintenance and construction, per the park’s FAQ page, while Huntington Beach’s two trails are open. Myrtle Beach State Park keeps later hours, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through November and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from December through February.

Is the annual passport worth it?

If you visit at least seven times a year as two adults, yes. South Carolina’s ALL Park Passport costs $99 for a year and covers everyone in your vehicle at Huntington Beach, Myrtle Beach State Park and Atalaya, up to four people per visit. Two adults pay $16 a visit, so the passport pays for itself after seven. A seven-day passport costs $65 and is sold only at park offices. South Carolina residents 65 and older pay half price, in person. The passport does not cover camping and does not guarantee entry when a park is full.

Can I camp there this winter?

Yes. Huntington Beach has 107 sites with electric and water, 66 full-hookup sites and six rustic tent sites, per South Carolina State Parks. Sites can be booked up to 13 months ahead with a two-night minimum and full payment at booking. The state does not publish a fixed nightly rate; the booking page shows the price for your dates.

Who do I contact?

Huntington Beach State Park posts closures and alerts on its FAQ page. The ALL Park Passport is sold online and at park offices.

Seen something worth sharing on the causeway this winter? Email our newsroom through the Contact link at the bottom of this page.

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