Huntington Beach State Park — Attraction in Myrtle Beach

Visited in March 2021 for kids spring break. It was a nice day, sunny and cool 60s. We went later in the day maybe about 3PM as we got free admission after visiting Myrtle Beach State Park that morning. We spent about 90 mins in the park. We went to the gift shop/camp store first getting worried they may close early. The staff was super friendly and one of my kids picked up a key chain for his collection and we also bought a state park pin. We then walked to Atalaya Castle not knowing what it was. Sadly we had just arrived too late and it was closed for the day. We then decided we should walk down the Atalaya road towards route 17. We stumbled upon a large number of wild-life photographers waiting for an alligator to cross the road to go from one side to the other for the night. Less than an hour before they had gotten footage on one of the two but they think they may have scared the other one off. We walked about 3/4 the way down the trail and decided to turn around back towards the castle. On the way back we did see a lot of different bird species through the hedges/bushes on the water but also got a glimpse of a smaller alligator (head was not even a foot long) swimming into a little pond area. It was exciting for the kids.

A quarter of the way from the start of Atalaya trail there is a nature trail called Kerrigan Nature Trail and we decided to take it having no idea where it lead. It lead into the woods and actually had a over look on the water which was pretty cool and we could see the bridge we had cross to get into the park. The trail actually ends at the back gift shop/camp store parking lot. There were some muddy spots on trail but otherwise it was very well kept. Mostly covered in pine needles.

We then decided to take a walk to at least see the beach while we were there. As we got onto the beach we got weather alert that thunderstorm was coming and as we turned around we could see it and the wind picking up. We grab a few quick pictures on the beach and started heading back towards the playground area as my kids wanted to play. We watched the approaching storm closely. My wife then saw/heard the heavy rain in the distancing coming towards us from the north and we ran to the van as fast as we could while other spectators watched us like we were crazy. Moments later it was raining cats and dogs and we watched everyone else running to their cars soaking wet.

We wanted to go back to see Atalaya Castle and also to walk down the main bridge as you enter the park but never got a chance to on the rest of our trip as we spent the next 2 days just trying to see all of Brookgreen Gardens (across the street). We would totally visit Huntington Beach State Park again if we had the chance as there was plenty more for us to explore. We also though this park and beach area was far superior to that of Myrtle Beach State Park. It was less hustle and bustle and seem much more claim...

This place was awesome! It was our first time here camping and enjoyed our stay! We took our 5th wheel during the month of May.

Key Notes: You will need to go to the gift shop to check in for your campsite Alligators are present in the area Book this place early, spots go super fast, they book 13 months in advance Get your State Park stamp inside the gift shop. There are two camping sides, one with more space tent and RV spots (the older side) and the RV park side (new as of 2018) you can tent camp on this side, we saw a tent on one of the RV sites while we were there. You have easy paved beach access from the campsites. The beach was empty in the middle of the day, it was great! We had plenty of space to enjoy on the beach. We did see washed up jelly fish on the beach so be careful. If you're not camping there you can still access the beach with a lot of parking spaces to park. They have few walking trails so bring bug spray! There are a few boardwalks that take you out to the marsh area where you can view beautiful wildlife. Great place to ride bikes Awesome gift shop with lots of souvenirs! They have an ice cream freezer inside too! They also have a coffee maker inside too There is a cornhole boards outside the gift shop area Picnic tables located outside the gift shop building. Due to the awesome beach access the entrance does get backed up around 10:00 am This park is right outside the Myrtle Beach area where you can find lots of shops and outlet malls. Walmart is close by too. This park does lock up at 10:00 pm but if camping here they do give you the combination. Watch the sunrise on the beach Great area for bird watching

If you haven't been here yet I would highly suggest going! Rather is for the day or camping you will...

If a state park could ever be a tourist trap this is it.

Out exploring the area we decided to check out the park, not having any more info than the signage on the highway we went in.

I pulled up to the gate, held out a 20$ and said two seniors. Was asked if I had a SC DL, nope I don’t, I swear she sang NOOO, took my bill with glee, and handed me 4$, back. I’ll admit she kinda got my goat. I didn’t react. lol. Oh well. It’s a park, for a good cause. I didn’t see the signage, but it’s there SC resident.

In we went, the causeway had people walking on it, no idea what their focus was. We parked in a small lot and walked. Gators. Gators soaking up what warmth they could. I took some pics of the beasts but it wasn’t that big of a deal. Back to the car.

More exploring, some buildings without signage, are they museums or something? Yes, the fine gate keeper didn’t bother sharing any info on the park, or give us a brochure. The downpour kept us from exploring just a bit on the chance a building was open. There really isn’t much to see from the road, saw some trail signs.

The castle, more money, really? What’s the 8$ pp for? It’s a self guided tour of a brick building, signs explain each room. Ehh.

It’s a really small park, kept nice, as most state parks are. A short ride around and you’ve seen it all.

The ol lady got under my skin, honestly and it went south from there, but still paying $8 per, I mean the average family of four, $32? For that?

Go to Florida $6 for a car up to 8 people. Jonathan Dickinson SP or $4 for...