Driving your car to a South Carolina state park? Here’s what’s new with parking
State parks in northeastern South Carolina are running back a similar parking program to what they had last summer, but with a slight twist.
According to a release from the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, guaranteed parking will be available for approximately a quarter of all parking spots at Huntington Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park from May 16 through Sept. 1.
Last year, both parks also offered reserved parking.
This year, the department said this guaranteed parking option will not secure a specific spot or location. Instead, they will be filled on a first come, first-served basis. This decision was based on visitor feedback, the release said.
“We first rolled out this parking option last year, and we received a lot of helpful feedback from our regulars and new visitors alike,” a statement from Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism said. “We’ve made some changes for the 2025 summer season – like removing specific reserved areas – to make it easier for folks who arrive early to park in their preferred locations, while still offering a parking option to those who may not be able to arrive as soon as the gates open on a busy weekend. We know that a positive visitor experience begins before the car is even unloaded, so we’re thrilled to offer an option that helps visitors have more peace of mind as they are planning their Grand Strand beach adventures.”
How exactly will the new state park parking program work?
According to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, anyone with a reserved parking spot at one of the state parks must arrive by 12 p.m. at the latest on the day of their reservation.
Guests will then be allowed entry even if the rest of the park has reached capacity, the parks department release said.
After 12 p.m., any open spots that had previously been reserved will then open up for other visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does it cost to go to the SC state parks?
Admission for Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors aged 65 and older, and $4 for children aged 6-15. The parks both offer free admission for children who are 5-years-old and younger.
To tour Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park there’s an additional charge of $2 per person for people aged six and up.
The SC parks department also offers a Park Passport for $99 a year, which offers unlimited free entry to all South Carolina state parks and free entry for up to four visitors to Atalaya Castle.
The parking reservation program in place at both parks this summer costs $5 a spot. The parking fee does not include park admission, and is required for all reservations, even if the visitor has a Park Passport.
Can I make a same day parking reservation?
The short answer to this question is no.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism states that all reservations for parking spots at Myrtle Beach State Park or Huntington Beach State Park can be made up to one month in advance, but must be made at least one day, or 24 hours, in advance.
That means reservations can’t be made day-of or the night before.
How do I make a parking reservation in South Carolina parks?
Reservations will be available online using the South Carolina State Parks online reservation tool beginning on April 16, 2025. The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism said these parking reservations can only be made online.
Can I reserve a spot for my RV or trailer at an SC state park?
The parking reservation program at state parks this summer is not for RVs, campers, trailers or buses.
According to the SC parks department, guaranteed parking is only available for vehicles that fit in a single parking space.
