The cost for camping at Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina depends on what you're after. Regular campsites with water and electricity will usually set you back about $45 to $60 per night, depending on the season and weekend demand. If you want full hookups (that’s water, electric, and sewer), expect to pay a few bucks more. If you’re just pitching a tent, rates can run a little lower, but this park is super popular for RVs, so tent-only spots are limited and fill up fast.
There’s an added $2 per night if you want to lock in a specific site (rather than taking any available spot when you show up). Want ocean views? Premium sites can cost a bit extra—those tend to go first, especially in spring and summer. Keep in mind, there’s a one-time nonrefundable reservation fee of $10, so tack that on when you’re figuring out your total cost.
- Quick Look at Campsite Prices
- What's Included in Your Fee
- When to Book and Save
- Extra Costs to Watch For
- Amenities and Beach Perks
- Pro Tips for Your Stay
Quick Look at Campsite Prices
If you’re planning a trip to Huntington Beach State Park, knowing the Huntington Beach camping cost is half the battle. Here’s a straight-up view of what you’ll pay as of spring 2025.
- Standard campsites with water and electricity: $45–$60 per night, based on season and how busy it is.
- Full hookup campsites (water, electric, sewer): $55–$70 per night. These are best for folks with RVs who don't want to mess with tanks.
- Tent sites: Usually around $40–$50 per night, but there aren't too many of these, so they can be tricky to book.
- Premium/oceanview sites: Add about $10–$15 on top of the regular price, and they get snapped up quickly.
On top of those numbers, there’s a $10 non-refundable reservation fee per booking, no matter the type of site. If you want to lock in a specific campsite instead of just any available one, add another $2 per night.
| Site Type | Low Season (Nov-Feb) | Peak Season (Mar-Oct) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $45 | $60 |
| Full Hookup | $55 | $70 |
| Tent | $40 | $50 |
During popular vacation times, like spring break, weekends, and summer, prices are at their highest and campgrounds fill up. If you’re hoping for a more budget-friendly rate, shoot for mid-week dates or off-peak months. And if you’re after the best beach campsites SC has to offer, prepare to book early. People snag these sites up to a year in advance.
What's Included in Your Fee
When you pay for a campsite at Huntington Beach State Park, you’re not just getting a patch of ground. Every standard site includes water and electric hookups—handy for both tents and RVs. If you go for a full hookup spot, you’ll get sewer connections, too. That means less dumping station hassle, especially on long stays.
Your camping cost covers more than just the basics. Every camper has full use of the hot showers and clean restrooms. The park keeps these facilities in solid shape and they’re easy to get to from most campsites. Lighted paths help after dark and are especially useful if you need a midnight bathroom run.
All sites give you access to the beach, the jetty, and the causeway, which is awesome for fishing or just watching the birds. You also get entry to the park’s playgrounds and picnic areas. If you travel with a dog, you’ll appreciate that pets are allowed at the campground, although keeping them leashed is a must. Ranger programs, though not every night, are included for the price—think turtle talks or stargazing walks!
| Included Amenity | Standard Site | Full Hookup |
|---|---|---|
| Electric & Water Hookup | Yes | Yes |
| Sewer Hookup | No | Yes |
| Hot Showers | Yes | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes | Yes |
| Beach Access | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Friendly | Yes | Yes |
If you’re wondering about Wi-Fi, don’t count on it. Cell signal is okay in most spots, so you should still be able to check in if needed, but streaming movies by the fire might push your luck.
“The campground’s top draw is the easy access to both beach and marsh—wake up, grab your coffee, and watch the sunrise without ever moving your car,” says a staff member from South Carolina State Parks’ reservation line.
Your fee also covers parking for one vehicle. Extra vehicles will cost more, so carpool when you can. Last thing: your nightly price covers up to six people on one site, which is great for families or small groups.
When to Book and Save
If you want your pick of campsites at Huntington Beach State Park, book early. This place is crazy popular from late spring through early fall, and most weekends fill up months in advance. For the best rates and availability, try to book at least three to six months ahead, especially if you’re aiming for summer or a holiday weekend.
Here’s the trick—shoulder season (think late September through early March) usually has lower nightly rates, less crowding, and easier access to those oceanfront or shaded spots. January and February are the least expensive times to camp, and you’ll deal with way fewer people. The water might be a bit chilly for swimming, but beach walks are still awesome and the campgrounds feel much more peaceful.
- Weekdays are cheaper than weekends, especially outside summer. Try to plan midweek trips for the best bang for your buck.
- South Carolina residents get a small discount on their Huntington Beach camping cost, so if you’ve got proof of address, bring it along.
- If you’re retired military or over 65, you can qualify for an additional discount—call ahead or check online for details, because the park may ask for ID.
Don’t forget—there’s a $10 nonrefundable reservation fee in addition to your nightly rate. If you show up without reserving first, you’re gambling against a full campground. Seriously, in the busy months, walk-ins are almost impossible unless it’s a sudden rainy week.
| Season | Average Nightly Rate | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Peak (May–August) | $55–$60 | Low |
| Shoulder (Sept–Oct, Mar–Apr) | $45–$50 | Medium |
| Off-Peak (Nov–Feb) | $40–$45 | High |
If you’re looking to save, avoid spring break and summer weekends, grab a weekday spot, and keep your dates flexible. That’s how regulars camp the best sites for the lowest price.
Extra Costs to Watch For
When you're planning a trip to Huntington Beach State Park for camping, the base fee isn't the only number you should care about. There are a few hidden and not-so-hidden charges people often overlook. Let’s break down what you might actually pay.
First up, every vehicle except one per campsite is charged $10 a night. So if you’re rolling in with a big group and multiple cars, it adds up quick. Want to bring your furry pal? Dogs are allowed, but there’s a $3 daily fee per pet, with a max of two pets per campsite. That’s not unusual at beach campsites in SC, but people sometimes get surprised.
There’s also the one-time $10 nonrefundable reservation fee—doesn’t matter how many nights you stay. If you change or cancel, there’s another $10 fee. So, double check your dates before you book.
If you need extra gear, like firewood or ice, you’ll be buying that at the park store or nearby (firewood is usually around $7 a bundle, and ice around $3 a bag). Want Wi-Fi? Standard service is free at most sites, but if you need a faster connection, there’s a premium Wi-Fi option for $5 per day.
Here’s a simple breakdown for quick reference:
| Extra | Cost |
|---|---|
| Extra vehicle (per night) | $10 |
| Pet fee (per pet, per night) | $3 |
| Reservation change/cancellation | $10 |
| Firewood (per bundle) | $7 |
| Ice (per bag) | $3 |
| Premium Wi-Fi (per day) | $5 |
Something else folks forget: if you wind up leaving trash or not following the simple campground rules, you could be hit with a $50 cleaning fee. Not common, but it happens. And yeah, if you want to add extra nights after you arrive, those get charged at the same nightly rate you booked, plus all these add-ons. Always helps to budget a little extra for these costs so you’re not surprised at checkout.
Amenities and Beach Perks
If you’re paying for a spot at Huntington Beach State Park, you’re definitely getting more than a patch of sand. Every campsite includes water, electricity, and even sewer hookups at certain spots—a big plus for RV campers. Bathhouses with hot showers and restrooms are close to every loop, so you won’t have to go far. There’s also a laundromat on-site, perfect for longer stays or wet beach towels.
The real star, though, is the beach—miles of it, right outside your tent or RV. The park’s beach is known for being less crowded than Myrtle Beach, making it awesome for anyone wanting some space. Surf fishing, swimming, beachcombing, or just plain relaxing under the sun—take your pick. There’s also a well-kept boardwalk and a fishing pier, plus easy access to kayak and paddleboard launches.
Let’s talk extras: your Huntington Beach camping cost covers some solid perks. You get free access to popular hiking trails, including the Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail. There’s a nature center that’s kid-friendly and hands-on, and you can sometimes catch guided birdwatching walks. When the tide is out, you’ll spot tons of shorebirds. The park is actually famous for birdwatching with over 300 species reported so far.
"Huntington Beach State Park ranks among the top spots for birdwatching on the East Coast. The mix of coastal habitats means you’re likely to see something different every time."
— South Carolina Audubon Society
Bringing your dog? Good news: pets are allowed on the south end of the beach. Just make sure to keep them leashed. And if you’re looking for a fire ring or picnic table, almost all beach campsites come with both.
If you want a quick look at what’s available, here’s a breakdown:
| Amenity | Included in Site Fee |
|---|---|
| Water/Electric Hookup | Yes |
| Sewer Hookup (select sites) | Yes |
| Bathhouse Access | Yes |
| Picnic Table/Fire Ring | Yes |
| Laundry | Yes |
| Park Events/Programs | Yes |
| Beach & Trail Access | Yes |
Free Wi-Fi is available in some parts of the campground, usually around the check-in station—not every campsite, but it’s there if you need to check email or post your beach photos. Bottom line: for what you pay, you’re getting a packed list of perks way beyond most typical beach campsites.
Pro Tips for Your Stay
If you want to get the most out of your Huntington Beach camping experience (and save money), timing is everything. Weekdays are usually way less crowded and sometimes a little cheaper, especially in early spring and late fall. Avoid holiday weekends if you hate crowds—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are packed months in advance.
Book your site as early as you can. This place opens reservations 13 months ahead, and the best spots are snatched up within days, especially those with ocean views and full hookups. If you're flexible, a last-minute weekday booking might snag you a cancellation.
Not a fan of bugs? Bring bug spray—this area is marshy, and the mosquitoes mean business, especially after it rains. Pack your own firewood or buy it at the park store; foraging for wood in the park isn’t allowed. Wi-Fi here is spotty, so don’t plan to work remotely without a backup plan.
- Check in at the main gate. They’ll give you a map and parking pass for your vehicle.
- Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Some have gravel pads, so bring leveling blocks if you’re RV camping.
- The park store rents bikes and sells snacks, ice, and simple gear—super convenient for light packers.
- Want a hot shower? Bathhouses are clean and close to most sites.
- Beach access is within walking distance of every campsite, but the best shortcut is near the north end of the campground.
If you’re 65 or older and a South Carolina resident, snag that discount. Show your ID at check-in and get 35% off on your site nightly fee. Not a bad deal at all.
| Month | Typical Site Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March-May | $50 | Spring break crowds—book early |
| June-August | $60 | Peak summer rate, popular months |
| September-November | $45 | Less crowded, mild weather |
Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM. Rangers enforce it, so don’t be that late-night neighbor. Finally, watch for the resident alligators near the marsh boardwalk. It’s a cool photo op but definitely not a swimming spot.