Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is widely considered the best public beach in South Carolina. Located across from Brookgreen Gardens in the Lowcountry, the park features three miles of pristine, undeveloped beach and a freshwater lagoon rich with wildlife.

What to Expect: Full hookup campsites sit in a maritime forest just steps from the beach. The park is remarkably uncrowded compared to nearby Myrtle Beach, offering a peaceful alternative with better natural beauty.

Atalaya Castle: The park's most unique feature is Atalaya, a Moorish-style castle built in the 1930s as the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. Free self-guided tours are available.

Wildlife: The saltwater marsh and freshwater lagoon attract alligators, loggerhead sea turtles (nesting season May-August), pelicans, egrets, and painted buntings. The birding is some of the best on the East Coast.

Nearby: Brookgreen Gardens (world-class sculpture garden and zoo) is directly across the highway. Murrells Inlet is the seafood capital of South Carolina — don't miss the MarshWalk restaurants.

Tips for RVers: Full hookup sites with 30/50 amp service accommodate rigs up to 40 feet. Sites on the ocean side (1-66) are a short walk to the beach. The marsh side offers better birding.