Beaches Near Myrtle Beach: State Park Beach, Trails, and Planning

Myrtle Beach State Park is at 4401 South Kings Highway, along the Grand Strand in Horry County. The park opened in 1936 as the first park in South Carolina’s state park system.

For getting around the wider area, how to get around Myrtle Beach depends on your plans and chosen transport.

The park’s defining coastal feature is one mile of undeveloped beach backed by oceanfront maritime forest. That mix of shoreline and trees sets the park apart from more built-up stretches of the Grand Strand.

If you’re comparing different stretches of sand around town, which Myrtle Beach beach suits your day is another useful question to consider alongside the park’s quieter, undeveloped setting.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources includes the park as point 7-1 on its Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Myrtle Beach State Park has two named trails on its official map: the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail and Youpon Trail. Trail access can be seasonal, so confirm conditions before planning a hike.

The map also identifies a fishing pier, beach access, a nature center, picnic areas and shelters, playground equipment, outdoor showers, and restrooms with changing facilities. The park has seven picnic shelters. For a picnic shelter, avoid the busiest arrival window of 10 a.m.–2 p.m., especially on summer weekends and holidays.

Accommodation within the park includes six rental cabins 200 yards from the beach, as well as 278 campsites. The campsites include 138 full-hookup sites and 30 designated seasonal tent sites.

Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas year-round if physically restrained or kept on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed in cabins or cabin areas. On Horry County public beaches, pets and bicycles are prohibited from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily from May 1 through Labor Day.

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors aged 65 and older, $4 for children aged 6–15, and free for children aged 5 and younger. Additional charges apply for pier fishing, overnight camping and certain park programs.

The park is open daily from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. March–November and 6 a.m.–8 p.m. December–February. The nature center is open 11:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday, while the park office is open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Parking is limited and first-come, first-served. The park may close temporarily when it reaches normal capacity, so plan for the possibility that parking will be unavailable when you arrive. Check the official site before you go.

How much does Myrtle Beach State Park cost?

Admission costs $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors aged 65 and older, and $4 for children aged 6–15. Children aged 5 and younger enter free; some activities and services have extra charges.

What are Myrtle Beach State Park’s hours?

The park is open daily from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. March–November and 6 a.m.–8 p.m. December–February. The nature center and park office have separate hours.

Is parking available at Myrtle Beach State Park?

Parking is limited and first-come, first-served. The park may temporarily close when it reaches normal capacity.

Can you bring a dog to Myrtle Beach State Park?

Dogs are allowed in most outdoor areas when restrained or on a leash no longer than six feet, but not in cabins or cabin areas. Separate restrictions apply to Horry County public beaches from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, May 1 through Labor Day.