Hunting Island is set to reopen soon. Here’s what you need to know
Those missing the remote beaches of Hunting Island State Park won’t have to wait long.
The park and beach access will reopen, with some limitations, along with other state parks Friday after a month of being closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
The barrier island in northern Beaufort County between gated Harbor and Fripp islands becomes another option for Beaufort County beachgoers as rules related to COVID-19 begin to relax. Gates had been closed since March 28.
Hilton Head Island will open beach access to residents Friday. The Sands beach in Port Royal reopened to those walking, running and cycling but is closed to vehicles, and staking out a spot on the beach with towels and coolers is prohibited.
On Hunting Island:
- Hours will be limited to 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
- Park offices, nature center, gift shop and lighthouse will be closed.
- Four beach access points will be open on the north beach, and five on the south beach. Bath houses will be open at both.
- The campground is open to those with reservations.
- No groups of three or more will be allowed in the park, except for members of the same house. Stay off the dunes, park rangers warn.
Hunting Island underwent a major beach restoration project early in the year to pump sand onto the heavily eroded north beach and to build and repair groins that trap the sand in place. Dunes wiped out during Hurricane Matthew in 2016 have been rebuilt, and beach visitors are asked to stay off the mounds and keep to open paths.
Gov. Henry McMaster ordered beaches closed on March 30 as a COVID-19 precaution and rescinded the order April 20. He left the issue of access to local government officials.
The town of Port Royal opted to keep The Sands closed to vehicles and golf carts. The beach is unique in the area in that cars can drive right up to the water. Visitors look out over murky Battery Creek to Parris Island, and the beach is more popular for shells and shark teeth than swimming.
Hilton Head plans to gradually reopen its beach parks. Barriers to Islanders Beach Park and Coligny Beach Park will come down starting Friday, and parking lots there will open.
