I love camping in the mountains but this year our annual friend’s vacation was camping at the beach. And I can tell you, while we couldn’t see the ocean, we could hear the waves crashing on the shore.

Destination Spotlight

• Destination: Huntington Beach State Park
• Location: Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
• Description: At the heart of Huntington Beach State Park are the beaches.
• Activities: Camping, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, bird watching, crocodiles watching, visiting the nature center, biking, hiking, visit Atalaya castle.
• Tips: Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit Huntington Beach State Park, offering mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. Campsite reservations can be made online through the park’s official website or by contacting the park office directly.

Location and Accessibility

Located just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach State Park is easily accessible by car via US Highway 17. Visitors can also reach the park via bicycle or by hiking along nearby trails, adding an element of adventure to the journey.

Recommended Gear

• Binoculars: Essential for birdwatching and wildlife observation, especially along the park’s trails and wetlands.
• Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun’s rays while enjoying outdoor activities on the beach or exploring the park’s trails.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be prevalent in certain areas of the park, especially during the warmer months.
• Hiking Shoes: Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the park’s trails, which traverse a variety of terrain including sandy beaches, marshes, and forests.
• Camera: Capture memories of your visit and the park’s stunning natural scenery, including wildlife sightings and historic landmarks like Atalaya Castle.

Campfire Chronicles

Here’s what I liked about camping at Huntington Beach State Park. We had the back spot and a walk to the beach was just about 5 minutes and easy walking distance to the showers and toilets which was great, especially after a day in the ocean.

There were storage boxes for our food so that wild animals couldn’t get into our coolers. We did lose a container of grapes while we were out and about because we didn’t ensure that the lid could not be opened. Raccoons aren’t too afraid to get to your camping spot.

This one wasn’t afraid to come close to the site and see what food could be had – and a few nights later there were at least two more that we saw. And in all of our times camping in the mountains we’ve never encountered raccoons so visible and active to taking food.

When camping, one thing I learned is to have a tent that can hold up to some weather. We experienced one day of rain and it was a great day to head out to Myrtle Beach and venture to the aquarium on that day.

The aquarium was neat and definitely cool to check out and walk around and see some of the ocean animals you don’t actually get to see. Penguins always look like they are either having a good time or just chillen’.

Other things we did during our trip, were go onto the Skywheel, browse the stores on the strip, and even drive over to Georgetown and walk through the Naval Museum – most everything was closed as it was Monday and tourist season was over.

On one of our last days there, I took my chair, and my book and sat and read while the guys fished.

And yes I unplugged and only logged into my computer twice! One I didn’t want to open 10,000 emails upon my return and two I did have one email I was expecting with important information.

While Camping at the beach was great, I do think I prefer the mountains as there are more options to hike than at a beach location. I don’t enjoy walking along the beach as much as I enjoy walking in the forest. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t do it again.

Have you ever camped on or near the beach? What was your experience?