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Boneyard Beach

Saint Helena Island, South Carolina

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

3 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Justin Costner

Boneyard Beach is a hidden gem of the South Carolina Lowcountry is just a short drive away from Charleston and is a must-see if you are near Hunting Island State Park! From dense, old-growth Live Oak forest draped in Spanish Moss to the incredible boneyard beaches littered with palmetto groves along miles of pristine beaches. Not to mention the beachfront campsites that provide a perfect view of sunrise over the ocean each morning..what more do you need to hear!? 

There are a few different access trails throughout the park and all are equally impressive with scenery and ease of hike but starting from the Hunting Island Campground take the beach access near the campground store and you have miles of boneyard beaches, dunes and groves of palmetto trees littered throughout the hike. The beach is fairly flat and walkable except for the sections of boneyard trees scattered like a maze across the sand that can be tricky to navigate at high tide. A few remaining trees still stand battling the surf and rising sea levels offering incredible photo opportunities of this super unique island! 

From the park office, just a minute's drive down Hwy 21 from the campground is where the rest of the trailheads start with many connecting and intersecting short trails no longer than 2.3 miles throughout the park that can be looped together for a longer hike. The Lighthouse Magnolia Forest trail offers a dense, moss-draped, old-growth forest path leading to the palmetto groves and sandy beaches surrounding the historic lighthouse and shoreline...from there, you have access to an endless beach and connecting trails winding through the maritime forest and marshes littered across the island. Each trail offers something different and you won't be disappointed. Grab a free map at the park office and have a blast exploring this low-country gem!

Be sure to book a site before you go the campground gets booked very quickly during the warmer months. The weather can change quickly so bring clothing that will keep you warm and dry as nights can get chilly with the winds off the ocean.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Fishing
Surfing
Kayaking
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildlife
Swimming Hole
ADA Accessible

Boneyard Beach Reviews

Hunting Island has been a "secret" spot for years but is now pretty well found out. Nevertheless, it's a great spot anytime of year w/ the exception of deep summer. Camping in Spring and Fall is heavenly. Features several walk-in backcountry sites, great bike trails, excellent kayaking and fishing potential.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak to Otter Islands

Camping at Edisto Beach State Park

Explore Botany Bay

Walk the Nature Trail at the Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge

Historic Leamington Lighthouse

Hike the Nature Trail at Sergeant Jasper Park