With its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, there’s no shortage of popular beaches in South Carolina. The sun, sand, and clear water of these ocean beaches beckons both tourists and locals.
What are the Best Beaches in South Carolina?
- Myrtle Beach
- Kiawah Island
- Folly Beach
- Hilton Head
- Sullivan’s Island
- Pawleys Island
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Front Beach
- Litchfield Beach
What are the Best South Carolina Beaches for RVers?
| Park | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Myrtle Beach | Numerous RV parks and campgrounds nearby, including oceanfront resorts | Full hookups, restrooms, showers, Wi-Fi, pools, entertainment, beach access, boardwalk | Very high; extensive RV infrastructure and easy access | Family trips, long stays, entertainment-heavy vacations | Most RV-friendly beach destination in South Carolina with full-service resorts and attractions |
| Huntington Beach State Park | On-site campground with RV sites | Electric & water hookups, dump station, restrooms, showers, nature trails, beach access | Very high; on-site camping inside a state park | Nature-focused stays, birdwatching, relaxed beach trips | Combines beachfront access with on-site RV camping and natural surroundings |
| Edisto Beach State Park | On-site beachfront and inland RV campsites | Electric & water hookups, restrooms, showers, trails, boat ramps, quiet setting | High; well-equipped but more laid-back than major destinations | Quiet getaways, camping, fishing, outdoor activities | One of the most peaceful beachfront RV camping experiences in the state |
Myrtle Beach
Starting off with one of the most popular beaches in South Carolina, Myrtle Beach is fun for the whole family. 60 miles of white sand beach provides plenty of opportunities for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and playing in the sand. Theme park attractions, the boardwalk, nearby resorts, and entertainment options make it a popular destination.
Things to do near Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach offers tons of things to do, see, and eat. Museums, amusement parks, and more offer something for everyone.
Kiawah Island
While most beaches on Kiawah Island are private, Kiawah Beachwalker Park on the west side is open to the public. Set between the Bohicket River and the ocean, it’s a great place to swim. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, and amenities include restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing areas, and rentals for chairs and umbrellas.
Things to do near Kiawah Beachwalker Park
This park is a short drive from downtown Charleston where you’ll find food, shopping, and attractions to enjoy.
Folly Beach
Located on Folly Island, Folly Beach offers plenty of water activities. Rent surfboards, sea kayaks, or paddleboards, or take a sightseeing cruise or boat tour. Fishing is also popular, with a pier and deep-sea excursions available.
Things to do near Folly Beach
Explore Folly Beach’s shops and restaurants on Center Street. Also note that you are just north of Kiawah Island and about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is a top East Coast destination with 12 miles of beaches, plus shopping, dining, and golf. Visit Coligny Beach for bike rentals, volleyball, and restaurants, or head to Burke’s Beach for a quieter experience and good surf.
Things to do near Hilton Head
Make sure to explore the rest of the island. You may also want to take a short drive to Beaufort or Savannah.
Sullivan’s Island
Sullivan’s Island Beach is a simple, quiet destination without major facilities, which adds to its appeal. Visitors enjoy kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, and sailing, with rentals available nearby. The island also inspired Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Gold-Bug.”
Things to do near Sullivan’s Island
Located at the mouth of Charleston Harbor, it’s an easy day trip from Charleston, which, as mentioned above, has lots to do.
Pawleys Island
This small barrier island is known for sand dunes and scenic beaches. In addition to ocean activities, the salt marsh offers opportunities for crabbing, canoeing, and kayaking. Fishing is popular in both the ocean and marsh, and the beach is dog-friendly.
Things to do near Pawleys Island
Brookgreen Gardens is nearby for exploring botanical displays and sculptures and Huntington Beach State Park is also close.
Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park features 3 miles of beach plus nature trails, birdwatching, fishing, and boating. It’s also home to Atalaya Castle, a National Historic Landmark from the 1930s open to visitors.
Things to do near Huntington Beach State Park
After exploring the park, visit Brookgreen Gardens or nearby beaches like Pawleys Island and Myrtle Beach.
Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Beach State Park offers over a mile of oceanfront beach. In addition to swimming and relaxing, visitors can hike, bike, camp, fish, boat, and birdwatch.
Things to do near Edisto Beach State Park
Visit the town of Edisto Beach for shops, restaurants, and galleries. Want more to see and do? Charleston is only about an hour away.
Front Beach
Located on Isle of Palms, Front Beach is popular with locals and visitors. It offers public parking, beach access, restrooms, and nearby shopping and dining. Activities include swimming, surfing, kayaking, and sunset cruises. The area is also known for loggerhead sea turtles.
Things to do near Front Beach
Nearby attractions include Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, and Fort Sumter National Monument.
Litchfield Beach
About 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, Litchfield Beach offers a quieter, 1.5-mile stretch of sand. It’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking, with fewer crowds than more popular beaches.
Things to do near Litchfield Beach
Enjoy nearby golf courses, visit Pawleys Island, or drive to Myrtle Beach for more entertainment.
Planning an RV trip to South Carolina
During your time in the state, make sure to check out the best state parks in South Carolina. You’ll also want to see the big cities the state has to offer.
