Myrtle Beach State Park
RV Guide

If you're brave enough to take on the surf - dive on in! Swimming in the Atlantic is permitted, but all at your own risk. Lifeguards of Horry County are stationed along the beach on the northern end of the pier, however, they only watch these waters from mid-May until mid-September. For this reason, only strong swimmers should brave the waters as they can be very dangerous, depending on the tide and the currents.

A South Carolina fishing license is required to partake in shore or surf fishing, however, the park's fishing pier is open to everyone. This prime point for casting your line stretches far out into the Atlantic. Didn't bring your rod? Equipment rentals can be made at the pier gift shop. Expect a daily cost for fishing the pier, but also anticipate snagging a few good catches. King mackerel, flounder, trout, and others are sure to take a couple of bites.

When you've got little ones, you've got lots of energy to burn off during the day. The playground is a perfect, safe location to get the kids moving. There are two main playgrounds in the park. You'll find one at the main picnic area near the beach. This location is great for families who want to do more than just sit down for lunch. Another playground is situated between campground circles three and five; a great spot for families staying overnight.

Patch Programs are a great way to make your fantastic RV vacation an educational experience. Anyone who is five years and older (that means adults, too), can join in this state park's unique take on learning. Get a total of nine patches to become a Habitat Hero, and even earn a unique tenth patch - the Sea Turtle Patch - when you attend three Sea Turtle Patrol programs. Be sure to check the park website to see when the Patch Programs are happening during your stay.

Be sure to pack up your bikes, especially when your main wheels are going to stay (mostly) parked. Biking is one of the best ways to get around and see as much of the park as you can. The nature trail is open to biking, though please be cautious of hikers along the path. Feel free to venture all throughout the park, as long as you remain vigilant and obey all traffic rules. Biking can even be done on the beach, however, only before 10:00 AM and after 5:00 PM.

Another great way to learn about the park and take in all this landscape has to offer, is through scavenger hunts. There are two educational hunts that each take about an hour to complete. Both include a mile-long walk. With these scavenger hunts, the whole family can set out to explore the maritime forest or the entire park. Make it even more interesting by trying the scavenger hunt BINGO.

There are many marine treasures waiting to be found here, washed ashore from the Atlantic. Some of the best times to go beachcombing is around low tide and after rougher seas from a storm. A good tip: always search along the water's edge and wrack line (high tide line). So many shells, plants, and creatures end up getting beached. Just be sure to return any live specimens back to the waters.

The trails that wind through the forests of Myrtle Beach State Park give access to a vast range of oak, wax myrtles, poplars, magnolias, and more. The interpretive trails, Yaupon Nature Trail and the Sculpted Oak Nature Trail are all relatively easy to navigate and relatively flat. They are short walks that are full of natural history and teeming with wildlife. When you don't want to walk through the forest, there's always the boardwalk, the pier, or numerous walkways that wind throughout parking and picnic areas.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? For more South Carolina coastal adventures, check out our Huntington Beach State Park guide and explore additional South Carolina state parks.

The 312-acre park provides plenty of landscape for all sorts of bird species. Some common sightings include waterfowl, sandpipers, and herons. You can grab a birding checklist online or at the Nature Center. Spring and fall migrations are the best time to get your binoculars out, so remember to pack them in your campervan before you depart on your trip. Another South Carolina hotspot for birding is Huntington Beach State Park, which is only 20 minutes away!

Horses can be ridden along the beach from the third Saturday in November on through the last day of February. An additional fee must be paid for every horse that enters the park on top of the daily admission fee. Overnight stays are not permitted, however, the state park is the only available section of Myrtle Beach where horses are allowed. There's nothing quite like looking out across the ocean atop such a creature. Venture along the beach, take the trails, and wander through wetlands.