Stamp#11: Huntington Beach State Park

Stamp #11

Next on our journey to becoming "Ultimate Outsiders" is a visit to Huntington Beach State Park. Since Huntington Beach State Park is just 42 miles from our home, we have visited this park many times. It is a great park to visit for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It's also a great park for bike riding! The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway runs through the park near the front entrance. The park has many paved roads and trails that make it a great place to ride bikes.

Waccamaw Neck Bikeway at Huntington Beach

entrance to castle tour

Consisting of 2500 acres,  most of it swampland, Huntington Beach State Park is a great place for birding, nature trails, and wildlife viewing. Also, there are many campsites and beautiful beach accesses. The main feature of the park is the historic Atalaya Castle remains. For $3, visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the castle.

Alligator habitat along the trail

On this visit, we didn't see alligators as we walked the nature trails. Last year, however, we encountered a large alligator sprawled across the trail that runs through the swampy area in the park. 

Of course, one of the best features of the park are the many beach accesses to the Atlantic Ocean. Near the beach is an outdoor shower for washing sand off your feet and belongings, a bathhouse with restrooms and showers, and ample parking.

We wrapped up our visit with a driving tour through the camping area. We picked out or future camper and campsite. MT says he will buy us one soon! I'm looking forward to our future state park camping adventures!

Beach access

Rating: *****
Entrance fee: $5 each
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: marsh boardwalk, nature trails, miles of ocean beach

Amenities: nature trails, camping, primitive camping area, education center, picnic shelters, gift shop, castle remains 
Park Stamp: only found in gift shop



UPDATE: In September, 2018, we visited Huntington Beach State Park and camped. The campsites are beautiful, paved, and close to beach access. We'll definitely be back soon for more camping.

Our campsite

sunrise selfie

pink spoonbill

sunrise at Huntington Beach