Things to do around Hunting Island State Park

[Veronica]

Hi all,

We have reservations for Hunting Island early next month. It was going to just be my son and me, but we've had three more people join our group. I'm glad they're coming, but I sort of feel like I need to find some things to do while we're there. Maybe some good restaurants...something besides just hanging out at the campsite. I know the island is a state park and there is nothing commercial there, but is there anything we should do in nearby Beaufort or Fripp Island?

[Veronica]

One of our group is allergic to shrimp...and one eats no meat except for shrimp. Should be an interesting trip. Thanks for all the ideas, everyone. Ray and Anne...we'll be there 7/6-7/10 in site 126. 🙂

[Krease]

http://hwy21drivein.com/

[Hiking_Hunter]

Don't know if they still do it, but several years ago but they used to take small groups (8-10 people) out seine net fishing in the wake. They provide the nets and a guide for instruction. Check at the office.

[parrothead48]

Eat at the Shrimp Shack!! Doesn't look promising from the outside, but some of the best and freshest shrimp you'll ever eat!! Beaufort is a neat little town. If you're on FB, check out Beaufort Pics FB page. He has awesome pictures of both Hunting Island and Beaufort.

[J_R2]

Beaufort has a about 4 block river front area, very nice. And hemmingways bar.

[Skylark]

Fishing on the pier is free, they will loan a rod and reel, no license required, you buy the bait. For the kids, there is a lot of ranger classes, crabbing, nature, kayaking, etc on the island. We went and had dinner on Fripp last year, no problem.
We will be on lot 69 from 6/30 to 7/14. Stop for a visit. Ray and Anne

[Horsedoc]

If you go in the mid-summer, check out the tomato field off hiway 21 between HI and Beaufort. There is also an abandoned church off the same hiway. I think it may be St Helena. The walls are still standing, as is parts of the wrought iron fence surrounding part of the grave yard. The church dates from the 1700's, and the roof and interior was destroyed but fire many years ago.
Now I do not believe in haunted spirits and such, but there is a mausoleum that has been opened and the coffins removed. Several slots for them. Look in and down and you can see a hole below ground level. This place gave me the heebie geebies and it was noon when we pulled in. It may have been called Chapel of Ease. McClellanville is nearby.

[rbtglove]

Great campground. You can fish off the Pier without a license, they sell bait and rent poles, also can climb up the Light House. Lots of jelly fish on the beach long beach,few people, can swim and play. If like the Marines you can go to Parris Island in Beaufort and go through the museum, no cost.

[lampooner]

If you go into Beaufort, here is something very unique!

http://www.kazoofactory.com/index.html

Have fun the island in fact the whole area is great!

[NHIrish]

Boondocks on Weds. night for shrimp.

[NCWriter]

We go to HI every year. At the park itself, you can make an easy hike to the lighthouse and climb it if you want to, small fee I think. Beautiful beach, of course.

Near by on St. Helena Island, you can go to Gay Fish Market next to small docks with shrimp boats for a Forrest Gump photo, and take home some local catch.

The Penn Center tells the story of slavery on these islands.

About halfway to Beaufort, there is the Bella Luna restaurant for decent Italian food.

Beaufort is very atmospheric, a lot of cute shops. Pretty waterfront park for strolling and sitting with several good restaurants, some with outdoor seating. I've never taken one, but there are carriage rides through town.

Enjoy the Lowcountry!

[fla-gypsy]

Fripp has a gated entrance, Beaufort is a nice town to visit

[Veronica]

We stayed there a few years ago as well, but never left the island. I wasn't sure what else might be in the area. I suspected that Fripp was off limits unless you were staying there, but wasn't sure.

[Camp_Wilson]

We have stayed at Hunting Island once about 6 years ago and loved it. However there is not much as for restaurants "nearby". The Island is about 30 minutes from Beaufort and Fripp is a private Island that you can only go on if you are staying there. Beaufort does have some great seafood restaurants, the one I remember most was actually in Port Royal on the docks but can't remember the name. Anyways the park is them most natural park we have ever stayed at. We had to have locks for our outdoor fridge cause the raccoons will get in the fridges and can even unscrew the lids off of items. And one night we were sitting by the fire and deer came up behind us and our boys got to feed them out of their hands. One of the things we enjoyed doing there was crabbing. There are several places that you can crab and fish at and was fun to boil the crab that we caught. We defiantly want to go back to the park soon. Oh if you get the chance near Beaufort is Paris Island which is the basic training camp for the Marines which was really nice to visit. Hope you have fun.