Myrtle Beach State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Myrtle Beach State Park
The ocean and boardwalk at Myrtle Beach State Park, near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach State Park Location in the United States
Location	Horry County, South Carolina , USA
Nearest city	Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Area	312 acres (1.3 km2)
Established	1935
Governing body	South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Myrtle Beach State Park is a large park, about 312 acres, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It was created on land given by Myrtle Beach Farms in 1934. This park was the very first state park to open in South Carolina in 1936. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a special program started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression. Its goal was to give people jobs while helping to protect nature and create fun places for everyone. Many buildings built by the CCC in the 1930s are still used in the park today!

Discover Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park is a great place to visit in Horry County, South Carolina. It offers a beautiful, untouched mile of beach. The park is managed by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Nature and Wildlife

The park has a special "maritime forest" which is a forest near the ocean. This forest is so important that it has been named a Heritage Trust Site. It is home to amazing trees like live oaks and southern magnolias. You can also see sea oats growing on the sand dunes. These plants help keep the dunes strong. The park also has a large system of sand dunes along the beach.

The Myrtle Beach State Park Nature Center is a fun place to learn. It has cool displays about local history and nature. You can see saltwater aquariums and even live animals there. The center often has programs about the coast and its wildlife.

Explore the Trails

If you love walking in nature, the park has two nature trails. You can explore the Yaupon Nature Trail. There is also the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail. Both trails let you see the park's unique plants and animals up close.

Park Hours and Fees

Myrtle Beach State Park is usually open from 6 AM to 8 PM. During the warmer months, from March to November, the hours are longer. There is a small fee to enter the park. If you plan to visit often, you can buy an annual pass. This pass can help you save money on admission fees.

Camping Adventures

Myrtle Beach State Park is a fantastic place to go camping! The main campground has 140 sites. Each site has water and electricity. There are also 138 sites with full hookups for RVs. All campers can use hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. Plus, there is free Wi-Fi at all sites. The main campground is only about 300 yards from the beach.

There is also an overflow campground for tents only. This area does not have electricity. It has central water access. The overflow campground has 30 sites. It is open from Easter weekend through Labor Day.

Ranger Station and Cabins

The Ranger Station is located at the campground entrance. It's like a small store where you can register for your stay. You can buy groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs. They also have drinks, snacks, and firewood.

If you prefer not to tent camp, the park has six cozy cabins. These cabins are about 200 yards from the beach. They are fully furnished and have heating and air conditioning. Each cabin comes with linens, cooking tools, and a TV. Prices for cabins change throughout the year.

Fishing Fun at the Pier

The park has a long fishing pier that goes out into the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great spot for fishing! You do not need a South Carolina fishing license to fish from the pier. However, you do need to pay a daily fee to fish there. You can also buy an annual pass for fishing. Please remember, fishing for sharks is not allowed from the pier.

You can also try surf fishing from the beach. Just make sure you are not in an area where lifeguards are on duty. For surf fishing, you will need a South Carolina saltwater fishing license. Some common fish caught here include flounder, king mackerel, sheepshead, whiting, spot, spanish mackerel, drum, and blues.

Enjoying the Beach

Lifeguards from Horry County are on duty at the north part of the beach. They are there from mid-May through mid-September. You can rent umbrellas and beach chairs from the lifeguards. The beach follows rules set by Horry County. For example, pets and bicycles are not allowed on public beaches. This rule is in effect from May 1 through Labor Day, between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Horseback Riding Trails

If you love horses, you can ride them on the beach here! Horseback riding is allowed from the third Saturday in November. It continues until the last day of February. You need a permit for each horse you bring into the park. Horses are not allowed to stay overnight in the park. Riders must also have current Negative Coggins papers for their horses.

Images for kids

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  The pier with fishing poles cast off the side

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  The beach, populated with people