We invite you and your students to visit Hunting Island State Park and participate in an educational program. This popular state park, located near historic Beaufort, is a 5,000-acre secluded barrier island of semitropical beauty. As the name implies, the island was once used for hunting deer, raccoon, waterfowl and other small game. As a state park, the island serves as a preserve for its abundant wildlife. With more than four miles of beach, a maritime forest and extensive saltwater marsh, the island is also a retreat for people who love a natural coastal environment. An historic 19th-century lighthouse is Hunting Island’s most popular landmark, where guests can climb to the top for a spectacular view of the coastline. The lighthouse and its complex are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Contact Details

Interpretive Park Ranger
(843) 838-7437

Field Trips

Loggerhead Lane - 3rd Grade 

Online Field Trips START HERE:

• Video 1 - Nesting Basics
• Video 2 - Nest Inventory Activity also PRINT and USE: Nest Inventory Printable and Nest Inventory Worksheet
• Video 3 - Hatchling Challenges & How You Can Help

Marine Ecology - 5th Grade 

The Life and Death of a Barrier Island - 5th/7th Grade

Cost

• 1-25 students $125.00
• 26-40 students $200.00
• 41-60 students $300.00

How to Book

Call Hunting Island’s Interpretive Ranger.

Reservations can be made year-round for Hunting Island State Park for the current school year or the upcoming year.

Chaperones

We request at least one chaperone per 10 students. 

Directions to Field Trip Location

• Directions from I-95 Traveling South:  Take Exit 33 (Point South). Follow signs for Beaufort and US Highway 21. Stay on Highway 21 to Hunting Island State Park. 
• Directions from I-95 Traveling North: Take Exit 8 (278 East) turn right. Follow Beaufort signs and turn left on Argent Blvd, just after the Auto Mall on your left. Turn left on Highway 170. Stay on 170 until you cross the Broad River Bridge. Make a slight right onto Highway 128 and then in about two miles make a slight right onto Parris Island  Gateway (Hwy 802), and go past Parris Island. Turn right at the second light (continuing on 802). Follow 802 over Lady's Island Bridge. Turn right at US Highway 21. Follow to the State Park. 

Facilities Available

Restrooms and a water fountain are located at the Nature Center and near the Lighthouse. Picnic tables are available at the Nature Center and the Lighthouse for students and teachers to have lunch or a snack. 

What to Wear

Wear good walking shoes that can get wet and sandy, weather appropriate attire.  Bring lunch or snack, sunscreen, bug repellent, reusable water bottles, first aid kit.