Edisto Beach

Are golf carts allowed on the beach?

Only handicapped individuals are allowed to operate a golf cart on the beach where adequate space is available. A handicap placard, registered to the occupant of the cart, which has to be displayed at all times.

SECTION 43 33 25. Use of motorized chairs or carts by handicapped on beaches.
For reasons set forth in Section 43 33 20, persons who are handicapped and who customarily use motorized wheelchairs or motorized carts for locomotion shall not be prohibited from using such wheelchairs or carts on the strand of the seacoast of this State.

To ride on park roads all cart operators must follow SC law related to that operation.

May I drive my golf cart from Live Oak Campground to the beach?

SC Hwy. 174 is a primary highway, so by law, it is illegal to drive a golf cart from Live Oak Campground to the beach.

Where is the best place to fish?

The park offers a mile and a half of beach where surf fishing is allowed. (Please be advised that during turtle season (May-Oct) NO lights are allowed on the beach at night.)

Other locations include:

• Steamboat Landing
• Old bridge replaced by the McKinley Washington Bridge
• At some areas along Hwy.174 where small creeks cross the main highway
• The Environmental Learning Center dock
• A small dock is available in the cabin area for cabin guests only.
• Along the banks of Scott Creek located along the Spanish Mount trail. Please haul out any trash taken in.

Due to safety concerns, guests are not allowed to fish from the Live Oak Boat Landing or dock.

How do we access the beach?

To access the beach, stay on Hwy. 174 until you reach the grocery store on the right.  The day-use entrance to the park is directly across the street on the left.   

GPS coordinates for beach access:  104 Palmetto Boulevard, Edisto Beach, SC 29438

The park consists of 1,255 acres and is broken into three areas:

• The first area (Palmetto Road just past Edisto Ace Hardware Store on Hwy. 174) includes the Environmental Learning Center and the Live Oak Boat Landing.
• The second area, approximately ¾ of a mile farther, (Cabin Road-dirt road on the right) consists of ranger station, Live Oak Campground and cabin area.
• The third area, approximately ½ mile farther, (area across from the Horizon and Bi-Lo) consists of the day-use area, beach access, and the Beach Campground.

Where do I check in for my cabin or campsite?

The Ranger Station is located in the Live Oak Campground.  You will need to check in there for any cabin or campsite rentals.

What if I do not make it to the park to check in before closing time?

If you are going to be late, please contact the Ranger Station at (843) 869-2156 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.and arrangements will be made for you. Please leave a message if no one answers, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. The clerk may be busy assisting another park guest.

Why is there a per person cost to launch a boat?

The fee is the general admission for the park.  It is not a parking or launching charge.

Am I required to pay the park admission?

ALL visitors with the exception of overnight guests are required to pay the daily admission.  You may pay at any of  three locations:
1. Day-use entrance across from the Horizon convenience store and Piggly Wiggly grocery store.  During the peak season, an attendant will be located in the booth to collect admission.  When no attendant is on duty, please use the green collection box.  Place your money inside the envelope and retain the hangtag for your vehicle.
2. Spanish Mount trailhead parking area located off of Cabin Road and across from the Live Oak Campground. Please use the green collection box.
3. Live Oak Boat Landing. Please use the green collection box.

I am camping at the park or renting a cabin. Do I have to pay admission?

Overnight guests do not have to pay the park admission.

Are there restrooms and showers located in the campgrounds?

Restrooms and hot-water showers are located in each campground.  Campers may use these at no additional charge.

Is wi-fi available at the park?

Complimentary wi-fi is available for park guests near the office area and in the wi-fi room located adjacent to the office. The wi-fi room includes a sitting area and restroom.

Do the cabins have bathrooms?

All cabins have bathrooms with hot-water showers.  Cabins are completely furnished, heated, air-conditioned, and supplied with bath and bed linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, coffee maker, microwave, a television with satellite and each includes a screened-in porch.

May we look inside one of your cabins?

For safety and security reasons, only cabin guests are allowed in the cabin area. Also, because the cabins have a high occupancy rate and time is limited for staff to clean and maintain them, it is not possible to meet the demand. Pictures of the cabins have been placed on the website and are available at the Ranger Station located in Live Oak Campground.

Where is the closest laundry facility?

The closest laundry facility is located one hour from the park.  Take SC Hwy. 174 W to US Hwy 17 N.  It is located on the left, directly opposite the first green overhead road sign (Sam Rittenberg).  The entire park and most of the island operates off of a septic system and not a centralized sewer system. The high sea level and heavy usage cannot support a laundry facility.

Can you drink the water from the faucet?

Yes, the water is safe to drink and cook with. However, it has a high salt content and not recommended for use with coffee, etc.

Are bicycles available for rent at the park?

The park does not rent bicycles.  There are vendors on the island that do and they will deliver and pick them up from the park.

Where is Botany Bay located?

Botany Bay is operated by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. It is located off of Hwy. 174 three miles before the park. The name of the road is Botany Bay Road.  For more information visit the SCDNR website.

How far is it to Charleston, SC from Edisto Beach?

Edisto is 50 miles from Charleston. Take Hwy.174 to US Hwy. 17.  Take 17 N. to Charleston.

Where is the nearest hospital?

The nearest hospital is Roper St. Francis in the West Ashley Area of Charleston.  It is approximately 50 miles from the park to the hospital.

Where is the nearest Wal-Mart?

The nearest Wal-Mart is located one hour from the park.  Take US Hwy 17 N. towards Charleston. 
Turn left at the third traffic light onto Bees Ferry Rd.  Turn right at the fourth traffic light, onto West Ashley Circle.

Where is the park’s Ultimate Outsider stamp located?

Our Ultimate Outsider stamps are located in various places throughout the park. These include: the Environmental Learning Center, Ranger Station, Welcome Station at the beachfront entrance, beachfront administrative office and the park kiosk found between the parking area and restrooms in the picnic area.

Where can I find a list of state park rules and regulations?

You can find the South Carolina State Park rules and regulations, along with campground rules and regulations at this link.

For more general, statewide frequently asked questions, please click here.