The Hunting Island Nature Center will close at 2pm on Tuesday, November 19 for a private event. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The Hunting Island Lighthouse is currently closed for repairs, and construction is underway. On weekdays, equipment noise may impact this area of the park. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your understanding as we work to restore this historic feature for public access and enjoyment!
We now have a track chair available for visitors with mobility impairments, thanks to the Ford Bronco Wild Fund. Visitors are encouraged to call the park to reserve the track chair at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. There is no additional charge to use the track chair, but a Park Passport or park admission is required for entry for all visitors. Read more about this new track chair, here.
Park Hours: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., daily (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time)
Nature Center Hours:
9 a.m. - 4 p.m., daily.
Campground Store Hours:
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily.
Lighthouse Store Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Fri.-Mon.
OFFICE
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sa-Su
ADMISSION
$8/adult; $5/SC seniors; $4/ child age 6-15; Free for children 5 and younger
PETS
Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex.
Dogs are not permitted on the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat.
Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
St. Phillips Island is a 4-mile-long, 4,680-acre undeveloped barrier island off the coast of Beaufort, South Carolina. This former private island can only be accessed by boat and is a true hidden gem of the Lowcountry. For nearly 40 years, it was owned by billionaire conservationist Ted Turner, who purchased St. Phillips in 1979 to preserve its integrity as an unspoiled natural environment and protect it from development. In 2017, the State of South Carolina purchased the island, which is now operated in conjunction with nearby Hunting Island State Park.
The Turner House at St. Phillips Island was constructed shortly after Turner purchased the island in 1979 and served as the family’s beach retreat for decades. All construction materials for the 3,350 square foot house were brought by boat, and the design reflects Turner’s vision for a comfortable, rustic retreat in harmony with its setting.
The Turner House accommodates 10 guests. It features one master bedroom and bathroom plus an additional guest bathroom on the main floor, and four additional bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs. A living room, kitchen, bar area, convertible dining room/game room, and den are also located on the main floor, plus an expansive 820-square-foot screened porch with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Amenities Provided
Beach access
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and pop-up canopies
Fishing pier
Fishing rods
Hiking trails
Fire pit & indoor fireplace
Propane grill
Pool table
Binoculars, bird spotting scope & telescope
Bicycles
Kayaks
Golf carts
Boat dock - guests are permitted to have one private boat at the island. The boat dock may be used for convenience.
Rental Information
All rentals require a minimum five-night stay.
Check-in time is 12:00 p.m. (noon) and check-out time is 11:00 a.m. for all rentals. Boat travel is required to reach the island, and both the arrival and departure boat shuttles are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. All guests must be present for the shuttle departure. We are not able to accommodate late arrivals or multiple arrival groups. Please note that all scheduled travel times to and from St. Phillips Island are tentative and may be adjusted as conditions require. Incoming and outgoing travel plans should be scheduled to accommodate the possibility of delays.
St. Phillips Island is a remote, natural barrier island and neither it nor the Turner House is fully accessible for guests with limited mobility. Please inquire about any accessibility concerns prior to booking.
Standard Rental
Turner House rental only. St. Phillips Island remains open to scheduled day tours during stay.
Rental price is $12,000 (for five nights) and includes a $1,000 grocery credit.
Includes scheduled boat transportation to and from the island.
Exclusive Rental
Rental of Turner House and St. Phillips Island. Island is closed to the public for tours.
Rental price is $20,000 (for five nights) and includes a $2,000 grocery credit.
Includes scheduled boat transportation to and from the island.
Includes optional ranger-led programs.
Exclusive rentals must be booked more than 90 days in advance.
Booking Information
To book, or for more information, please contact the St. Phillips Island reservations desk at 803-904-6220 or StPhillips@scprt.com. Reservations are taken Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you may leave a message after hours and your call or email will be returned.
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