Flooding keeps Hunting Island from reopening Memorial Day weekend

Flooding keeps Hunting Island from reopening Memorial Day weekend

Flooding from heavy rais this week is delaying the reopening of Hunting Island State Park. Photo courtesy SC Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism
Flooding from heavy rais this week is delaying the reopening of Hunting Island State Park. Photo courtesy SC Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism

Sadly, we are going to have to wait just one more week until Hunting Island State Park reopens.

Lots of flooding at the park from all the rain we had this week has caused more damage to the park, and volunteer days also had to be cancelled. The volunteers were needed to do a variety of last minute touch ups to the park in order to get it ready for its targeted opening of Friday, May 26th. The storms dropped seven inches of rain in a day and a half and flooded the parking lots and other areas.

In a news release on Thursday, the SC Department of Parks Recreation and Tourism informed everyone of the decision.

We are heartbroken to report, that due to recent torrential rains, the reopening of Hunting Island State Park will be delayed until Friday, June 2.  The storms this week have caused flooding in the park and have delayed our final phases of recovery.  We look forward to welcoming you on Friday, June 2.

We’ve been waiting since October.  What’s another week?

The following areas of Hunting Island will be open to the public beginning Friday, June 2:  South Beach, North Beach, Lighthouse Lighthouse Gift Shop, the Lagoon, most park trails, Park Visitor Center, Nature Center and a portion of the pier.   The campground area is scheduled to open in mid-June.   Please do not venture into restricted or closed areas for your own safety.  Click here for more information.