The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are quieter on weekdays, with weekends, holidays and Fridays seeing large crowds.
CCPRC encourages beachgoers to adhere to the following tips:
Park Capacity
While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers look for digital highway signs denoting beach park capacity. The capacity of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.
Kiawah Island
Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. during the summer. The Town of Kiawah enforces a traffic ordinance that prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. If the park is full upon arrival, staff can add guests to a virtual line.
Isle of Palms
Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots becoming available again more consistently in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, police will allow up to about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police direct vehicles to keep moving to other parking areas not operated by CCPRC. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots becoming available again more consistently in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways.
Pets on the Beach
Pets must always remain leashed within the parks, and each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach:
Alcohol & Smoking
• Possession or consumption of alcohol is not allowed at any of the beach parks.
• Smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC facilities, programs and events.
• Additional beach park rules and information can be read on the parks’ webpages: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks
Safety tips
• Swim near a lifeguard when possible and obey their commands
• Watch children at all times
• Learn to identify a rip current and how to break free from one by swimming parallel to the shore
• Seek shelter when lightning is in the area
For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
