Isle of Palms County Park

Charleston County Parks facility with the only lifeguarded swimming area on either island. HOURS: January & February 10:00 a.m. to sunset; March & April 9:00 a.m. to sunset; May through Labor Day 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; September & October 9:00 a.m. to sunset; November & December 10:00 a.m. to sunset. The gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before the park closes. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. ADMISSION (parking, standard vehicles): January & February $5; March $10; April $15; May through Labor Day $15 Monday-Friday and $25 Saturday, Sunday and holidays; September after Labor Day $15; October $10; November & December $5. Walk-ins and bicyclists are admitted free. Gold Pass members park free year-round (Gold Pass $99 + tax; $84 Charleston County residents; $69 seniors 60+; admits up to 15 people per vehicle). RVs and campers $40/day, buses and other large vehicles $75; no RV or bus access on weekends April 1 through Labor Day due to limited turning space; school groups call 843-795-4386. PARKING REALITY: 445 spaces, often full by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays; police allow only about 20 vehicles to queue before diverting traffic; the park warns that limited lanes off the island can produce two-hour backups leaving at peak. LIFEGUARDS: seasonal at the designated swimming area — the currently posted schedule is weekends only through the end of September, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., plus Labor Day, September 7, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. AMENITIES: boardwalks and accessible ramps, restrooms, dressing areas, outdoor showers (no soap or shampoo), playground, sand volleyball courts, picnic areas and grills first-come first-served, seasonal snack bar opening April 1, accessible restrooms, water fountains and changing rooms, beach wheelchairs first-come. RENTALS: beach chair $15/day, umbrella $25/day, two chairs and one umbrella $45/day, boogie board $15/day plus $25 deposit; photo ID required; per City of IOP ordinance all rental equipment must be picked up and paid for at the retail area and returned there. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times inside the park. No alcohol except in designated areas with an approved application; no smoking or vaping; swimming in designated areas only; no fireworks or drones; dune trespassing prohibited. Park phone 843-762-9957; Park & Program Services 843-795-4386.