Kiawah Beachwalker Park

Charleston County Parks facility at the west end of Kiawah Island where the Atlantic meets the Kiawah River. It is the only public beach access on Kiawah Island; the rest of the island's beachfront is reached only through private, gated residential and resort property. Open year-round. Hours: January-March 10 a.m.-sunset; April 9 a.m.-sunset; May through Labor Day 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; September 9 a.m.-sunset; October-December 10 a.m.-sunset. Gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before the park closes. Gate admission, standard vehicles: Jan-Feb $5; Mar $10; Apr $15; May-Labor Day $15 Mon-Fri and $25 Sat-Sun & holidays; September after Labor Day $15; Oct $10; Nov-Dec $5. RVs and campers $40/day; buses and large vehicles $75; walk-ins and bicyclists free; Gold Pass members free year-round. 150 parking spaces, usually full by about 10:30 a.m. in summer; when full, staff add arrivals to a virtual line with text notifications. The Town of Kiawah enforces an ordinance prohibiting idling or parking outside the park entrance. Parking for buses, RVs and campers is never guaranteed, even on weekdays. Amenities: boardwalks and an accessible dune ramp, designated swimming area, seasonal lifeguards (weekends only through end of September, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., provided by Barrier Island Ocean Rescue), picnic areas with grills, dressing rooms, restrooms, seasonal snack bar. Rentals: beach chair $15/day, umbrella $25/day, two chairs + one umbrella $45/day, boogie board $15/day plus $25 deposit. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times inside the park; the Town of Kiawah sets separate rules for beach areas outside the park. No alcohol; no smoking or vaping. Phone 843-795-4386. Roughly 40 miles / 55-70 minutes from Mount Pleasant (approximate).