Isle of Palms County Park Rules

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission has Agency Rules and Regulations (PDF) that establish uniform procedures for the administration of activities within all parks and facilities. In addition to the established agency rules, the rules set forth below also govern Isle of Palms County Park.  

Charleston County Parks are family-friendly facilities, and we expect all guests to behave accordingly. By participating in or utilizing park programs and facilities the user agrees to abide by all payment schedules, park and program rules and guidelines, and agrees all others participating will also abide by such rules. Usage is subject to compliance with all laws and facility rules and the user consents to reasonable examinations and searches to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with the law or facility rules may result in refusal of admission or expulsion.

There is always a danger of rip currents and hazardous water conditions. Watch for hidden deep spots which can be caused by wave action. There is also a possibility of bites or stings from certain species of marine life.  

Uneven surfaces, potentially hazardous wildlife, and weather extremes are part of the natural environment. Be prepared and stay aware.

1. Stay near your children and watch them carefully.
2. No alcoholic beverages allowed except in designated areas with an approved application.
3. Smoking, vaping or tobacco use is prohibited at Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission owned and operated facilities, programs and events (to be implemented during the winter of 2024).
4. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally and shall be obeyed at all times. 
5. Swim in designated area only. Stay off and away from pier.
6. Swimming and the use of showers will not be permitted during periods of inclement weather.
7. No fishing and no use of boats, surfboards, or watercraft in the designated swimming area.   
8. Use designated boardwalks. Trespassing on dunes is prohibited by law and subject to fines.
9. Holes on the beach must be filled in before departure as large holes pose a threat to sea turtles and humans.
10. Do not feed, harass, destroy or remove plants, animals, or artifacts.
11. Fireworks, drones, and other dangerous projectiles are prohibited.
12. Firearms are not allowed inside of buildings on park property. Permit holders are allowed to carry outdoors on park property. 
13. Pets must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and under control at all times. For their safety, pets may not be left in vehicles.  For additional municipality regulations, visit this website: City of Isle of Palms Website
14. Profanity and disruptive behavior are prohibited.
15.  Amplified sound and music must be kept at low volume and free of explicit lyrics.
16.  Use of confetti, glitter, balloons, or water balloons is prohibited.
17.  Park in designated areas only. Motorized vehicles permitted on designated roadways only.
18.  Please walk bicycles and skateboards on boardwalks and ramps.
19.  Fires allowed in approved cooking grills only. 
20.  No overnight parking or camping.
21.  No refunds or rain checks. 
22.  Activities involving sales or solicitation require written approval from park management.
23.  Access may be restricted due to special events, land management projects, or park maintenance.

City of Isle of Palms Ordinances 

• Dogs must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their pets.  Dogs are only allowed to be off-leash April 1st through September 14th between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from September 15th through March 31st between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. Click here (https://www.iop.net/dogs-beach) to read more about dogs on the beach.
• The use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, polystyrene (also known as Styrofoam) coolers, cups and food containers and balloons is prohibited on the beach. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use reusable, recyclable and compostable products when enjoying the Isle of Palms beach.
• Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the beach.
• Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other smoking devices used for the purpose of inhaling and exhaling smoke, such as vaping devices, is prohibited on the Isle of Palms beach and beach access paths.

For a complete list, visit the City of Isle of Palms Website.