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. Violation may be cause for removal from the facility without a refund.

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. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally and shall be obeyed at all times. 
4. Swim in designated area only.  No swimming in adjacent rivers and inlets.  Stay off and away from pier, groin, and any other man-made structures.
5. Swimming and the use of showers will not be permitted during periods of inclement weather.
6. No fishing and no use of boats, surfboards, or watercraft in the designated swimming area.   
7. Use designated boardwalks. Trespassing on dunes is prohibited by law and subject to fines.
8. Holes on the beach must be filled in before departure as large holes pose a threat to sea turtles and humans.
9. Do not feed, harass, destroy or remove plants, animals, or artifacts.
10. Firearms, fireworks, drones, and other dangerous projectiles are prohibited. 
11. 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
12. 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, beach access paths, and playground.
13.  Profanity and disruptive behavior are prohibited.
14.  Amplified sound and music must be kept at low volume and free of explicit lyrics.
15.  Use of confetti, glitter, balloons, or water balloons is prohibited.
16.  Park in designated areas only. Motorized vehicles permitted on designated roadways only
17.  Please walk bicycles and skateboards on boardwalks and ramps.
18.  Fires allowed in approved cooking grills only. 
19.  No overnight parking or camping.
20.  No refunds or rain checks. 
21.  Activities involving sales or solicitation require written approval from park management.
22.  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.