Folly Beach Pier 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 the Folly Beach Pier.  

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 those purchased from the pier restaurant and select special events.
  3. Fireworks, drones and other dangerous projectiles are prohibited. 
  4. Firearms are not allowed inside of buildings on park property. Permit holders are allowed to carry outdoors on park property. 
  5. Pets, other than service animals, are not permitted on the pier.   For their safety, pets may not be left in vehicles.  
  6. Profanity and disruptive behavior, including jumping from pier and standing on pier railings, are prohibited.
  7. Amplified sound and music must be kept at low volume and free of explicit lyrics.
  8. No bicycles, skates, skateboards or similar equipment allowed.
  9. Do not feed, harass, destroy or remove plants, animals, or artifacts.
  10. No grills or open fires allowed.
  11. No overnight parking or camping.
  12. Use of confetti, glitter, balloons, or water balloons is prohibited.
  13. Park in designated areas only. Motorized vehicles permitted on designated roadways.
  14. Activities involving sales or solicitation require written approval from park management.
  15. Access may be restricted due to special events, land management projects, or park maintenance.


Designated Swimming Area Rules:

  1. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally and shall be obeyed at all times.
  2. Swim in designated area only.  No swimming or surfing within 200 feet of pier.
  3. Swimming and the use of showers will not be permitted during periods of inclement weather.
  4. No fishing and no use of boats, surfboards or watercraft in the designated swimming area.
  5. Holes on the beach must be filled in before departure as large holes pose a threat to sea turtles and humans.
  6. Smoking is prohibited on the beach and the beach accesses.

 

City of Folly Beach Ordinances include: 

  1. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from May 1 to September 30. At all other times they must be leashed and under control. Pick up your dog’s waste and remove from the beach. 
  2. No possession or consumption of alcohol allowed on beach. 
  3. No glass is allowed on the beach.
  4. No plastic, balloons, or Styrofoam is allowed on the beach.
  5. No smoking is allowed on the beach or beach accesses 

For a complete list, visit City of Folly Beach Website

 

Local law enforcement and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have jurisdiction at this facility.

Park fees, operating schedules, and hours are subject to change without notice.



General Fishing Rules

  1. Valid daily fishing pass must be purchased from the giftshop and be visible at all times.
  2. Rods must be supervised, and must be fished from one fishing station or rod holder. Two rods per person will be allowed.
  3. Do not leave your cooler or equipment in another fishing station.
  4. Inhumane handling of wildlife will not be tolerated.
  5. Release all fish or rays if they are not to be consumed. 
  6. All size and catch limits must be followed per SCDNR regulations.
  7. Per City of Folly Beach Ordinance 151.04 (D), intentional shark fishing is banned from 3rd Street West to 3rd Street East. There is a penalty of a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail. If unintentionally caught, sharks 3-feet long or under must be hand-lined up and released immediately. Sharks over 3-feet long must be released immediately by cutting the line. Sharks will not be allowed in landing nets. Violators can be banned from the pier.

 

King Mackerel Fishing Rules

  1. Only trolley rig setups are allowed. A trolley rig setup includes one anchor rod, one fighting rod, and one bait fishing rod. No balloon rigs, kite rigs, etc.
  2. One rod holder per paid person is allowed. 


Bottom Fishing Tackle Size Limits

  1. Hooks must be size 4/0 or smaller.
  2. Whole bait must be the size of finger mullet or smaller.
  3. Cut bait must be smaller than 2 in. x 2 in. x 2 in.
  4. The use of steel/wire leaders for bottom fishing is strictly prohibited.


Nets

  1. Landing nets are to be used only for landing a catch.
  2. Do not use landing nets for crabbing.
  3. Sharks are not allowed in landing nets.
  4. Return landing nets to designated spot when finished.
  5. Cast nets may be used in areas that do not disrupt other’s fishing.


Tournament Rules

  1. All size and catch limits must be followed per SCDNR regulations.
  2. Catches must be of a species with scales - sharks and rays are not eligible.
  3. In order to be eligible, catches must be caught after paying tournament fees.
  4. Catches must be weighed in before the end of the tournament.
  5. To be considered, catches must be reeled in by the angler with minimal assistance from others.
  6. Anglers are eligible for one category only.

In case of a tie, the winner is whomever first weighed in their fish.