Palmetto Islands County Park

Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park is a nature-oriented, 943-acre park designed for family and group use. The park is built in a tropical setting, with bicycle paths, boardwalks, and picnic sites with grills located throughout the park for your enjoyment.

Contact Us

444 Needlerush Parkway
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-406-6950 or 843-795-4386
Email     Directions

Hours of Operation

Park hours vary seasonally.
View hours and fees.

Additional Information

Rules
Park Map (PDF)
Annual Passes

Park Amenities

  • Nature Island
  • 50-foot observation tower with play area
  • Open meadow for games
  • Tidal creek fishing* and crabbing dock
  • Floating dock
  • Paved trails for walking, biking, and skating
  • Nature trails
  • Picnic sites with tables and grills
  • Big Toy playground
  • Kayak launch
  • Off-leash dog park
  • Grass volleyball court
  • Splash Island Waterpark (seasonal)
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Covered picnic shelter rentals
  • Snack bar and vending machines
  • Kayak rack rentals

Park Hours

  • January - April: 8 a.m. - Sunset 
  • May - August: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • September - December: 8 a.m. - Sunset

Gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before park closes.

Amenities Schedule

Park Admission & Fees

  • $2 per person
  • Free: Gold Pass members and children two & under
  • $1.50 per person: Educational group fee, Monday-Friday. Call Park & Program Services at 843-795-4386 for details. 

Park Facilities

Bike Rentals

  • Bicycle: $5 per hour or $15 per day

*The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources requires a saltwater fishing license to fish the tidal creeks.

No personal kayaks are allowed on the pond, but are allowed on historic Boone Hall Creek. Boone Hall Creek can be accessed from the park’s kayak dock.

Alert Center

Accessibility Highlights

  • Accessible parking throughout park.
  • No accessible route to park office.
  • Accessible restrooms at the meadow.
  • Accessible picnic tables dispersed throughout (largest concentration at shelters and the Big Toy Playground). No accessible route to grills.
  • 1.1 miles paved trails, 4.4 miles unpaved trails.
  • Accessible playground surface with several accessible play structures.
  • Accessible parking near dog park with accessible dog park entrance. Dog park is grass and natural, unimproved surface.
  • Wheelchairs available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis.

Palmetto Islands County Park Rules

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.

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

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 park.

Rules

  1. Stay near your children and watch them carefully.
  2. No alcoholic beverages allowed except in designated areas with approved Liquor Liability Insurance coverage.
  3. Smoking, vaping or tobacco use is prohibited at Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission owned and operated facilities, programs and events
  4. Fireworks, drones, and other dangerous projectiles are prohibited.
  5. Firearms are not allowed inside of buildings on park property. 
  6. 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.
  7. Profanity and disruptive behavior are prohibited.
  8. Amplified sound and music must be kept at low volume and free of explicit lyrics.
  9. Do not feed, harass, destroy or remove plants, animals, or artifacts.
  10. Please stay on marked trails and paths.
  11. No swimming or wading allowed.
  12. Fishing is not allowed in the park lagoon. Fishing in tidal creeks requires a valid saltwater fishing license. More information can be found on the SC Department of Natural Resources website.
  13. All users of any canoe, kayak, boat, or paddleboard must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times.
  14. Golf carts are prohibited on trails. Bicycles, electric bikes and similar devices are allowed on trails when ridden safely.  These devices are not allowed on docks and should be walked on  boardwalks and ramps.
  15. No metal detectors, open fires, or overnight camping.
  16. Use of confetti, glitter, and water balloons and the release of balloons is prohibited.
  17. Park in designated areas only.  Motorized vehicles are permitted on designated roadways only unless otherwise stated.
  18. Activities involving sales or solicitation require written approval from park management.
  19. Access may be restricted due to special events, land management projects, or park maintenance.

Respect Alligators

Wetlands dominate this site and alligators are a natural, normal, and important part of the ecosystem. Usually docile creatures, these reptiles can become aggressive as a result of being fed by people. If you see an alligator sunning on a trail, choose an alternate route. It is a violation of state law to feed or harass an alligator.

Facility Notes

  • Local law enforcement and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources have jurisdiction at this facility.
  • Please lock your vehicle and remove valuables from view. CCPRC is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen property.
  • We reserve the right to use photos or videos taken of visitors while they are at Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission facilities or events for publicity purposes.
  • Park fees, operating schedules, and hours are available at CharlestonCountyParks.com and are subject to change without notice.