Frequently Asked Questions

In the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County, there is no permit required. However, these are public beaches, all beach regulations apply. It is unlawful to use any beach access for any type of gathering.

Fires on the beach are allowed in unincorporated areas. However some communities restrict open burning and you should contact those communities before you decide to burn. In the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County, we ask that you follow these guidelines for fires on the beach:

• Call the South Carolina Forestry Commission burn notification number at 800-986-5256 and follow the instructions.  Or, as of January 2025, you can submit a notification online at the SCFC website.
• Call the Georgetown County Dispatch number at 843-527-6763 and inform them of the location of the burn and provide them with a contact number.
• Use 5-gallon bucket(s) to carry your wood to the beach.
• Bring a shovel/rake to create a shallow pit large enough to control the fire.
• Fill the 5-gallon bucket(s) with water as a means of controlling and extinguishing the fire.
• Do not leave the fire unattended at any time.
• Watch your embers to ensure they are not going into dry grass
• Extinguish your fire, place the remaining wood coals in your 5-gallon bucket(s), and rake out your area.

Following these simple instructions will ensure that you, your family, and your friends have an uneventful and enjoyable time on the beach.

Many areas of Georgetown County’s beaches are included in "fireworks free zones." If in doubt contact the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office at 843-546-5102 to check your area. Also note that debris produced from fireworks is considered litter. Those shooting fireworks are responsible for cleanup and removal from public beaches.

Please notify Georgetown County Parks and Recreation at 843-545-3532.

Sleeping on public beaches in Georgetown County is prohibited between midnight and sunrise.

Baiting or fishing at any time from public beaches in such a manner as to create an unsafe condition or hazard to bathers, swimmers, surfers and others in the water along public beaches shall be unlawful. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) regulates fishing. License requirements vary. Contact SCDNR for up-to-date information concerning these requirements.

Beach access parking is permitted only during the hours these accesses are open. No overnight parking is permitted.