Whether you live on the coast or you’re simply in town for a visit, it can be difficult to navigate the patchwork of rules and regulations regarding dogs on the beach--but not any more! The alphabetical list below summarizes any posted rules regarding dogs on the beach, and provides a link to the information source and/or relevant contact information as available. When no rules are posted, Audubon South Carolina provides recommendations as appropriate.
In addition to knowing the rules, it’s helpful to understand why they’re in place. Often, it’s to align with tourist season and increased visitors to the beach. But in the best cases, rules are in place to protect the declining shorebird and seabird populations that rely on these beaches for survival.
Shorebirds and seabirds view dogs as predators, so as friendly as your pup may be, the mere sight of your four-legged friend can cause birds to flee their nests, putting eggs and hatchlings at risk of perishing from heat or predation. It just takes a few minutes of mom and dad off the nest for eggs and chicks to die in the hot summer sun. Dogs also increase bird fatalities during spring and fall migration. Because birds view humans and dogs as predators, they waste precious energy flying to escape when you approach, which means they spend less time eating and resting up for their multi-thousand-mile migration.
Regardless of the posted rules, if you see a flock of birds on the beach, or signs that indicate a nesting area nearby, please maintain your distance, keep your dog leashed at all times, and do your best to not to disturb the birds. Their lives, and entire populations, depend on it!
This list was last updated in February 2023. Please contact abigail.burke@audubon.org with any relevant updates to posted rules or regulations.
ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve / St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve Wildlife Management Area
As an important place for birds to rest and nest, the Reserve beaches are not suitable for dogs. Dogs must be under control at all times in the Reserve core area.
There are multiple beach front islands in this area with different rules. Open this in a new tab to view SCDNR managed beaches that aren't on this list: https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands/ManagedLand/ManagedLand/122
There are no rules posted online about dogs on Bay Point Island, but it is a designated Important Bird Area for shorebirds and seabirds. With vulnerable bird populations on the island, Audubon encourages island visitors to leave dogs at home.
Bay Point Shoal Seabird Sanctuary
No dogs allowed. This is a Heritage Preserve and SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary.
Bird Key-Stono Seabird Sanctuary
No dogs allowed. This is a Heritage Preserve and SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary.
No dogs allowed on the beach or on the causeway to the beach.
Botany Island
Botany Island is a private beach with no rules posted online.
Bulls Island (Part of Cape Romain NWR)
No dogs allowed.
There are many islands inside the Cape Romain NWR boundaries that all share the same rules. Bulls Island is specifically called out in this list because ecotour boats often run trips to this island.
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
No dogs allowed on refuge islands or on the pier at Garris Landing.
Capers Island Heritage Preserve
Dogs are only allowed during certain times of the year and in certain areas.
Dogs are allowed on Caper’s Island subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Dogs are allowed on the southern beaches of Caper’s Island.
(b) Dogs are not allowed in the impoundment area.
(c) Dogs are not allowed on the northern beaches of Capers Island between April 1 and August 31. Areas closed to dogs are posted by the Department of Natural Resources
(d) Dogs restrained by a leash or similar device are allowed in the designated area on Price’s Inlet.
Cedar Island (part of Santee Coastal Wildlife Management Area)
Dogs are only allowed during certain times of the year and in certain areas.
Dogs are allowed, subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Dogs are allowed in designated areas at the southern end of Cedar Island.
(b) Dogs are prohibited in all other areas between April 1st and August 30th. Areas closed to dogs are posted by the Department of Natural Resources.
May 15 – September 15:
Dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 AM and after 5 PM. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 9 AM – 5 PM. Dogs are allowed on the beach any time the remainder of the year, but must remain on a leash, not to exceed seven feet in length, and under control at all times.
Coligny Beach Park (on Hilton Head Island)
Dogs are allowed on the beach at different times throughout the year.
(a) Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM and 5 PM. April 1.
(b) Thursday before Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30: dogs must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
No dogs allowed. This is a Heritage Preserve and SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary Island.
Animals are permitted on the beach during the official beach season, April 1st through September 30th before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m, or anytime in the off season. They must be on a leash at all times - per Beaufort County Law.
Dogs must remain on a leash at all times when on or along the beachfront from 9 AM – 7 PM year round.
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary
No dogs allowed. This is an SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary.
Dewees Island is a private community open to residents and guests of residents only.
Dogs are allowed on the island but should only be off leash on the beach between Marshmallow Walk and Willow Walk. All dogs, even those on leashes, should be kept away from the shorebird nesting areas at the ends of the island in the summer months once the sun is up. Avoid walking above the high tide line and dune areas, which threatened shorebirds use for shelter, nesting and raising young.
Edingsville Beach
Edingsville Beach is a private beach with no rules posted online. This beach is also known as Jeremy Cay Private Community.
May 1 – October 31: dogs are allowed on Edisto Beach but must remain on leash. November 1 – April 30: Dogs are allowed off leash.
Pets are allowed on the beach as long as they physically restrained or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
May 1 – September 30: dogs are not allowed on the beach 10 AM – 6PM. October 1 – April 30: dogs are allowed on the beach.
Year round, dogs must stay on a leash and under control while on the beach, but running, walking, fetching, and swimming are allowed. Please note that no dogs are allowed at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve on the northern-most tip of the island.
Folly Field Beach (on Hilton Head Island)
Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM and 5 PM. April 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
Fish Haul Beach Park (on Hilton Head Island)
Friday before Memorial Day – Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM – 5 PM.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife
Dogs are allowed on the beach but should remain on leash. Please keep dogs away from standing water and tidal pools, and prohibit dogs from going near the edges of all the lagoons on the island, as alligators frequent these areas.
May 1 – Labor Day: dogs are not allowed on the beach between 10 AM – 5 PM. Year round, dogs must remain on hand-held leash, not to exceed seven feet in length, and under control at all times.
Dogs must be leashed from 9 AM – 7 PM. Dogs that are not leashed during other hours must be under voice control and owners must be able to demonstrate voice control to a law enforcement officer if asked.
Dogs are allowed on-leash throughout the year. We highly recommend keeping dogs away from the bird nesting areas at the southern end of the island and keeping your distance from large flocks of beach birds. Harbor Island follows Beaufort County regulations which require dogs to be on a leash at all times while on the beach. There are several dog waste bag dispensers around the island for convenient pickups.
May 1 – Labor Day: dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 AM – 5 PM.
Any animal on the beach must be on a hand-held leash not to exceed seven feet in length and under the control of the person having custody of the animal.
Hunting Island State Park Beach
Dogs are not permitted on the tip of North Beach past the posted markers to protect critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach year-round. Dogs are prohibited on the north end of the beach and in buildings, including Atalaya. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty. All dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
April 1 – September 14: dogs are allowed off leash 5 AM – 9 AM. September 15 – March 31: dogs are allowed off leash 4 PM – 10 AM. Dog owners must have leash in hand, have their dog under voice command and must clean up excrement. At all other times, dogs must be on leash and under complete control, even in the water.
All dogs that live or visit the Isle of Palms must be vaccinated against rabies and have a metal license tag attached to its collar with the name of the licensed veterinarian who provided the vaccine. Dog owners must also have a valid certificate of rabies vaccination readily available at all times.
No dogs allowed. This is a Heritage Preserve and SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary.
Dogs are allowed on the beach year round with restrictions based on area, season, and time of day. Dogs are prohibited year-round in critical habitat areas located on each end of the island.
The area between the eastern boundary of the Beach Club and the Ocean Course Clubhouse allows dogs off leash, but under control, year-round 7 AM – 7 PM. Dogs must be leashed in this area 7 PM – 7 AM.
For the remainder of the beach, dogs must be leashed at all times March 16 – October 31. Between November 1 – March 15, dogs are allowed off leash 7 AM – 7 PM everywhere on the beach except in the critical habitat area. Dogs must be leashed 7 PM – 7 PM.
Owners must always remain with their pet, have the pet under control, and have in their possession a leash in the event that there is a need to leash their pet, or if requested by other beachgoers or by Beach Patrol. Electronic leashes are prohibited.
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Dogs are not allowed. This northern part of Folly Beach is an important shorebird and seabird migratory stopover and nesting area.
Litchfield Beach and North Litchfield Beach are pet friendly with leash requirements for all dogs between 9 AM – 7 PM. For other times, dogs may be off-leash if they are trained for voice command, to be demonstrated to law enforcement officer if asked.
Morris Island
There are no rules posted for dog use on Morris Island, but Audubon highly recommends leaving your dog at home when visiting this common nesting site for Least Tern, Wilson’s Plovers, and American Oystercatchers.
Murphy Island (Part of Santee Coastal Wildlife Management Area)
Dogs are allowed on designated area of Murphy Island subject to the following restrictions:
(a) Dogs are allowed in designated areas at the South Santee side of Murphy Island.
(b) Dogs are prohibited in all other areas of Murphy Island between April 1 and August 30.
(c) Areas closed to dogs are posted by the Department of Natural Resources.
May 1 – Labor Day: dogs are allowed on the beach or boardwalk before 10 AM and after 5 PM. The day after Labor Day – April 30, dogs are allowed on the beach or boardwalk any time of day.
At all times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter.
Pets are not allowed on the beaches from 10am until 5pm (7 days a week) May 1 through Labor Day. This is a county ordinance that is effective on all public beaches in Horry County.
North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Due to the sensitive nature of the colonies, areas behind bird nesting signs are closed from April 1– October 15 each year providing sufficient time for the chicks to fledge.
North Island (Part of Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center)
No dogs allowed except in the designated public access area on the southern end of the island.
May 15 – September 15: No dogs allowed on the beach 9 AM – 5 PM. Please note that certain parts of North Myrtle Beach that restrict entry for pets. Leash law is in effect at all times and maximum leash length is 7 feet. Dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of waste.
North Santee Bar Seabird Sanctuary
No dogs allowed. This is a Heritage Preserve and SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary.
Otter Island (Part of St Helena Sound Heritage Preserve)
No dogs allowed.
Pets are not allowed however, visitors are allowed to bring service animals.
Dogs are allowed on the beach year round. May 1 – September 30: dogs must be on a leash and under complete control, even in the water, between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Owners must always have a leash in hand, have their dog under voice control and pick up after them.
Pine Island Wildlife Management Area
No dogs allowed, except when physically restrained by a leash or similar device between Sep. 1 and March 31.
Port Royal Beach (on Hilton Head Island)
Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM and 5 PM. April 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
With restricted access, Pritchards Island is maintained by the University of South Carolina Beaufort. Its mission is limited to research. There are no dog rules posted online but because it is in Beaufort County, all dogs need to be leashed if they are on the beach.
Sand Island Heritage Preserve (Part of Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center)
No dogs allowed.
Seabrook Island’s beaches are dog-friendly, with a few restrictions.
Dogs are prohibited year round in the Restricted Area, which begins at a line extending from Boardwalk #1 (Community Center Boardwalk) to the Atlantic Ocean and continues in a northeasterly direction to Captain Sam’s Inlet.
Dogs must remain on a leash at all times in the Limited Restriction Area, which begins approximately 300 yards northwest of a line extending from Boardwalk #9 (Pelican Watch Boardwalk) to the Edisto River and continues in a northwesterly direction to Privateer Creek.
On all other areas of the beach, known as the General Beach Area, dogs must remain on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM April 1 – September 30. October 1 – March 31, dogs may be off leash, but effectively controlled by a competent person, at all times.
Please note that leashes must be made of cord, rope, strap, chain or other material effective for restraining the type and size of animal to which it is attached and must be no more than 16 feet in length, secured to the animal’s collar or harness, and continuously held by a competent person physically capable of restraining the animal. Animals under voice control, or under control of remotely operated devices (such as electronic collars), are considered to be off leash.
When off leash, a competent person must control the dog from entering any area on or adjacent to the beach in which a pet is prohibited, destroying or damaging any property, attacking or threatening to attack any person or any other animal or pet in any manner, or being a nuisance to other beach goers.
Shute’s Folly Island (Castle Pinckney)
Landing on Shute’s Folly is not recommended.
Singleton Beach (on Hilton Head Island)
Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM and 5 PM. April 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
South Beach (on Hilton Head Island)
Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day: dogs are not permitted between 10 AM and 5 PM. April 1 – Thursday before Memorial Day, and Tuesday after Labor Day – September 30: Dogs must be on a leash between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Dogs must be on leash or under positive voice control at all other times. Persons in control of animals on the beach are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal's excrement. It is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
South Island (Part of Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center)
No dogs allowed.
May 1 – September 30. Dogs can be off leash from 5 AM. to 10 AM., on leash from 6 PM to 5 AM. No dogs are permitted between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM. October 1 – to April 30: dogs can be off leash from 5 AM to noon and on leash from noon to 5 AM.
Dog Licenses are required for all dogs on Sullivan's Island streets, private property or beaches.
Dogs or other domestic pets are not permitted on the public beach between the hours of 10 am to 5 pm from May 1 through Labor Day. All other times leashed dogs are allowed on the beach.
Tomkins Island Seabird Sanctuary
Closed to public use (no landing, no dogs, no camping) year-round. This is a SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary Island.
Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area
No dogs are allowed, except during participation in scheduled hunts, and when physically restrained by a leash or similar device between Sep. 1 and March 31.
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge
Tybee National Wildlife Refuge is closed to all public use. Dogs, cats, and other pets are not permitted.
Waite’s Island
No rules posted online.
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