Pawleys Island
Pawleys Island, SC
A quiet barrier-island village on the Grand Strand with weathered beach houses, rope hammocks and a wide beach. Public access is limited, so check parking points before you go.
Pawleys Island is about four miles (6.5 km) long and only a quarter mile (400 m) wide, and lies on the Waccamaw Neck in Georgetown County. In the 18th century, rice planters built summer homes here by the salt water to escape malaria; houses on the island are documented as early as 1822. The island is said to be "arrogantly shabby," meaning proudly unpretentious. In 2020 it had just 109 residents.
Local landmarks include the Hammock Shop on U.S. Highway 17, which had opened by 1939, and the legend of the "Gray Man," a ghost said to warn of storms. Hurricanes Hazel (1954) and Hugo (1989) caused severe damage. It has been an incorporated town since 1985. The island suits a quiet stroll; allow one to two hours and find out about parking and beach access beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Pawleys Island, SC
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 33.4300, -79.1223
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Huntington Beach State Park South CampgroundMotorhome stopover6 mi from Pawleys IslandMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Hidden Marina & CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Pawleys IslandCaravans
- Ocean Lakes RV CenterMotorhome stopover16 mi from Pawleys IslandMotorhomes
- Pirateland Family CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Pawleys Island
- Myrtle Beach K.O.A.Motorhome stopover22 mi from Pawleys IslandMotorhomes
- Kampgrounds of America Myrtle BeachMotorhome stopover22 mi from Pawleys IslandMotorhomes
All campsites in South Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pawleys Island?
Pawleys Island is in Pawleys Island, SC, at GPS 33.4300, -79.1223. It is about 11 mi from Georgetown.
Can you camp near Pawleys Island?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Huntington Beach State Park South Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Pawleys Island?
Places worth a stop nearby: Brookgreen Gardens (6 mi), Huntington Beach State Park (7 mi), Myrtle Beach State Park (19 mi) and Fort Moultrie (63 mi).
When is the best time to visit Pawleys Island?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–March, June, September and December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)