In other parts of the state park, we almost expected to see lions laying in wait for gazelles. This a bit of an optical illusion, though, driven in part by our ignorance of Africa, no doubt. What you see here is marshland, rather than grassy plains. But it’s yet another contrast to the beaches, semi-tropical forests, and wastelands you find just a couple of miles in any direction. Did I say ‘this place rocks’ already?
Not really, but the southern edge of Hunting Island Beach is covered with a small forest of these dead trees; obviously consumed by the encroaching tides. It’s quite a contrast to the leafy, jungle-like, forests just a short walk away.
It makes perfect sense that all of the best campgrounds we’ve stayed at have been in state parks. After all, these parks are vacation destinations in and of themselves. What better way to explore them, and the surrounding areas, but from deep inside? And of the state parks we’ve stayed at, Hunting Island is the hands-down winner (so far).
It’s no wonder Hunting Island is South Carolina’s most popular state park, attracting more than one million visitors each year. This 5,000 acre, semi-tropical barrier island gives visitors the feeling of being far from mainland North America, maybe even on the island of Lost. Much of the campground is shrouded in dense foliage and palmetto trees but the eastern edge spills out on to the beach, offering ocean front RV spots. This place rocks!
Downtown Charleston is definitely a place we could call home for a while. The city layers a contemporary cosmopolitan veneer and the vibrancy of a young college town over its old southern antebellum charm. It’s quite an interesting mix. We understand the summer months are dastardly hot, and even now we can feel the strength of the sun. But having a reason to skip town for a couple of months each year to parts unknown has its attractions too.
Everywhere Once 