Dog-Friendly South Carolina: Rules at 117 Places

Home › Open Data › Dog-Friendly South Carolina

Dogs on a leash are welcome at 68 of 117 South Carolina parks, attractions, trails and beaches we checked, 22 allow them only in some areas or hours, 10 say no, and 17 do not say. State parks allow leashed dogs in most outdoor areas.

Welcome on a leash68most outdoor areas
Some areas or times22beaches, seasons
Not allowed10service animals aside
Not published17call ahead

What This Page Is For

Use it to: check whether you can bring your dog before you load the car: search a park, beach, trail or attraction and read the rule it publishes.

Where the figures come from: each operator’s own page (South Carolina State Parks, the National Park Service, towns, counties and attractions), as recorded in our places, attractions and beach datasets and read on or before October 26, 2026. The status column is our one-word reading of that policy; the policy text is theirs.

Read carefully: not published is not the same as no. For those places, call ahead.

Reuse: the facts on this page can be repeated anywhere. The tables and wording are free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with credit to It’s South Carolina and a link to this page, including by AI assistants and researchers.

Free to reuse under CC BY 4.0 with credit to It’s South Carolina and a link to this page.

Dog Rules at Every Place

Search this table117 of 117

Place	Dogs	Policy as published
Aiken State Park Windsor	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.
Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum Aiken	Not published	not published
Andrew Jackson State Park Lancaster	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Angel Oak Tree (Angel Oak Park) Johns Island	Some areas or times	Leashed pets are allowed in designated areas, which include the picnic area.
Baker Creek State Park McCormick	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Barnwell State Park Blackville	Welcome on a leash	Beginning January 1, 2020, pets will be allowed in cabin 2. This cabin will be designated as pet friendly. 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. Pets are not allowed in cabin 2 or the cabin area prior to January 1, 2020.
Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site Clinton	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site Ehrhardt	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Black River State Park Salters	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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 park visitors and/or harass wildlife.
Boone Hall Plantation Mount Pleasant	Welcome on a leash	Pets permitted on the grounds on a leash, but not inside the plantation home, on tractor tours, or inside the Hospitality Center or Butterfly Cafe. Pets not allowed at special events or Willie's Roadside Market.
Brookgreen Gardens Murrells Inlet	Not allowed	Pets are not allowed, nor can they be left in vehicles inside Brookgreen. Trained service animals are welcome.
Caesars Head State Park Cleveland	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Calhoun Falls State Park Calhoun Falls	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site Mount Pleasant	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the museum and visitor center, but are allowed on the grounds and walking paths. \| Leash no longer than 6 feet; do not leave pets unattended.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site Charleston	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets and service animals are not permitted in the Animal Forest. Please clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.
Cheraw State Park Cheraw	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities. No pets are allowed in the walk-in tent area due to proximity of the sites. Pets are not allowed on the golf course. 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.
Chester State Park Chester	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the camper cabins or the camper cabin area. Pets are allowed in most 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.
Coligny Beach Park, Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Island	Some areas or times	Town table: Oct-March any time, leashed or voice control; April-Thursday before Memorial Day 10am-5pm leashed, 5pm-10am leashed or voice control; Friday before Memorial Day-Labor Day 10am-5pm not allowed on beach, 5pm-10am leashed or voice control; Tuesday after Labor Day-Sept 10am-5pm leashed, 5pm-10am leashed or voice control.
Colleton State Park Walterboro	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site Summerville	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.
Columbia Museum of Art Columbia	Not published	not published
Congaree National Park Hopkins	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed on all trails, including the boardwalk, and in the campgrounds. \| Leash no longer than 6 feet, under control at all times; pets may not be left unattended.
Cowpens National Battlefield Gaffney	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed on all trails and roads on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. \| Guide dogs are allowed in the visitor center.
Croft State Park Spartanburg	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Cypress Gardens Moncks Corner	Some areas or times	Domestic pets permitted November through February only; leashed at all times; not allowed in buildings or boats; owners clean up waste.
Daufuskie Island Daufuskie Island	Not published	not published
Devils Fork State Park Salem	Welcome on a leash	Beginning January 1, 2020, pets will be allowed in villas 1-5. These will be designated as our pet friendly villas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the villas or villa area prior to January 1, 2020.
Drayton Hall Charleston	Welcome on a leash	Well-behaved leashed pets welcome on the grounds and nature walks; not allowed inside historic structures or modern buildings (main house, privy, caretaker's house, visitor center), except trained service dogs.
Dreher Island State Park Prosperity	Welcome on a leash	Beginning January 1, 2020, pets will be allowed in camper cabins 2-5. Pets are not allowed in the villas or the villa areas. 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. Pets are not allowed in the camper cabin area prior to January 1, 2020.
EdVenture Children's Museum Columbia	Not published	not published
Edisto Beach (town beach) Edisto Beach	Welcome on a leash	Dogs must be on a leash May 1 through October 31; owners clean up. Page lists unleashed dogs as prohibited on those dates.
Edisto Beach State Park Edisto Island	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas. 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.
Edisto Beach State Park (Beach) Edisto Island	Welcome on a leash	Pets not allowed in cabins or cabin areas; allowed in most other outdoor areas on a short leash/physical restraint. No dates or hours listed.
Edisto Memorial Gardens Orangeburg	Not published	not published
Falls Park on the Reedy Greenville	Welcome on a leash	Keep pets on a leash at all times and clean up after them; walk dogs on paved areas only, not on the lawn or landscaped areas.
Florence County Museum Florence	Not published	not published
Folly Beach (city beach) Folly Beach	Some areas or times	"Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 AM to 6 PM, May 1 to September 30." At other times leashed and under control; owners pick up waste; never allowed on the pier.
Folly Beach County Park (west end) Folly Beach	Some areas or times	"Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 1st to Sept. 30th." At other times leashed and under control. Pets must not be left in vehicles.
Foothills Trail Pickens	Welcome on a leash	Leashed, non-aggressive dogs are welcome on the trail.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park Charleston	Not allowed	Pets are not permitted at Fort Sumter, and Fort Sumter Tours does not allow pets on its boats. \| Fort Moultrie: pets are not allowed inside the fort or visitor center, but are allowed on the outside paths, trails and grounds on a leash. \| Liberty Square: pets on a leash on the grounds and paths, not inside the visitor center. Leash no longer than 6 feet; do not leave pets unattended.
Fripp Island Fripp Island	Some areas or times	Beaufort County rules as summarized by the resort: Friday before Memorial Day to Monday after Labor Day no dogs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. except service animals, leashed or voice control otherwise; Tuesday after Labor Day to Sept 30 and April 1 to Thursday before Memorial Day dogs allowed, leashed 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct 1-March 31 leashed or voice control anytime.
Garden City Beach (Unincorporated Horry County) Garden City	Some areas or times	Horry County beach rule: animals are not allowed on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through Labor Day; hand-held leash no longer than 7 feet; owners clean up.
Gibbes Museum of Art Charleston	Not published	not published
Givhans Ferry State Park Ridgeville	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas. 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.
Goodale State Park Camden	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. \| EV Charging Station
Greenville County Museum of Art Greenville	Not allowed	Only service dogs are permitted.
Greenville Zoo Greenville	Not allowed	Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Trained service dogs with their owners are welcome.
H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area Cheraw	Welcome on a leash	Pets must be voice command controlled or kept on a leash or in a kennel while in the camping area or within 1/4 mile of the camping area.
Hamilton Branch State Park Plum Branch	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site McClellanville	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park McCormick	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in lodge rooms 303, 304 & 305 at Hickory Knob. Pets are not allowed in any other lodge rooms. 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.
Hilton Head Island town beach parks (Driessen, Folly Field, Islanders, Alder Lane, Burkes, Fish Haul) Hilton Head Island	Some areas or times	Same town table as Coligny (see above): no dogs on the beach 10 am-5 pm from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. New restricted dog area of about two football fields near Fish Haul Creek (about 600 feet from the Fish Haul access), signed.
Hopelands Gardens Aiken	Not published	not published
Hunting Island State Park Hunting Island	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex. \| 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.
Hunting Island State Park (Beach) Hunting Island (Near Beaufort)	Welcome on a leash	Pets not allowed in the cabin area, on the pier or inside the lighthouse complex. Not permitted on the tip of North Beach past posted markers (shorebird habitat). Allowed in most other outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet. No dates or hours listed.
Huntington Beach State Park Murrells Inlet	Welcome on a leash	Huntington Beach State Park is a dog friendly park year round. Please keep in mind that all dogs must remain on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Please clean up after your pet. Dogs are allowed on the south end of the beach. Dogs are prohibited in buildings, including Atalaya and on the north end of the beach. The north end extends from the beach access at the north parking lot to the jetty.
Huntington Beach State Park (Beach) Murrells Inlet	Welcome on a leash	Dog-friendly year round, no season dates listed. Leash no longer than six feet at all times. Dogs may use the south end of the beach; barred from the north end (north lot beach access to the jetty). Dogs prohibited in buildings including Atalaya.
International African American Museum Charleston	Not published	not published
Isle of Palms (city beach) Isle of Palms	Some areas or times	Off-leash allowed April 1 to September 14, 5am to 9am; September 15 to March 31, 4pm to 10am. Otherwise leashed or under voice command; owners clean up. Dogs must be vaccinated and wear a metal license tag.
Isle of Palms County Park Isle of Palms	Some areas or times	County rule: pets leashed, cleaned up after, under control; not left in vehicles. City of Isle of Palms rules also apply on the beach: off-leash April 1-Sept 14 5-9am; Sept 15-March 31 4pm-10am.
Jones Gap State Park Marietta	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park Sunset	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area. 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.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island	Some areas or times	Park rule: pets leashed, cleaned up after, under control at all times. Town of Kiawah: March 1 to October 15 dogs must be leashed at all times; October 16 to February 28 dogs may be off-leash.
Kings Mountain National Military Park Blacksburg	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet and under physical control; never off leash. \| Pets are not allowed in the visitor center (service animals excepted).
Kings Mountain State Park Blacksburg	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.
Lake Greenwood State Park Ninety Six	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Lake Hartwell State Park Fair Play	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in Carolina Camper Cabins 1, 2 and 5. They are not allowed in any others. Pets are allowed in most 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.
Lake Warren State Park Hampton	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Lake Wateree State Park Winnsboro	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Landsford Canal State Park Catawba	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Lee State Park Bishopville	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Litchfield Beach (unincorporated Georgetown County accesses) Litchfield Beach	Some areas or times	"Dogs must be leashed from 9 am to 7 pm. Dogs that are not leashed during other hours must be under voice control" and owners must be able to demonstrate it to an officer. No horses on the beach March 1 to October 31.
Little Pee Dee State Park Dillon	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens Charleston	Welcome on a leash	Leashed dogs (leash 6 feet or shorter) welcome on the grounds, in the gardens and in the Audubon Swamp Garden; not on tours except service dogs; service dogs not allowed in the Wildlife Center or inside the cabins on the From Slavery to Freedom tour.
Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail Spartanburg	Welcome on a leash	Pets on the trail should be on a leash and under control (PAL safety guide). City-owned Rail Tail Dog Park beside the trail.
May Forest State Park Charleston	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Middleton Place Charleston	Not allowed	Pets are not allowed (free-roaming livestock). Trained service animals permitted; emotional support animals and pets can only be accommodated in the main visitor parking lot.
Myrtle Beach (city beach, oceanfront and Boardwalk) Myrtle Beach	Some areas or times	May 1 through Labor Day: dogs and bicycles allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Day after Labor Day through April 30: dogs allowed on beach and boardwalk at any time. Boardwalk May 1-Labor Day: dogs only 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Leash of seven feet or shorter at all times; service dogs excluded.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade Myrtle Beach	Some areas or times	May 1 through Labor Day: bicycles and dogs allowed on the boardwalk only 5:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Day after Labor Day through April 30: allowed at any time. Dogs on a leash 7 feet or shorter at all times; pick up droppings. Service dogs excluded from the rules.
Myrtle Beach State Park Myrtle Beach	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in any cabin or the cabin areas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas year round, provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. 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. \| Bikes are also not allowed on the beach during the same time periods as pets.
Myrtle Beach State Park (Beach) Myrtle Beach	Some areas or times	Pets are not allowed on the beaches from 10 am until 5 pm (7 days a week) May 1 through Labor Day. Pets allowed in most other outdoor areas year round on a leash no longer than six feet; not allowed in cabins or cabin areas.
Ninety Six National Historic Site Ninety Six	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet and under physical control; never off leash. \| Pets are not allowed in the visitor center (service animals excepted).
North Myrtle Beach (city beach, incl. Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach, Windy Hill) North Myrtle Beach	Some areas or times	"May 15 to Labor Day: No dogs allowed on the beach 10 am to 4 pm." Leashes are required at all times and owners must pick up waste.
Oconee State Park Mountain Rest	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in cabins 14-20 at Oconee. Pets are not allowed in any other cabin or the cabin areas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not to be left unattended.
Oconee Station State Historic Site Walhalla	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Palmetto Trail Awendaw	Some areas or times	Awendaw Passage: Pets – Yes (rules vary by passage and land manager).
Paris Mountain State Park Greenville	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities. Pets are allowed in most 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.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum Mount Pleasant	Not published	not published
Pawleys Island (town beach) Pawleys Island	Some areas or times	Dogs must be on a leash May 1 to Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Owners must pick up after pets.
Pine Island State Park Columbia	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.
Poinsett State Park Wedgefield	Welcome on a leash	Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas. 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.
Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Greenville	Welcome on a leash	Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under control (County Ordinance 4099); clean up after your dog; keep dogs on a short leash on the trail.
Ramsey Grove State Park Georgetown	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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 park visitors and/or harass wildlife.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park Beaufort	Not published	The NPS pets page for this park did not load (404) when we read it on 2026-10-25; pet rules not confirmed.
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site Beech Island	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach	Not allowed	Guide dogs, ADA service dogs and working service dogs in training are permitted inside. Pets are not allowed. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Columbia	Not allowed	Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted in the park. Trained service dogs or ponies are permitted; service animal access is restricted in some areas.
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site Union	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Sadlers Creek State Park Anderson	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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. \| EV Charging Station
Santee State Park Santee	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in cabins 11-28 at Santee State Park. Pets are not allowed in any other cabins or the cabin areas. 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.
Seabrook Island Seabrook Island	Some areas or times	By zone: Red zone no pets at any time; Yellow zone leashed; Green zone April 1-Sept 30 leashed 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Oct 1-March 31 off-leash if effectively controlled. Leash max sixteen feet.
Sesquicentennial State Park Columbia	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. \| There is also a dog park available at Sesquicentennial State Park. The dog park is a 2-acre, fenced-in area for dogs to run off-leash. \| To access the off-leash dog park, a permit is required for each dog, available at the park office. Permits are $25/year, and are pro-rated depending on the date of purchase. Permits expire on July 1 of each year. Daily permits are available for $4. \| Important Notice! Dog must be present for photo identification to obtain dog park permit. Owners must provide current vaccination records showing proof of spayed/neutered, rabies, parvo and kennel cough. Dog permits do not include admission into the park. \| EV Charging Station
South Carolina Aquarium Charleston	Not allowed	Pets and emotional support animals are not allowed. Service animals (dogs or miniature horses individually trained for a person with a disability) are welcome.
South Carolina Botanical Garden Clemson	Some areas or times	Leashed dogs welcome on all trails except the Natural Heritage Garden Trail; keep out of flower beds; pick up waste; no pets inside university buildings.
South Carolina State Museum Columbia	Not published	not published
St. Phillips Island State Park Hunting Island	Not published	not published
Sullivan's Island (town beach) Sullivan's Island	Some areas or times	Summer May 1-Sept 30: off leash 5:00-10:00 a.m.; no dogs on beach 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; on leash 6:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. Winter Oct 1-April 30: off leash 5:00 a.m.-noon; on leash noon-5:00 a.m. All dogs need a town license; loose dogs not allowed in dunes or near turtle nests.
Surfside Beach (town beach) Surfside Beach	Some areas or times	Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed on the public beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 1 through Labor Day. At other times leashed dogs are allowed. Reptiles, exotic animals and horses are not allowed at any time.
Swan Lake Iris Gardens Sumter	Not allowed	All animals are strictly prohibited inside the gates, except ADA service animals.
Table Rock State Park Pickens	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in cabins 4, 9, 10 and 11. Pets are not allowed in any other cabins, indoor areas or on the swim beach at Table Rock State Park. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
The Charleston Museum Charleston	Not allowed	Service dogs permitted throughout the museum and historic houses; therapy dogs and animal companions are not permitted.
The Children's Museum of the Upstate (Greenville) Greenville	Not published	not published
The Rice Museum Georgetown	Not published	not published
Three Rivers Greenway Columbia	Welcome on a leash	All animals must be on a leash and under control; pet waste must be collected (Columbia); no unleashed pets (Cayce).
Upcountry History Museum Greenville	Not published	Service animals as defined by the ADA are welcome; other pets not addressed.
West Ashley Greenway Charleston	Not published	not published
Woods Bay State Park Olanta	Welcome on a leash	Pets are allowed in most 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.

The General Rules

State parks: South Carolina State Parks pages say pets are allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet; they are kept out of most cabins, buildings and swim areas, with a few pet-friendly cabins named park by park.
National parks: Congaree, Cowpens, Kings Mountain and Ninety Six allow leashed dogs on trails; Fort Sumter and its ferry do not.
Beaches: most coastal towns ban dogs on summer days (often 10 am to 5 or 6 pm) and allow them early and late; see the beach rules table.
Zoos, aquariums and most museums allow service animals only.

What We Could Not Confirm

Not confirmed: we looked for these on official pages and did not find them. Check with the town or operator before you rely on them.

Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Columbia Museum of Art: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Daufuskie Island: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
EdVenture Children's Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Edisto Memorial Gardens: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Florence County Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Gibbes Museum of Art: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Hopelands Gardens: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
International African American Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
South Carolina State Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
St. Phillips Island State Park: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
The Children's Museum of the Upstate (Greenville): the official site does not publish a pet policy.
The Rice Museum: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
West Ashley Greenway: the official site does not publish a pet policy.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park: the NPS pets page did not load when we read it, so the rule is not confirmed.

FAQ

Are dogs allowed in South Carolina state parks?

Yes. The park pages say pets are allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than six feet, and 56 parks in this table read that way; cabins, buildings and swim areas are the usual exceptions.

Which South Carolina attractions do not allow dogs?

Brookgreen Gardens, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Zoo, Middleton Place, Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, South Carolina Aquarium, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, The Charleston Museum allow service animals only.

Can dogs go on South Carolina beaches?

Yes, at set hours. Most beaches ban dogs on summer days and allow them on a leash early and late; Huntington Beach State Park says it is dog friendly year round on the south end of the beach.

Is a leash required?

Almost everywhere. State parks and the national park sites say six feet or shorter; some beaches allow off-leash dogs only in early morning hours.

Sources

Read on October 26, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.

Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Dog-Friendly South Carolina”, itssouthcarolina.com/data/sc-dog-friendly-places/ (updated 2026-10-26). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.