Most Carolina Forest residents rarely visit the city of Myrtle Beach downtown. They believe the areas near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk are unsafe. They also dislike the town’s fees for downtown beach access parking.
THE HISTORIC WORK AROUND – MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK
Over the past decade, many Carolina Forest residents purchased an All Park Passport for $99 from Myrtle Beach State Park.
According to the Myrtle Beach State Park Website
The passport allowed entry to the park and free parking. However, starting May 16th, a new Myrtle Beach State Park fee will begin charging $5 daily for guaranteed parking above the annual passport price.
The All Park Passport is $99 and provides unlimited entry to all South Carolina state parks for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle. The hangtag pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase and can be transferred from one vehicle to another. Purchase your park passport online or by visiting a South Carolina state park office.
According to Myrtle Beach State Park’s website, Please note: While park passports are good for entry to our parks, they do not guarantee entry to our parks if they are full. Also, the added benefits are subject to change and are based on availability.
Myrtle Beach State Park fee change upset residents
Why are you adding reserved parking?
- In order to provide better customer service, certain parking areas will be by reservation only during the summer season, Memorial Day to Labor Day.
- 2024 Dates: May 16 to September 2.
When does it start?
- May 16, 2024 will be the first reservable date. Reservations may be made 1 month prior to the reservation date. Reservations are available 7 days a week from May 16 to September 2.
How much does it cost?
- Reserved parking spaces will cost $5 per parking space per day. Promotional discounts do not apply. This does not include daily park admission.
Does the cost include park admission?
- The cost of the reserved space does not include park admission. A valid park passport or daily park admission must be provided at the park entrance at the time of your arrival.
Does my park passport cover my reservation cost?
- A park passport covers your park admission but does not include the cost of the reserved parking space.
How/when can I reserve a parking space?
- Reservations can be made up to 1 month in advance but no less than 3 days in advance.
Can I change my reservation to a different date?
- Reservations are non-transferable. If you no longer need your reservation, you may cancel online and rebook a different date. Cancellations made 4+ days from the reservation date will receive a refund. Cancellations made 3 days or less in advance forfeit all funds. No-show reservations forfeit all funds.
Can I let a friend/relative use my reservation?
- Conveyance, subletting, and/or reselling reservations are strictly prohibited. This means that the reservations holder cannot make a reservation and then give, sell or transfer it to someone not named on the reservation.
How many vehicles per parking space?
- There is a limit of one vehicle per parking space. Buses, RVs and trailers are not permitted in reserved parking areas.
How long is my reservation for?
- Reservations are valid from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). After 12:00 p.m. (noon), all reserved parking spaces become first come first served.
Can I leave my vehicle overnight?
- No, reserved spaces are for day use only. All vehicles must vacate the park before park closure time at 10:00 p.m.
Can I leave the park and come back?
- Yes, visitors with reservations can leave and return prior to 12:00 p.m. (noon). After 12:00 p.m. (noon), if the park is closed due to capacity, you can no longer enter.
Does this reservation allow me to enter the park during a closure?
- This reservation is valid from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). Visitors with reservations can re-enter the park, even during a park closure, during these hours. After 12:00 p.m. (noon), re-entry is no longer guaranteed.
Can I transfer my reservation to another park?
- Reservations are made for a specific park and therefore cannot be transferred to a different park.
How many spaces are reservable?
- Approximate 20% of total parking spaces are reservable.
- Myrtle Beach: 146 spaces
- Huntington Beach: 81 spaces
Locals speak out
Carolina Forest residents we spoke with were very unhappy with these changes. These residents were not alone, however, as locals across the Grand Strand spoke out on Facebook.
These were just a handful of the thousands of comments by upset locals in Conway, Carolina Forest, Forestbrook, Socastee, and nearby towns.
Every municipality and state owned entity now charges to maximize profits from state-resident owned beaches, was a common theme. This new Myrtle Beach State Park fee is just one newly added example.