South Carolina · Lowcountry · Town sand

Dogs on Hilton Head sand

Through September: leash 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Outside those hours: leash, or off-leash only if you can reliably control by voice · scoop waste. Summer’s dogs-off-beach window ended Labor Day, Monday Sept. 7. Fish Haul Creek marked zone stays year-round.

Town rules Through September Fish Haul zone
  • Through September leash 10 a.m.–5 p.m. · outside those hours leash, or off-leash only if you can reliably control by voice · scoop waste
  • Summer window ended Labor Day, Monday Sept. 7 · Fri before Memorial Day through Labor Day was dogs off the beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Fish Haul marked zone ~600 ft from public access — animals prohibited year-round, all hours

Current hours · through September

Through September: leash 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Outside those hours: leash, or off-leash only if you can reliably control by voice. Scoop waste. Summer’s dogs-off-beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m. window ended Labor Day, Monday Sept. 7. For next-year planning: Island summer hours run Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day — dogs off the beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Town animals · Rules card · Today on Hilton Head

Town sand, same hours

Town sand shares one set of dog hours. Burkes runs those same hours. Mid-island Town parks — Burkes, Driessen, Folly Field — follow the hours above.

Dogs in brief · Park comparison table

Fish Haul Creek marked zone

Dogs and other animals are prohibited in a marked zone at Fish Haul Creek — year-round, all hours, about 600 feet from the public access. The rest of the park follows the same Town dog hours.

Fish Haul / Mitchelville at 124 Mitchelville Road — Directions · Fish Haul

Fines and scoop

Pick up waste. Fines and court costs can run up to $1,092.50 per offense — Town of Hilton Head Island beach regulations.

Full Town rules · Town animals

Dogs FAQ

What are dog hours on Hilton Head beaches through September?

Through September: leash 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Outside those hours: leash, or off-leash only if you can reliably control by voice. Scoop waste. Summer’s dogs-off-beach 10 a.m.–5 p.m. window ended Labor Day, Monday Sept. 7.

Do Town beaches share the same dog hours?

Town sand shares one set of dog hours. Burkes runs those same hours.

Can dogs go to Fish Haul Creek?

Dogs and other animals are prohibited in a marked zone at Fish Haul Creek — year-round, all hours, about 600 feet from the public access. The rest of the park follows the same Town dog hours.

What are the fines for beach animal violations on Hilton Head?

Fines and court costs can run up to $1,092.50 per offense.

Keep planning Hilton Head

Full Hilton Head beach guide

Town parks, parking windows, mid-island sand, and off-season timing.

Family Off-season

Hilton Head beach parking

Peak fees, Coligny free lot, and mid-island overflow.

Town lots

Fish Haul / Mitchelville

Sound-side walks, history, and the marked creek animal zone.

Sound flats

Also: Rules card · Dogs in brief · Off-season · Today on Hilton Head · Burkes