2025 Beach Tent Rules and Regulations in North Myrtle Beach
Written by Marissa Polascak on Friday, June 27, 2025
We always get questions about the regulation sizes and rules for tents on the beaches in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, so we wanted to make it easier for those of you who are looking to vacation along the Grand Strand. This centralized list will help you determine if your tent is okay to bring with you to our beautiful sandy beaches here in North Myrtle Beach.
North Myrtle Beach Tent Regulations and Beach Laws
North Myrtle Beach Tent Rules:
- From May 15 through Labor Day, you may only bring round umbrellas with a center pole that is no more than 7 feet, 6 inches tall. It can be no larger than 9 feet in diameter.
- No tents, sports-brellas, cabanas, pavilions, tarps, etc. are allowed on the beach between May 15 and Labor Day
- Baby tents that are no bigger than 36″ X 36″ X 36″ can be used throughout the year on the beach to shade those who are 18 months or younger.
North Myrtle Beach beach laws:
- If you dig a hole on the beach, fill it in before leaving the beach.
- No alcohol, glass, or fireworks.
- No littering on the beach or the ocean.
- No swimming beyond 50 yards or shoulder height.
- No parking beyond the posted public beach access rule sign.
- All watercraft must operate 100 yards or more off shore.
- Nothing may be left on the beach from 7pm-8am
Dogs on the Beach:
- May 15 through Labor Day: No dogs allowed on the beach 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Pets must be leashed at all times.
- Pet owners are responsible for picking up pet waste.
Surfing:
You cannot ride a surfboard or skimboard on the public beach from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 15 – September 15, except in the following designated areas:
- Beginning at Hog Inlet and ending at 5th Avenue North with the exception of 300 feet on either side (i.e., north side and south side) of the Cherry Grove Pier
- Beginning at 6th Avenue South and ending at 27th Avenue South
- Beginning at the Town of Atlantic Beach southern limit and ending at 46th Avenue South.
No surfing within 300 feet of any pier
All surfers shall be required to wear a surfing leash at all times
Golf Cart Laws:
- Golf Carts must display S.C. permit sticker available from the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Carts must be driven by a licensed driver.
- Carts may cross primary roads (Ocean Boulevard, 27th Avenue S, U.S. 17 or Sea Mountain Highway)
- Golf carts must obey all state traffic laws.
- Do not exceed seating capacity.
- Operate in daylight only.
Myrtle Beach Tent Regulations and Beach Laws
City of Myrtle Beach Tent Rules:
- From Memorial Day through Labor Day, tents are prohibited on the beach within the city of Myrtle Beach.
- Round beach umbrellas with a diameter no more than 7 feet, 6 inches are permitted. These umbrellas must be placed behind the established umbrella line.
- From the day after Labor Day up until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up 12 by 12 feet are allowed. These tents must be set up 10 feet behind the umbrella line.
Beach Laws are as follows:
- No alcohol, glass containers or bottles are allowed on the beach.
- No littering on the beach or the ocean.
- Aquatic activity (swimming, surfing, etc.) is not allowed within 75 yards of a pier.
- Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but not in the dunes, the street ends or any other public property.
- Fires, including barbecues and bonfires, are prohibited on the beach.
- Thong bathing suits are prohibited.
- From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day.
- Pet owners must pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly.
- Dogs must be on leash 7 feet or shorter when allowed on the beach.
Horry County Tent Regulations and Beach Laws
The Horry County rules and regulations for beach tents are as follows:
- Throughout the year, Horry County bans tarps, tents, pavilions, and cabanas from the beach.
- Round umbrellas with a shade no more than 7 feet, 6 inches are allowed on the beach.
- Beach-goers with infants and very small children may bring a small blow-up/pop-up cabana.
- Shading devices may not be connected, bound, or tied together, but must be secured.
Beach Laws are as follows:
- Golf carts are permitted on the beaches from November 1 through February 28 and must have a valid state permit and operated by a licensed driver.
- Alcohol is prohibited on the beach and beach accesses.
- No glass allowed on the beach.
- Fires are prohibited on the beach and beach accesses.
- No animals are permitted on the beach from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from May 1 through Labor Day.
- Must be on a hand held leash no longer than 7-feet.
- Owners must clean up after their animals.
- No littering on the beach or the ocean.