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Are Tents Allowed In Myrtle Beach & Can I Bring My Own Umbrella?

By Julia Diem Wednesday, June 9th, 2021

Are you planning a visit to Myrtle Beach and wondering how to keep yourself cool in the hot summer sun? Are tents allowed on the beach? Can I bring my own umbrella to Myrtle Beach? These are all questions that are often asked by visitors. These answers can vary though, based on where and when you are staying in Myrtle Beach. Check out our 2021 guide below!

Are tents allowed on the beach in Myrtle Beach?

Myrtle Beach Skyline at Sunset This exact ordinance depends on where and when you are staying. If you are unsure of the rules that apply to where you are staying, check with your resort as they can tell you if you are staying in the city limits, county limits or other jurisdiction. We’ve also broken down some general location information at the bottom of this blog.

City of Myrtle Beach Tent Rules

Note, not all resorts with a Myrtle Beach address are located in the city jurisdiction of Myrtle Beach.

Memorial Day – Labor Day: Tents are not permitted on the beach in the city limits of Myrtle Beach.
Remainder of the Year: From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed in Myrtle Beach city limits.
- Where: Tents must be set up on the beach 10 feet behind the established umbrella line.
- Time of Day Permitted: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Infant Shelters: Are allowed throughout the year in Myrtle Beach, but cannot exceed four feet wide, three feet deep and three feet tall.

Horry County Tent Rules

Resorts may have a Myrtle Beach address but actually be located in the Horry County jurisdiction of Myrtle Beach (see below for jurisdiction details).

Year-Round: Tents are not permitted on the beaches of Horry County.
Infant Shelters: Small pop-up/blow-up cabanas are accepted, no larger than 4 feet x 3 feet x 3 feet for infants and very small children.

City of North Myrtle Beach Tent Rules

May 15 – September 15: Tents are not allowed on the beach in the city limits of North Myrtle Beach.
September 16 – May 14: Tents are permitted.
- Where: May not be placed within the emergency vehicle access lane, which is the area approximately twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) feet seaward of the dune line and parallel to the shoreline that will be marked by city trash cans, pylons and/or flags.
- Time of Day Permitted: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Can I bring my own umbrella to the beach in Myrtle Beach?

Beach Chairs and Umbrella in Myrtle Beach Yes you may! However, keep in mind where you can set up your umbrella in Myrtle Beach and what sizes are allowed. Many locations also offer beach and chair rentals through the lifeguards on the beach in peak season for a fee. Below is our guide to bringing your own umbrella to the beach:

City of Myrtle Beach Umbrellas

Memorial Day – Labor Day: Circular umbrellas may be used up to 7.5 feet in diameter.
Remainder of the Year: Larger umbrellas are permitted.
Where: Umbrellas must be in line with, or behind, the lifeguards' line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line.
Time of Day Permitted: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Horry County Umbrellas

Year Round: Circular umbrellas with a circular shade no greater than 7 feet 6 inches in diameter are allowed.
Where: No umbrellas may be placed within 10-feet of any established umbrella line in Horry County limits and must be in line with (or landward) of the established umbrella line. Note, any umbrellas that impede the lifeguard's view/area of responsibility, may be asked to move.
Time of Day Permitted: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

North Myrtle Beach Umbrellas

May 15 – September 15: Umbrellas with a center pole no greater than 7 feet 6 inches inches in height and a circular shade no greater than 9 feet in diameter are allowed.
September 16 – May 14: Larger umbrellas are permitted.
Where: Umbrellas may not be placed within the emergency vehicle access lane, which is the area approximately twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) feet seaward of the dune line and parallel to the shoreline that will be marked by city trash cans, pylons and/or flags.
Time of Day Permitted: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

What is the difference between Myrtle Beach city and Horry County?

Myrtle Beach City

Resorts located within the city limits include: Carolina Winds Resort, Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark, Forest Dunes Resort, hotel BLUE, Landmark Resort, Palace Resort, Palms Resort, South Wind on the Ocean, Beach Colony Resort, Captain’s Quarters Resort and The Caravelle Resort. While the city of Myrtle Beach does cover much of the area, some locations are in Horry County.

Horry County

Resorts located within the county limits include Sea Watch Resort and Ocean Creek Resort. Areas located in the Horry County jurisdiction may have a Myrtle Beach address. Horry County includes about 14 miles of beach:

Just south of the town limits of North Myrtle Beach to the Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach (includes Shore Drive, but excludes the town of Briarcliff Acres).
South of Springmaid Pier to the town limits of Surfside Beach (includes the Myrtle Beach State Park and the campgrounds).
South of the town limits of Surfside Beach through Garden City Beach to the Georgetown county line.

Have more questions about Myrtle Beach? Check out our FAQ section here!