View of Elliott’s Beach
If you drive away from all of the excitement of the Douglas Visitors’ Center toward the South West corner of the island you will find a little patch of paradise called Elliott’s Beach. It is named after the Elliott family, owners of a Plantation on the Island long before it became part of the USMC Recruit Depot.
My original post for this week described Elliott’s Beach as a place to take your family to eat lunch or just sit and enjoy the view. But when I called to verify my information I found out MCCS, (the Marine Corps Community Service), takes reservations for the beach area. The reserved area includes the pavilion, covered picnic tables, children’s playground, etc… This means you can visit the beach but if you are using the facilities and someone arrives who reserved the area, you will have to make other arrangements.
Here are the directions if you decide to check it out. Once you get there, enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean as you sit on one of the bench swings or have lunch on one of the covered picnic tables. Clean up is easy with plenty of garbage cans around to dispose of your trash. For your convenience there are three port-o-potties.
Next to the Pavilion children can play on the playground which includes places to slide, a rope ladder, and a bridge . There are park benches so you can keep a watchful eye on little ones as they climb and crawl through.
Just keep in mind, if someone arrives who reserved the area, you will have to leave. If this happens, you can always go to one of the other picnic areas.
Did you find my post useful? If so, please leave a comment in the area below. Have you visited Elliott’s Beach? Comment below and share your thoughts.
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As a DI from 74-76 I brought pvts to the beach to practice fire team rushes and squad tactics.
Hi Paul, Thank you for your service and thank you for commenting. 🙂
Was at Parris Island in 1969 as a recruit. Elliott’s Beach was a part of our training. Loved the Marine Corps then, and still love it today. Got out in 1973 as a Sergeant. Only regret is not making the Marine Corps a career. Semper Fidelis.
Was at PI in 1970 and Elliott’s beach was a very important part of our training. Freaking sand fleas.
How do we go about reserving Elliot’s Beach pavillions?
Hi Heather,
I’m not sure if non-military are able to reserve Elliott’s Beach. Here is the number for the MCCS Coordinator for further information. 843-228-7333 The business hours listed are Mon-Fri: 0800-1630.
Is the beach simply a picnic area, or is there some actual beach area for entering the water? There are people in our party who want to visit a beach during out short time in SC for my son’s graduation. My husband is retired Military and does have full access.
Elliot’s beach is not really a place for swimming. The Sands in Port Royal is close by but it is not really a swim friendly beach. There are world class resort beaches on Hilton Head about an hour away. We also have Hunting Island State Park about an hour away.
Thank you.
Elliot’s Beach . . . a picnic area. Are they kidding? In 1964 it was hell.
Ha! Noted.
Was there in 56,and I think that is where we were introduced to tear gas.It was not a fun place then.But as I look back on boot camp(although I didnt think it at the time)it was the best three months of my life.
I had the pleasure of the Beach in February-1953…..After leaving our wooden WW2 barracks behind.
It was a nice day and evening of camping…lol-lol..
did my first comment get to you? My son is going to enlist I was there in 67 and Elliotts Beach was not a picnic area. Things have changed.
Hi Ron,
Yes many things have changed. When you visit for your son’s graduation you can see all of the changes!
Vera
Is this open to the piblic? Are there specific hours?
Hi Linda,
Yes the base is currently open to the public from 6 am to 6 pm. You must have a military sponsor to visit the base after 6 pm. These times are subject to change so always have a back up plan in case.
Hi Vera how do I reserve a picnic area for my son’s family day on OCT 23rd
Hi Sheila, In order to reserve the facilities at Elliott’s beach, you must be an eligible patron. To determine if you are an eligible person call MCCS at 843-228-1587. The other picnic areas are open on a first come first served basis. I hope you enjoy your visit!
How do we make reservation? At the Douglas Visitor’s center maybe?
Hi Kaye, In order to reserve the facilities at Elliott’s beach, you must be an eligible patron. To determine if you are an eligible patron call MCCS at 843-228-1587.
I was there in Aug., 1960 and back again for my son in July 1982 . Hoping to get back in a few years for my Grandson.
That is great; three generations of Marines! Thank you for your family service. When you do get back for your grandson’s graduation I hope the information my site provides makes your visit more enjoyable.
WOW IT SURE LOOKS DIFFERENT THAN 1960 WHEN I WAS THERE.
Hello Steve,
You should visit sometime and see all of the changes!
I was at PI in August 1961… I thought the same thing… it sure was different in ’61!!!!!
I had the experience of elliotts beach in the 67 it was far from a vacation spot. My son is fixing to enlist and I warned him about the beach. ooooopps!
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