My wife and I stopped at May Forest State Park on a Friday in February, right after Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, before heading to Savannah for a friend’s wedding. It’s South Carolina’s newest state park, a former convent on James Island with live oaks and a bluff over Charleston Harbor. It’s a short visit, but a good one, and it will be a lot more once the planned lodging opens.
Is May Forest State Park Worth Visiting?
Yes, for a quick, free stop on a weekday. You get one of the prettiest views of Charleston Harbor, a quiet bluff with swings and picnic tables, and a good chance of seeing dolphins. There are no trails yet, so plan on 30 minutes to an hour. And note the hours: it’s only open Monday through Friday.
Quick Facts
Location: 424 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, on James Island
Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Best For: Harbor views, a picnic, dolphin watching, SC state park passport collectors
Don’t Miss: Sitting by the water and watching for dolphins
Best Time to Visit: A weekday morning or late afternoon, for the light on the harbor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (day use only). Closed weekends except for registered programs
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/may-forest
Overview Of May Forest State Park
May Forest is a 23-acre property on Fort Johnson Point, with 756 feet of shoreline on Charleston Harbor. For about 70 years it was the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy, a Catholic order with nearly two centuries of history in Charleston. South Carolina bought the property in 2021 and opened it as a day-use park in a “soft open” phase. The plan is to turn the convent into an event venue with overnight lodging; the state hasn’t set an opening date. The point is also historic in its own right: the signal shot that opened the Civil War’s bombardment of Fort Sumter was fired from Fort Johnson, right next door, in 1861.
Best Things to Do at May Forest State Park
- Watch the harbor: views of the Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, the USS Yorktown and Sullivan’s Island.
- Look for dolphins from the bluff. We saw one within about 10 minutes.
- Swing or picnic on the bluff, or sit in the screened gazebo at the water’s edge.
- See the chapel, which has stained glass windows from the 1890s.
- Take a guided program: “Sacred Spaces: The Journey of May Forest” is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour ($8 adults, $4 ages 6–15). There are also birding and nature walks. Register online by the day before.
Best Hikes
There are no trails yet, though the park says they’re planned. For real hiking nearby, try James Island County Park or Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.
Key Areas in May Forest State Park
- Oak-lined entrance drive: Moss-draped live oaks on the way in.
- The former convent and chapel: The future lodge, with the Ultimate Outsider stamp by the main double doors.
- The bluff and gazebo: Swings, picnic tables and the harbor view out back.
Our Experience at May Forest State Park
My wife and I drove over to May Forest State Park right after Charles Pinckney NHS, on our way down to Savannah for a friend’s wedding. After we parked, we were instantly greeted by Sandy, a volunteer at the park. He welcomed us and explained the history and future of the state park.
The park is still undergoing renovations to transform the old convent into on-site lodging. We saw the renovation plans before heading outside.
We walked out back and sat by the water in the cool February weather, looking out over Charleston Harbor, until we saw a dolphin after about 10 minutes.
This is a short-visit state park, and we spent less than an hour here. Once it opens for lodging, it would be a good base camp for a Charleston trip to Charles Pinckney NHS, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie, and the other state parks.
Don’t Make Our Mistake
Don’t plan a weekend visit. The gates are only open Monday through Friday right now, so check the hours before building it into a Saturday Charleston itinerary.
What We Would Do Differently
We’d bring lunch and stay a little longer on the bluff, or book the Sacred Spaces tour to see more of the building.
How To Visit in 30 Minutes
- Drive the oak-lined entrance and park.
- Stop by the main building for the stamp, and to see the chapel or renovation plans if staff are around.
- Walk out to the bluff, grab a swing, and watch for dolphins.
If You Only Do One Thing
Sit on the bluff overlooking Charleston Harbor and watch for dolphins.
Full-Day Itinerary
You don’t need a full day here. Pair it with Charleston’s NPS sites on a weekday. Do Fort Sumter by ferry in the morning, then Charles Pinckney NHS and Fort Moultrie, and finish at May Forest. Remember that May Forest closes at 5 and Pinckney is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so Wednesday through Friday covers both. Or pair it with nearby Folly Beach.
Where to Eat Near May Forest State Park
There’s no food at the park, but you’re welcome to picnic on the bluff. James Island has plenty of casual restaurants along Folly Road, and downtown Charleston is about 20 minutes away.
We recommend The Obstinate Daughter in Charleston for amazing pizza, especially if you pair this with Fort Moultrie.
Where to Stay Near May Forest State Park
There’s no lodging at the park yet. For now, stay in Charleston or on James Island. Once the planned rooms in the former convent open, this could be one of the most unique state park stays in the Southeast.
Tips For Visiting May Forest State Park
- Weekdays only. The gates are open Monday–Friday, 8–5.
- Talk to the volunteers. Sandy made our visit.
- No kayak launch, no metal detectors. And bring a hammock stand rather than tying to the oaks.
- Dogs are welcome outdoors on a leash up to 6 feet.
When to Visit May Forest State Park
May Forest State Park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for day use only.
We recommend visiting in the fall, winter or spring, in the morning or late afternoon, when the harbor light is best and it’s comfortable to sit out on the bluff.
Always check the park website or call 803-734-0156 for the most up-to-date information.
What to Bring to May Forest State Park
A picnic, binoculars for dolphins and boats, your Ultimate Outsider book, and a hammock stand if you want to hang out. There’s no Wi-Fi.
Fees & Reservations
Admission is free. Guided programs like the Sacred Spaces tour cost $8 for adults and $4 for kids 6–15, and you register online. The park isn’t taking reservations for the chapel, events or lodging yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May Forest State Park open on weekends?
No, only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for some registered programs.
Can you stay overnight at May Forest?
Not yet. The state plans to turn the former convent into an event venue with overnight rooms, but there’s no opening date.
Can you get married at May Forest?
Not yet. The park isn’t taking chapel or event reservations.
Where is the Ultimate Outsider stamp?
By the double doors of the main entrance, near the chapel.
Is May Forest State Park worth visiting if you only have one day in Charleston?
It depends on your interests. May Forest is a good short stop if you’re already exploring James Island or want a quiet place to enjoy Charleston Harbor. If it’s your first visit to Charleston and you have limited time, prioritize the city’s major historic attractions and consider May Forest as an add-on.
Are there hiking trails at May Forest State Park?
Not currently, according to the park information described in this guide. May Forest is better suited to a short waterfront visit, sightseeing, and picnicking. If hiking is your priority, look into other nearby parks with established trails.
Can you see dolphins at May Forest State Park?
Dolphins can sometimes be spotted from the waterfront bluff. We saw one about 10 minutes into our February visit, although sightings are never guaranteed. Bring binoculars if you want a closer look at wildlife and boats in Charleston Harbor.
Is May Forest State Park open on holidays?
The regular schedule described here is Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with weekend access limited to registered programs. Check the official park website for holiday closures, special programs, and any changes to the schedule before traveling.
Conclusion
May Forest is a small, free, weekday stop with a big harbor view, a friendly volunteer staff, and dolphins if you’re patient. It’s a 30-minute visit today, and once the lodging opens, it could be the best base camp for a Charleston parks trip.
Other Sights Near May Forest State Park
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie: Across the harbor from Fort Johnson, where the Civil War began.
- Charles Pinckney NHS: A free, one-hour NPS stop in Mount Pleasant, about 35 minutes away.
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site: The site of the 1670 English settlement, with trails and gardens.
- Folly Beach: The closest beach, about 15 minutes south.
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