Here's what you need to know to stay cool, safe and compliant with local laws.
A little shade can make a beach day much more enjoyable, but it’s important to know that tent and umbrella rules vary across the Grand Strand. Each city and jurisdiction has its own regulations based on public safety, lifeguard visibility, emergency vehicle access, and beach conditions.
Before setting up for the day, take a moment to check the rules for the beach you’re visiting. Knowing what’s allowed—and where it can be placed—helps keep everyone safe, ensures lifeguards have clear sightlines to the water, and makes the beach more enjoyable for all visitors.
Rules below can change seasonally, so if your have questions, it’s best to confirm the current ordinance with each town or county before you set up.
Click anywhere on map to see regulations in that area:
Horry County governs the beaches from the North Myrtle Beach town limits south to the Dunes Golf & Beach Club in Myrtle Beach (excluding the town of Briarcliffe Acres); from Springmaid Pier south to the Surfside Beach town limits, including Myrtle Beach State Park; and from the Surfside Beach town limits south to the Georgetown County line.
The City of North Myrtle Beach’s umbrella rules are in effect during the summer season, from May 15 through Labor Day. During this time, umbrellas are the only shade devices allowed, with the exception of infant tents.
Tents and shade canopies measuring 100 square feet or less (10 feet by 10 feet) are allowed on the beach year-round, provided they are properly secured, attended and not left on the beach overnight.
The Town of Surfside Beach allows tents and canopies year-round, subject to the following restrictions:
Here’s a look at common types of shade devices and what you need to know about each:
A traditional beach umbrella with a single center pole anchored in the sand. This is the most common type of personal beach shade and is sometimes called a beach parasol or sand umbrella.
🟢 Generally Allowed: Beach umbrellas are typically allowed throughout the Grand Strand, provided they meet local size and placement requirements.
Small, enclosed or partially enclosed sun shelters designed specifically for infants and toddlers. Also commonly called baby sun shelters, infant tents, or baby UV tents.
🟢 Generally Allowed: Baby beach tents are typically permitted, as long as they’re designed for infants or toddlers and remain within local size limits.
Portable fabric shelters designed for one or more people, typically with a flexible frame and one or more enclosed sides. These are also known as sun shelters, pop-up beach tents, beach shelters, or instant beach tents.
🟡 Depends on Location: Rules vary by municipality and season. Some Grand Strand beaches allow beach tents, while others prohibit them during parts of the year.
Lightweight shade devices that use wind to stay aloft rather than a rigid roof. Shibumi Shade is the best-known brand, but this category also includes other wind-powered shades and similar sail-style products.
🟡 Depends on Location: Some beaches allow wind-powered shades, while others regulate them the same as traditional tents or other shade structures.
Flat or angled pieces of fabric stretched between poles, stakes, or anchor points to create shade. These are often called shade sails, beach tarps, sun tarps, or DIY beach shelters.
🟡 Depends on Location: These are often subject to the same restrictions as beach tents and canopies, with rules varying depending on the beach and time of year.
Freestanding shade structures supported by a rigid frame, usually with four legs. Common names include pop-up canopy, EZ-Up, instant canopy, beach cabana, portable gazebo, and event canopy.
🔴 Often Restricted: Pop-up canopies and cabanas are commonly restricted during the busy summer season, though some beaches allow them at other times or under specific conditions.
