Two forts stand at the entrance of Charleston Harbor. Patriots inside a palmetto log fort, later named Fort Moultrie, defeated the Royal Navy in 1776. As Charleston blazed a path towards secession to preserve slavery, construction on a new fort, Fort Sumter, proceeded. The Confederacy fired on the US garrison of Fort S
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $10 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Per Person: $10
- HoursFort Moultrie represents the entire history of static seacoast defenses in the United States, from the American Revolution through World War II. The site includes a visitor center with museum exhibits. The Fort Moultrie
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact (843) 883-3123 · fosu_information@nps.gov
Fort Sumter is accessible by ferry boat. Boats depart at scheduled times from two sites. The primary departure point is the Fort Sumter Visitor Center, 340 Concord Street, Charleston. Boats also depart from Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Boulevard, Mount Pleasant. There is a fee for the concessio
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you fish at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?
Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Fort Moultrie Trails, Liberty Square - Fort Sumter Ferry. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
Fort Moultrie represents the entire history of static seacoast defenses in the United States, from the American Revolution through World War II. The site includes a visitor center with museum exhibits. The Fort Moultrie
Nearby sites
NPS Photo National Park Service Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
ConfirmedFree entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Billy Shaw/USFWS / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
