The Henry Robinson Boardwalk at Sands Beach is the clearest source-verified public crabbing spot in the Beaufort–Port Royal area. Nearby county piers provide additional fishing access, but their facility pages do not explicitly authorize crab gear, so confirm locally before setting a trap or drop net.
Henry Robinson Boardwalk at Sands Beach
Location: approximately 50 Sands Beach Road, Port Royal. The town explicitly describes this waterfront boardwalk as popular for crabbing and fishing. Sands Beach is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The adjoining county landing has a three-lane ramp, L-shaped courtesy dock and 34 shared parking spaces. It is heavily used; do not block the ramp or assume all parking belongs to boardwalk users.
Broad River Fishing Pier
Beaufort County’s renovated pier has lighting, restrooms and parking shared with the landing. Fishing is explicit, but crabbing is not. County pages publish conflicting street numbers, so use the county’s live map or contact Public Works rather than entering an uncertain address in navigation.
Whale Branch Fishing Pier
Address: 216 Seabrook Road. The county lists accessible pier features and unpaved parking. There is no lighting and the pier is closed from dusk to dawn. Confirm crab-gear permission before use.
Choose the right gear
For a narrow public boardwalk, a handline or one compact drop net is easier to tend than multiple traps. Keep bait and line off walking surfaces, yield to boats at the courtesy dock and never tie gear where it can drift into a launch lane.
South Carolina recreational rules
Current guidance requires blue crabs to measure at least 5 inches across the back. Release egg-bearing sponge crabs immediately. Three or fewer drop nets, fold-up traps or baited handlines may qualify for a licensing exemption; commercial-style pots require licenses and endorsements. Verify the current rule year before traveling.
Advisories and Lowcountry conditions
Use the South Carolina fish-consumption advisory app for waterbody-specific guidance. Oyster and clam classification maps are valuable for molluscan shellfish, but they are not automatically blue-crab closures. Strong tide, pluff mud, heat and thunderstorms are practical hazards around Beaufort County. Stay on public structures and marked paths.
Town of Port Royal Sands Beach · Port Royal landing · Whale Branch pier · current SCDNR rules · consumption advisories
Access and rules checked August 13, 2026.