Visitor Center

Pinckney-Porter's Chapel Visitor Contact Station

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park · Beaufort · South Carolina — managed by National Park Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

Pinckney-Porters Chapel is a Reconstruction era Freedman's Chapel located in the Naval Heritage Park just outside the main gate to Naval Hospital Beaufort. The Town of Port Royal rebuilt the chapel in late 2020, and through an agreement, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park operates the site as a visitor contact station. Inside is Frontlines of Freedom an exhibit about Black Military service. Most Camp Saxton programs begin at this site. Pinckney-Porter's Chapel is open Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

Getting there

From downtown Beaufort, travel South on Ribaut Road. As you approach Naval Hospital Beaufort, turn left onto Shell Road. Porters Chapel Visitor Center will be ahead on your right, directly across the entrance gate to the hospital and next to a large skate park.

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more South Carolina camping

Pinckney-Porter's Chapel Visitor Contact Station doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby South Carolina campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.