In December 2017, St. Phillips Island became part of Hunting Island State Park. It is managed by the SC Parks and Recreation Commission. The largely undeveloped barrier island has lush maritime forest interspersed with lagoons. The only access is by boat. There are fallen trees on the beach and a short rock revetment protects the two houses on the island. The beach front, facing Trenchards Inlet, is narrow with low dunes. There are 1.8 km of inshore nesting habitat.