Boondocks Fish Camp & Smoke House: Low Country Seafood and Barbecue in Murrells Inlet

What Boondocks Offers

Boondocks Fish Camp & Smoke House sits on the water in Murrells Inlet and serves fresh seafood alongside smoked meats in a casual, dock-side setting. The restaurant focuses on Low Country staples—shrimp, fish, crab, and oysters—prepared simply and often fried or grilled. The barbecue side of the menu runs to pulled pork, brisket, and ribs smoked on-site, which means you can order a plate that mixes both traditions: fried shrimp with smoked pulled pork, for instance, or oysters with brisket.

The space itself is the draw as much as the food. Boondocks occupies a working fish camp atmosphere—weathered wood, casual dress, and views of the inlet where fishing boats still operate. The restaurant does not pretend to be fine dining; it is built for people who want to eat well without ceremony, often with their feet near the water and a drink in hand.

Key Takeaways

• Boondocks serves fresh Low Country seafood—shrimp, fish, crab, and oysters—alongside smoked barbecue, so you can order either or both on the same plate.
• The restaurant sits on the water in Murrells Inlet with dock-side views and a working fish camp aesthetic, not a formal dining room.
• Fried seafood and smoked meats are the core of the menu, prepared simply and meant to be eaten casually.
• Boondocks operates seasonally and hours vary, so calling ahead or checking their current schedule before you visit is necessary.

The Seafood Side of the Menu

The seafood offerings change based on what is available and what the boats bring in. Fried shrimp, fried fish, and fried oysters are constants—breaded and cooked to order, served with hushpuppies and coleslaw. Boiled shrimp and crab are also available, usually seasoned and served by the pound. Oysters come raw on the half shell or fried, depending on what you order.

Boondocks also serves crab cakes, shrimp burgers, and fish sandwiches. The portions are generous, and the kitchen does not overcomplicate the preparation. If you are ordering seafood here, you are eating it the way it has been eaten in the Inlet for decades—fried, boiled, or grilled, with minimal sauce and maximum flavor from the ingredient itself.

The Barbecue and Smoked Meat Menu

The smoke house produces pulled pork, brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken. These are sold by the pound or as plates, which come with two sides—typically choices like mac and cheese, collard greens, beans, or cornbread. You can also order a sandwich: pulled pork or brisket on a roll, with sauce on the side or already applied.

The barbecue here is straightforward. Boondocks does not layer on heavy sauces or exotic rubs; the smoke and the meat are the point. If you want sauce, it is available, but many regulars order it dry and let the smoke speak for itself. The smoked meats pair well with the fried seafood, which is why the combination plate—a little of each—is a popular order.

Sides and Drinks

Sides run to Low Country and barbecue standards: mac and cheese, collard greens, black-eyed peas, cornbread, hushpuppies, and coleslaw. These are not afterthoughts; they are cooked to complement the main dish and often reflect recipes that have been in the area for generations.

Boondocks serves beer and soft drinks. The bar is casual, and the focus is on cold beer rather than cocktails. Wine is available but not the emphasis. The drink list changes, so what is on tap or in the cooler depends on the season and the current stock.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Boondocks operates seasonally, with hours that shift between summer and winter. Summer hours are typically longer, and the restaurant is busier during warm months when people are more likely to eat outdoors or on the dock. Winter hours are shorter, and some days may be closed. Calling ahead to confirm hours is the safest approach.

The restaurant is casual and family-friendly during the day, with a more adult atmosphere in the evening, especially on weekends. There is often live music or entertainment, particularly in summer. Seating is first-come, first-served, and on busy days you may wait. The dock-side location means weather can affect comfort—bring a jacket if it is cool, or expect heat and sun if it is warm.

Location and Parking

Boondocks sits in Murrells Inlet, a fishing village about 20 minutes south of Myrtle Beach. The address is on the water, and parking is available on-site, though it fills up during peak season and weekends. The inlet itself is worth exploring if you arrive early or stay late—shops, other restaurants, and boat tours operate nearby.

The drive from Myrtle Beach takes you through residential areas and past other waterfront businesses. Murrells Inlet is quieter and less crowded than the main beach, which is part of its appeal. If you are staying in Myrtle Beach and want a meal that feels removed from the tourist strip, Boondocks is a short drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Boondocks operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. On busy days or weekends, you may wait for a table. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea, especially in summer.

Can I bring my own fish to cook?

Some fish camps allow this, but you should call Boondocks directly to ask about their policy. If you catch fish in the inlet and want it prepared, they may be able to help, but it is not may provide and depends on the kitchen's capacity that day.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes, much of the seating is outdoors or on the dock, which is the main appeal of eating here. Weather affects comfort, so dress accordingly. Indoor seating is also available if you prefer to be out of the sun or rain.

What are the prices like?

Boondocks is casual and reasonably priced for a waterfront restaurant. Fried seafood plates and barbecue plates typically run in the mid-range for the area. Prices vary by what you order and current market rates for seafood, so calling ahead gives you a sense of what to expect.

Is Boondocks open year-round?

Boondocks operates seasonally, with reduced hours or closures during winter months. Hours and days of operation change, so check their current schedule or call before you visit to confirm they are open when you plan to go.