Community profile · Bluffton area
Palmetto Bluff.
Gated community
Palmetto Bluff is a large planned community on the mainland between the May and New Rivers, about 20,000 acres of protected forest, marsh, and waterfront. Its village at Wilson Landing, the Nicklaus-designed May River Golf Club, and miles of river frontage set it apart in the Lowcountry.
Last updated October 2026 By Kim Striker
Where is Palmetto Bluff located?
Palmetto Bluff occupies the land between the May River and the New River in northern Beaufort County, west of Bluffton. The main entrance is at the end of Bluffton Parkway, about 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island.
| Location | Palmetto Bluff occupies the land between the May River and the New River in northern Beaufort County, west of Bluffton. The main entrance is at the end of Bluffton Parkway, about 20 minutes from Hilton Head Island. |
| Access | Security-gated. Residents, property owners, and their guests use gate credentials; resort guests check in at the Montage Palmetto Bluff. |
| Golf | May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the May River, plus the nine-hole Crossroads Course and the short Anson Point course. |
| Water | Wilson Landing Marina on the May River with deep-water access, plus miles of river shoreline, kayak launches, and a river house. |
| Beach | No ocean beach. The community offers river beaches and dock access; the Atlantic is a 40- to 50-minute drive. |
| Price range | [VERIFY: current resale and new-build price range for Palmetto Bluff homes and cottage lots] Verify current figure |
| Annual fees | [VERIFY: current Palmetto Bluff property owners assessment and club options] Verify current figure |
What golf is available?
May River Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the May River, plus the nine-hole Crossroads Course and the short Anson Point course.
What about water access?
Wilson Landing Marina on the May River with deep-water access, plus miles of river shoreline, kayak launches, and a river house. No ocean beach. The community offers river beaches and dock access; the Atlantic is a 40- to 50-minute drive.
What is the community actually like?
- Village at Wilson Landing with shops, restaurants, and the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort
- Nicklaus Signature May River Golf Club
- More than 30 miles of river frontage and a deep-water marina
- Protected forest with miles of trails for biking and walking
- Cottage and estate neighborhoods around conservation land
What does it cost to live in Palmetto Bluff?
Purchase price
[VERIFY: current resale and new-build price range for Palmetto Bluff homes and cottage lots]
Annual carrying cost
[VERIFY: current Palmetto Bluff property owners assessment and club options]
On top of purchase price, remember property taxes (4% legal-residence assessment after filing Form PD-105), flood and wind insurance, and any club dues or resident fees. Every community updates its budget annually, so ask for the current assessment summary and the latest club dues in writing before making an offer.
Compare Palmetto Bluff with other communities
Return to the overview table, or read the Complete Moving Guide first for the broader relocation picture.
Answers
Palmetto Bluff questions, answered
Is Palmetto Bluff gated?
Yes, Palmetto Bluff has security gates at its main entrances, with separate access for residents and resort guests.
How large is Palmetto Bluff?
The property spans roughly 20,000 acres, most of it protected forest, marsh, and water. [VERIFY: current Palmetto Bluff land area and conservation total]
Does Palmetto Bluff have a marina?
Yes, Wilson Landing Marina sits on the May River and offers deep-water dockage for residents. [VERIFY: current slip availability and fees]
Can visitors play May River Golf Club?
May River Golf Club is private and reserved for members and resort guests of the Montage Palmetto Bluff. [VERIFY: current guest policy]
What types of homes are in Palmetto Bluff?
Palmetto Bluff has custom estate homes, cottage homes in the village, and homesites along the river, marsh, and forest. [VERIFY: current inventory and price range]
Next step
Want to know if Palmetto Bluff fits your life?
Bring your budget and your priorities to a relocation call, and get an honest read on this community versus the alternatives.