TV channels & antenna towers in Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head has 23 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, Fox and CW. About 12 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is W30CV-D, 6.0 miles to the W.

23TV transmitters within 70 miles
4networks over the air
6.0 mito the closest tower
37,099population

Network channels in Hilton Head

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
CWWSAV-TVCW3.2 34 mi251° WSW GoodSavannah, GA
ABCWJCLABC22 36 mi252° WSW GoodSavannah, GA
FOXWTGSFox28 36 mi251° WSW GoodHardeeville, SC
CBSWTOC-TVCBS11 37 mi252° WSW GoodSavannah, GA

Over-the-air TV in Hilton Head

With roughly 37,100 residents, Hilton Head is a town in South Carolina. Our map shows 23 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 7 full-power, 2 Class A, 13 low-power and 1 translator. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 12 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 7 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 5 transmitters are within 25 miles, 11 between 25 and 45 miles, and 7 farther out. Three of the 4 network stations in range are licensed to Savannah, GA, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Savannah's stations.

For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 22 (WJCL), CBS on channel 11 (WTOC-TV), Fox on channel 28 (WTGS) and CW on channel 3.2 (WSAV-TV). No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is WAGT-CD in Augusta, GA, 103 miles to the northwest. 3 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

Which way to point your antenna in Hilton Head

Point your antenna WSW, at about 252°. The main network towers for Hilton Head sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Two network stations, WSAV-TV and WJCL, transmit from the same tower site about 34 miles west of Hilton Head (251° WSW). Aim there first: one setting covers all of them.

Of the 4 full-power and Class A network signals that reach Hilton Head at fair strength or better, all arrive from the west, so this is an easy place to aim.

All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Hilton Head, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Hilton Head

The farthest main network tower for Hilton Head is WTOC-TV (CBS), 37 miles away with a good estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. Skip that station and you may get away with a smaller antenna.

An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.

Other stations near Hilton Head

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
W30CV-DClass A6.0 mi 277° WGoodHilton Head Island, SC
W14EP-DLow power13 mi 3° NFairBeaufort, Etc., SC
W31FD-DLow power13 mi 3° NFairBluffton-Hilton Head, SC
W29EN-DLow power13 mi 3° NFairBeaufort-Ladys Island, SC
WHDS-LDLow power25 mi 241° WSWFairSavannah, GA
WUET-LDLow power34 mi 256° WSWWeakSavannah, GA
WDID-LDLow power34 mi 256° WSWWeakSavannah, GA
WJWJ-TVFull power34 mi 7° NGoodBeaufort, SC
WSCGFull power36 mi 251° WSWGoodBaxley, GA
W36EZ-DLow power37 mi 254° WSWWeakHinesville-Richmond, GA
WPHJ-LDLow power37 mi 252° WSWWeakSavannah, GA
W31FE-DTranslator37 mi 254° WSWPoorSavannah, GA
WVAN-TVFull power51 mi 265° WFairSavannah, GA
WAZS-LDLow power62 mi 37° NEPoorNorth Charleston, SC
WJNI-LDLow power62 mi 37° NEPoorNorth Charleston, SC
WBSE-LDLow power63 mi 48° NEPoorCharleston, SC
WLOW-LDLow power66 mi 31° NNEPoorCharleston, SC
WHDC-LDLow power68 mi 52° NEPoorCharleston, SC
WLCN-CDClass A68 mi 52° NEPoorCharleston, SC

How Hilton Head compares with the rest of South Carolina

With 12 stations at fair strength or better, Hilton Head ranks 189th of 244 places in South Carolina: fewer than the typical South Carolina town (15). Its nearest major network tower is 34 miles away, against a state median of 25 miles.

59% of South Carolina's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Savannah, 22 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Hilton Head: step by step

  1. Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
  2. Point it toward 252° WSW, the direction of WTOC-TV (CBS), 37 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 12 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Hilton Head, SC?

ABC is on channel 22 from WJCL, broadcasting from 36 miles WSW of Hilton Head. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CBS in Hilton Head, SC?

CBS is on channel 11 from WTOC-TV, broadcasting from 37 miles WSW of Hilton Head. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is Fox in Hilton Head, SC?

Fox is on channel 28 from WTGS, broadcasting from 36 miles WSW of Hilton Head. Estimated signal: good.

What channel is CW in Hilton Head, SC?

CW is on channel 3.2 from WSAV-TV, broadcasting from 34 miles WSW of Hilton Head. Estimated signal: good.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Hilton Head?

23 transmitters within 70 miles of Hilton Head; around 12 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.

Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Hilton Head?

Point your antenna WSW, at about 252°. The main network towers for Hilton Head sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Hilton Head?

Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Hilton Head?

An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.

Is there an app to find TV towers in Hilton Head?

Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.

TV channels in nearby South Carolina cities

Nearby cities in other states

More: all TV stations in South Carolina · South region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Hilton Head; signal estimates ignore terrain.