I'll be in Beaufort SC in June. All the on-line options I find for lodging seems to be awfully pricey. Does anyone know: are there regular Mom-Pop motels in and around the area that may not be on-line? We are hoping to find a place when we are in town, without reserving in advance. Usually towns with hospitals and military installations, like Beaufort, have tons of places to check in for a night but I am not seeing any references to this kind of lodging in guidebooks. Surely not everyone has to book a $200 historic inn!

Moved to US Forum and tagged for South Carolina

Google maps shows a bunch of options at less than $80 either along Rt21 on north side of town, or south side, near the naval hospital/towards Parris island.

Days inn, Super 8, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, etc

There are lots of chain hotels in Beaufort area as well, just not in the historic center.
You're welcome to take a look at my travel blog page on Beaufort:

https://www.thetravelinglocals.com/p...ufort-day-trip

We are Charleston natives and visit Beaufort all the time.