Beautiful scenery, long unspoiled beach with clear water. You can't go wrong with a visit here - in the summer on the weekend plan to go either early or late because they close the parking lots once they fill up. Locals with a library card can borrow a state park pass from the library that gets you in for free (sometimes there's a wait list for the pass so go online first).See more..
4.5Caesars Head State Park(376 reviews) - Amazing Mountain views Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
We picnicked here at Caesar's Head on Memorial Day and it was a great spot to eat lunch, and enjoy the cooler temps in the mountains. Just and FYI, you'll have to pack in and pack out all of your trash if you decide to picnic here, as there are no trash receptacles. The overlook is awesome, and definitely a place to take in the beauty surrounding you. The walk around the overlook and through the Devil's kitchen is quite short, however the Devil's Kitchen is very tight, so if you're afraid of small spaces it's probably not for you. The areas around the top of the mountain are beautiful and well maintained. Definitely a recommended place to come, but there isn't much to do at the top, unless you plan to hike the trails, which do come at an extra cost, and from what I know can be pretty strenuous.See more..
4.5Table Rock State Park(360 reviews) - The place to be for seeing Autumn in its full splendor. State Parks
State Park featuring trails and the significant Cherokee landmark, Table Rock Mountain.See more..
4.5Santee State Park(268 reviews) - The Ideal Place To Catch Blue Catfish & Other Great Fresh Water Game Fish Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks
This was my 2nd visit to fish one Lake Marion, SC the first was last year June 2020. This is the best Catfishing I've ever experienced and I'm grateful for the opportunity. In 2020 my Blue Catfish catch of the day was 28lbs and this month 2021 I bested that by landing a 33 1/2 pounder. I let him go so maybe next year I'll catch him again this time over 40lbsSee more..
4.5Devils Fork State Park(242 reviews) - Plan Ahead for a Great Adventure Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
Advance vacation rental reservations required, The campsites and cabins need to be booked well in advance of your overnight stay at this Park during peak Spring / Summer / Fall Season. Online searches for Lake Jocassee vacation rentals will show very few results but there are a few really nice properties adjoining the park. The $8 per adult $5 per child daily admission charge may make purchasing an Annual SC State Park Pass a better deal if you are staying outside the Park at a private property. The only public access to this Lake is through the Park, Plan ahead and have an adventure you will never forget !See more..
It was a beautiful, blue sky, sunny day when we joined friends who live in Summerville to walk this Historic Site. The Oyster-shelled tabby fort was really incredible. The Bell Tower was awesome, and the views of the Ashley River expansive. The wooden fences around the property add to the experience. There were extremely old gravesite markers that were in decent shape to read some of them. We did see a lot of red ant dirt piles-and avoided them!! There is a charge to go in-and it is on the honor system cash only.See more..
I stopped by Sesquicentennial for some hiking because Harbison State Forest closed their trails due to heavy rain. Sesqui had 10+ miles of trails which were all in good order even with the heavy rains. There is a $6 entry fee for adults aged 16-64, and a park store with a smattering of souvenirs and helpful rangers. The biking trail was beautiful, and not at all crowded on a Wednesday morning. I passed 3 people over the course of five miles. There is a small lake in the middle, and I’m sure summer is a very popular time here. So glad to find such a suitable backup for my rain soaked hiking plans. See more..
4.5Oconee State Park(141 reviews) - Winter camping Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM State Parks
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! We did not prepare properly for how cold it gets up here in the winter. We stayed at tent site 1. Don’t recommend for a tent because it is on a slant. Tent sites 11-15 were really cool to explore because they are kind of far back but you will have to walk a good bit from car. So don’t carry a lot of stuff. Great fishing pond at camp site 15. From camp site 1 bathrooms and car were very close and we knew we would be arriving after dark so that’s why we chose that one. There were 4 of us ladies ranging from age 18-27. Things we noticed about the camp grounds but didn’t full get to take advantage of because of it being too cold and we hiked other places. There are 5 trails at this camp ground. Beautiful lake with a lot of family fun activities. They even have putput. We definitely want to come back in the summer time. See more..
4.5Croft State Park(129 reviews) - Something for Everyone State Parks
This park has a storied history in the State of South Carolina. A WW2 military base, several generational farms throughout the years, a revolutionary war site, a world renown resort based on a wondrous water claim on a local Spring (also on the park), have all left their mark on this beautiful area that has been set aside for you! What you are left with is an area with great camping and RVing, a lake where you can fish and or rent boats, horse facilities, and trails (hiking, Mt biking, horseback riding) that crisscross old cemeteries, ruins, and beautiful views. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and facilities galore. All of this is just 15 minutes outside of Spartanburg! This is another State Park Gem you don’t want to miss. There is a modest entry fee (3$ for adults) and way too much to do in a day. Yet Another reason to just buy the park pass....See more..
4.5Dreher Island State Park(127 reviews) - Nothing More Serene Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
This is our third time to camp here and it is a favorite. We love all of the waterfront campsites available. Watching the sun rise and set on Lake Murray is so peaceful and watching all of the coots on the water. We even saw a loon on this visit. We biked a loop all around the state park, about 5 miles, and we hiked the longest trail which was a long 6 mile hike from our campsite on Angler's Circle. I would not recommend that trail for e-bikes due to all of the roots, but mountain bikers might just love it. There is a lot of crumbling blacktop around the state park campgrounds that needs to be repaired. There are five large villas on the waterfront that can be rented and it looks like 10 new camper cabins that have been added since we were last here. Even though we don't fish and didn't bring our boat, we still love camping here on the water and hope to make a return visit sometime.See more..
Make sure to make a reservation, just seems to be a by product of Covid and is here to stay, but that said we really enjoyed the park. Super beautiful and peaceful. We did the Jones Gap Falls trail, which was a good trail for me the wife, and our kids (11, 7, 4). We saw a few folks on the trail, but not many. The kids saw lots of crayfish and salamanders both in the creek and at the waterfall. It's a beautiful trail and I highly recommend it. I will say make sure you bring in your own food, there is a tiny shop here, but they are very limited on snacks and drinks, with slim pickings.See more..
Took a day trip from Columbia. It was a Thursday and we basically had the park to ourselves. Trails are well maintained, but the trail maps are a little confusing. Post was open (unlike the Kings Mountain National Military Park) and the guy working there was very helpful. See more..
We were visiting the Charlotte area, it was to be a beautiful day out, so my niece suggested we come to Andrew Jackson State Park. This place is beautiful, and full of history. Toured the small museum, then walked around the grounds and lake area and had a great time. This State Park is kid-friendly, and we highly recommend it for a few hour break from your routine!See more..
4.5Poinsett State Park(80 reviews) - Beautiful State Park - like mountains and low country all together! Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
We stayed in Cabin 5. It’s the only cabin with 2 bedrooms and only one with TV (no cable). Sleeps 7. It is a beautiful CCC built cabin with everything you need. Well equipped kitchen, large bathroom, screened porch, swing, hammock, deck, fire pit. Secluded from other cabins. Walk to lake and trails. We took our bikes and rode some trails, hiked others. Some are relatively flat. Some are like you’re in the mountains. The lake is beautiful and they rent kayaks, John boats, paddle boards, and canoes. (But there is an alligator in the lake.). There are mountain laurels like the mountains and Spanish moss like the low country. It is a beautiful, relaxing park. I think they also host mountain bike competitions and rides there. We saw quite a few trucks there from bike shops all over the state bringing riders and bikes. We have lived our entire lives in SC and had never been to Poinsett. We will definitely go back.See more..
We drove past the golf course on the way to the park office and the course looked in good shape. Arriving at the office revealed a large office with, part-time restaurant, rental rooms and a lodge for visitors. Much of the rooms faced right out toward the big lake. We were told that colleges bring their golf teams here for tournaments and stay in the lodge, rooms, or barracks.See more..
My friends and I had to travel to the Ridgeville area which is about 2 1/2 hours away from where we live. We wanted a place to stop for a picnic lunch and a walk after our errand and before getting back in the car. This park was perfect for that! There are numerous picnic tables within the park. The restroom was clean. The highlight was the walk that went by the river. It's a short walk - we found it to be about 1 mile from gate-to-gate (2 miles round trip). There is a short section of up and down; the rest of the trail is mostly flat. There is a nice overview of the river (you can scramble down to the water's edge; we choose not to). Overall the walk had a lot of the native plants accompanied by birds singing. Great way to get the character of the area while taking a break from a road trip.See more..
Great scenic trails! The Canal Trail is more woodsy than the Nature Trail which is more level and not as rustic. Seeing the remnants of the canals and bridges and reading the explanatory signs along the way is so neat and gives more of a perspective into the story behind this park. We recommend doing all the trails to see all the spots and get the full picture of the history. The trails aren’t tough or too long but the Canal Trail can be a bit muddy and not as easy if there are mobility restricted members in your party. Going to the end of the Canal Trail you’ll see the original locks and even a sign about the original Wagon Road. The Eagle’s Nest part on the Nature Trail was really neat too, although we did not see any eagles. The Museum is not currently open, but they have plans to move it from the Lockkeeper’s House on the hill down to the Welcome Center. Additional parking is located around the bend. We look forward to coming back and seeing the Rocky Schoals Spider Lilies in bloom! Really neat to learn that they are only found in SC, GA, & AL!See more..
4.0Lake Greenwood State Park(65 reviews) - Beautiful Park with Historical Underpinnings Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks • Bodies of Water • Parks
Lakeside camping, picnicking and hiking. The park also hosts the South Carolina Half-Iron Man Competition each fall.See more..
4.5Aiken State Park(62 reviews) - Weekend away! State Parks • Parks
We really enjoyed this state park! Coronavirus had hit and we already had our reservations so we were allowed to stay in the park. Danny our camp host helped out so much. We stayed in campsite 24 it was very level We have rear living and the back did face the road which was a one way around the park I worked out ok since the park was relatively empty. However we walked around and noted the best sites in our view were 8 and 10 and 13. The hiking trail was great and there is a paved almost 3 mile loop or road around the park which is great for a walk or bike ride. We look forward to going to this one again!!See more..
The tour of this historic home was totally worthwhile. The guide gave us a thorough overview of the Gist family and their slaves. He had copies of original documents he could show us to flesh out the history. A great deal of effort has been put in the restoration of this building and we learned about that process as well. Full marks also to the DAR for their work and support of the project. There is a nice picnic area in the shade, some of which is under a shelter. We didn't go on the brief nature trail, but some of us are planning to go back. The house tour is $10 (less for seniors, etc.) and reservations are suggested, but the rest of the grounds is free. Back down the road is the Gist family cemetery. Who knew this wonderful resource was available?See more..
This is a very pretty park on Lake Keowee that you will really enjoy. This park is smaller and less crowded so it is more private. Great camping sites and everything is cleaned twice daily in the bathrooms. Fishing and kayaking can be loads of fun.See more..
4.5Lake Wateree State Park(55 reviews) - An excellent place to get back to nature State Parks
The camp ground was perfect for our two day getaway. Lake front sites with asphalt pads, clean bathhouses with liquid hand soap and an electric hand dryer, and a friendly, helpful staff. They have a nice camp store and an easy walking trail. We brought our bicycles and biked all over the park, and we launched our kayaks right off our campsite. While on the lake we got some great photos of a bald eagle! We were in site #7 but will stay in #17 next time because we liked the view of the lake from the higher ground. They have a cute playground for youngsters (which we don't have) and a lot of good fishing spots throughout the camp area. Every one of the campers we spoke with were repeat visitors.See more..
Beautiful state park with great camp sites. We stayed at site 86 and absolutely loved it. We loved how secluded it was- we could barely see anyone around us. Site 86 does not have full lake view, but it does sit on a little finger inlet. It is close enough to the bathrooms to be able to easily walk, but far enough where you don’t get the noise/light of it. The campground has a great little trail that will take you to the park store, which we loved. If we did this park again, we would rent a golf cart, as it seems to be the thing to do here. A LOT of golf carts cruising around. The bathrooms were insanely clean, campground host was awesome, park was in good shape for the littles to play at- overall, we loved it!See more..
I was only at the park for a few hours but this was absolutely the most beautiful state park I've seen in South Carolina to date. Full disclosure, I haven't visited them all yet but I will as I am doing the Ultimate Outsider Challenge. Lake Hartwell is huge with a lot of boats on it, but because of the size you don't hear the boats buzzing by, just the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. From where I sat eating my lunch I could see a family wading through the shallow water connecting the main land to an island. The nature trail was short but well-marked and led me to the fishing pier where people were trying to catch their dinner.See more..
4.0Lake Hartwell State Park(45 reviews) - Girl's Day on The Lake Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks
We actually rented our Pontoon from The Harbor Light Marina on the Lavonia, Georgia side of Lake Hartwell. The guys in the Rental shop were extremely nice and everyone down on the dock was very helpful. This was a girls day out on the lake, just a little R&R away from the husbands and kids so there were no guys to drive the boat so of course the lady picked to drive this 14 passenger pontoon was me because I'm the only one of us who has ever driven a boat. This was one of the best Girls Day trips that I have ever had. The company, the food, the beverages and just being on the water was amazing, we're already planning our next adventure up the Harbor Lake Marina!!!See more..
4.5Chester State Park(40 reviews) - Pleasantly Surprised Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
We didn’t expect to see this spacious park after going down the winding entrance. Huge parking overlooking a large lake with outdoor grills, shelters, bathrooms and a bridge going a ross the lake. Simply beautiful views everywhere. The campgrounds have RV hookups and a fishing dock. Definitely a hidden gem.See more..
4.0Goodale State Park(38 reviews) - A Fun Paddling Experience Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
Kayaked the trail and it was lovely. The start is well marked after crossing the lake, and the directional signs are easy to see posted on the trees both coming and going back. Even though it was a hot day (96 degrees) we were not bothered by bugs and it was cooler with the canopy of trees. Did not see any alligators or snakes, but there was an abundance of active wasp nests on the cypress trees so just be careful that you don't accidentally disturb one with your paddle or oar! It took about 1.5 hours to complete, but we did pick up the pace as we got caught in an afternoon rain storm. The park ranger kindly drove his truck to the put-in to make sure we were out of the water ok. A great experience, and a nice paddle for all skill levels.See more..
4.5Little Pee Dee State Park(35 reviews) - Nice place to spend a day! Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks
This was our first time at Little Pee Dee State Park. It is a small, but well-maintained park. It has a fishing dock with boat rentals. A lot of shoreline for fishing. A nice bridge over the spillway. There is a playground, picnic tables and shelter houses. The restrooms are clean. There are two short trails that are well-marked. A little surprise was a piece of petrified wood on display. The ranger station is small but does have a few items for sale. We will be back!See more..
4.5Lee State Park(32 reviews) - Great time exploring State Parks • Parks
Bring bikes and you could ride for days in this campground. I love the seclusion and quiet, it is always a restful time. The artesian wells are always an attraction for my kids. They find them fascinating and we always see different wildlife from the last trip.See more..
4.5Hamilton Branch State Park(30 reviews) - We Love the peace and tranquility here Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Biking Trails
We just booked our third visit to Hamilton Branch. Both of our previous stays were just the best. The park has over 150 lakefront camping sites. All are very spacious. As others have pointed out, be sure to look at the campground map before you book so you know where your nearest bathhouse is. We love to reserve a site at the end of one of the south-facing fingers that reach out into the lake. The views are spectacular, sunset and sunrise do not flood the site with bright light, and the satellite connectivity is very good. The sites have heavy tree cover from tall pines, which let light in, but provide good shade when needed. There are 173 sites with water and electric that will accommodate RVs up to 35 or 40 feet long. We like our space and quiet. We have found that, even when there are a lot of campers present, the noise levels are very acceptable since everything is so spread out. The staff at the park is friendly and extremely helpful.See more..
4.5Barnwell State Park(26 reviews) - Pet friendly, ADA certified cabins and tremendous nature all around. Spent 1-2 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
We rented the pet friendly cabin. The stay was great-better than expected. Baron the Hound had a fantastic time. The cabin is ADA certified so it was easy for my wife, who has limited mobility, to get around. Easy to get to the pond/lake and retrieve the jon boats (which are rented for only $15 per day and include paddle and life jackets!!) and fish. It was very easy for my wife to get to the water as well-even in a wheelchair. The fishing was fun. Caught fish every day from both the shore and in the boat. Eudora Animal Safari is close by-it's a drive thru safari where you feed the animals. It's a must see!! The Park Rangers are friendly and knowledgeable. The entire time was great. We made another reservation before we left, so that indicates our level of appreciation for this park.See more..
3.5Baker Creek State Park(19 reviews) - Nice Waterfront State Park Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM State Parks • Parks
We visited here because it was just a little drive from Hickory Knob SP. upon getting to the parking area we immediately see a large building housing the office, bathrooms, and a nice picnic area overlooking the lake. There is also a nice playground area nearby. We drove the very narrow and rough circular road to check out the cabins n camping area. Road needs work but nice camping area.See more..
On our drive back from Florida, we were looking for some place to get out and stretch our legs for a bit. I found this state park, which was about 10-15 minutes away from I-95. It seemed like a good bet, especially with the chance to see some alligators! It is not a big park, and we were pretty much the only other ones there. They have a very long boardwalk (about 1 mile) which goes over and through the swamp (OK, Carolina Bay). We did not see a ton of wildlife, probably because of the noisy kids, but we did see a small alligator lying in the water. It was pretty cool, but some of the kids were a little scared, even though he was pretty far away. Definitely a good stop off while travelling along I-95 in South Carolina to get a look at some nature, and stretch your legs a bit. There are evidently a lot of other activities available here (fishing, canoeing, bird watching), but we did not get to do any of that.See more..
We spent the weekend, with our horses. The trails are well marked. One of the Rangers took a group of us on the trails and explained the markings. Everyone was extremely friendly and the Rangers were always available. Will definitely return.See more..
Massive state forest that has dirt roads one can drive to observe quiet nature at its finest. Hiking trails, biking, horseback riding are all options . Easy to find. Dirt roads are unmarked, so bring a map. Love to escape to the forests.See more..
4.5Ashley River Park(2 reviews) - Great family park Tuesday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM State Parks
This is a great park for all. The park runs alongside the Ashley River off of Bacon's Bridge Road at an area where the river is more like a large creek For families and kids, you have playgrounds, a splash pad (closed in the winter), and a fishing dock around the pond. Multiple picnic areas are also available. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there are 2 dog parks, 1 for small dogs and the other for large dogs. The bathrooms are as nice and clean as you can find at any park The wife and I go for the walking trails. They are not extensive but offer enough to make it a nonboring walk. At just $25, the resident Senior pass is a bargain and allows up to 8 visitors at a time. Nonsenior residents pay $40 a year for a pass. The park offers day passes for those that don't plan on using the park often.See more..
