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SC State Parks Worth the Drive
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items The best South Carolina state parks, picked by a Greenville-born gal who lives in a camper now and is picky about where it's worth pulling in. Mountains and waterfalls in the Upstate, big lakes, quiet beaches, and Midlands and Lowcountry gems, 17 par...
Map
Sections
4
Mountains and Waterfalls
Lake Days
Salt Air and Sand
Midlands and Lowcountry Gems
Mountains and Waterfalls
The Upstate is where South Carolina shows off. Big views, waterfalls and serious trails, and they're busy in October and November, so weekdays are your friend.
I've been to Table Rock, and that big granite dome you see from Highway 11 is the star. The hike to the top is a true leg day, so start early and give it the whole morning. Not a hiker? The lake view of the mountain from the bottom is a postcard all ...
Table Rock State Park
I've been up here, and the view is the whole show. The overlook is a short walk from the parking lot, so even the folks who don't hike get the big view off the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Hikers can head out to Raven Cliff Falls. Fall weekends fill up and...
Caesars Head State Park
Been here, and it's for the serious hikers and the trout fishermen. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays you'll want a parking reservation for the morning, or you'll be turning around in the lot. Sign the trail register before you head up.
Jones Gap State Park
This is the public way onto Lake Jocassee, that crazy-clear green water with waterfalls you reach by boat. Weekends get long lines at the gate, and here's the deal nobody tells you: admission is free on Tuesdays.
Devils Fork State Park
Greenville girl here, and I've been to this one. It's right outside town, so it's the easiest mountain fix in the Upstate. Trails for hiking and biking, plus Lake Placid with a swimming area in season and self-serve kayak rentals.
Paris Mountain State Park
Lake Days
South Carolina has more big lakes than you'd think. These parks put you right on the water for fishing, boating, golf, and a camper site with a view.
Campsites and camper cabins right on Lake Hartwell, and a few of those cabins allow pets, which is not a given. Bring a fishing pole and stay for the sunset off the dock.
Lake Hartwell State Park
A state park with its own golf course, tucked on Lake Thurmond near McCormick. Got a golfer in the family? This is the trip. If you're hauling a boat, check lake levels first, because the ramps close when the water's low.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Three islands out in Lake Murray, hooked to shore by a causeway and two bridges, and only about 30 miles from downtown Columbia. Bass fishermen talk about this lake like it's church. Lots of spots to fish right from the bank too.
Dreher Island State Park
On Lake Marion with camping, bike trails and self-serve kayak rentals, so you don't have to drag your own. It's a handy stop right off I-95 if you're headed somewhere else and need a breather.
Santee State Park
Salt Air and Sand
Beach parks without the high-rise view. Lighthouses, maritime forest, marsh boardwalks, and campgrounds close enough to hear the waves.
Home to the only lighthouse in South Carolina that's open to the public, plus a wild beach with driftwood trees that looks like a movie set. Tides close parts of the park sometimes, so check the park page that morning.
Hunting Island State Park
Go see Atalaya, the old Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, then stay for the marsh, the birds and the alligators sunning by the causeway. Bring binoculars and keep your distance from the gators, bless 'em.
Huntington Beach State Park
Slower and quieter than the Grand Strand, no high-rises, no putt-putt. It has the longest system of ADA trails in the state too, so it works for the walkers, the strollers and the wheelchairs in the family.
Edisto Beach State Park
All the Myrtle Beach, without all the Myrtle Beach. A campground close to the sand, a fishing pier, and a stretch of maritime forest tucked right in the middle of the Grand Strand traffic.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Midlands and Lowcountry Gems
The parks folks drive right past on the way to somewhere famous. Rivers, history and quiet campgrounds, plus a little hometown pride for Barnwell County.
It's actually in Blackville, and it's a small, local park in the best way. Camping and cabins, a little lake, playgrounds, and a community building people rent for reunions and weddings. Not fancy, just a nice quiet spot.
Barnwell State Park
Right on the South Edisto River, with a canoe trail made for a slow paddle. They rent kayaks and canoes, just call the office at least 24 hours ahead. Pack a lunch and make a day of it.
Aiken State Natural Area
Over in Beech Island near Aiken, this was the home of SC Governor James Henry Hammond, and the tour tells the story of everyone who lived there, enslaved families included. The mansion is tour-only, so call ahead for times. The grounds are open daily...
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Where Charleston got its start in 1670. Walk the oak alley, check out the replica sailing ship, and see the Animal Forest with the critters the first settlers would have run into, bears and pumas included. Way more fun than it sounds on paper.
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site