In 1936, the first South Carolina state parks opened, starting with Myrtle Beach State Park, followed by Aiken State Park, Cheraw State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, and Poinsett State Park (not necessarily in that order). The most recent state park to open was in 2006, the H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area. But that “title” is soon to be taken by the Black River State Park, the new state park in South Carolina that is currently in the developmental stages, to be situated along one of our historic rivers, the Blackwater River in South Carolina.

The park is named after the Black River, although, not to be confused with the Edisto River, as it is so known, as well as the longest free-flowing blackwater river in North America.
New State Park in South Carolina
Edisto River Adventures/Google Reviews
The Black River holds historical significance as an area where African Americans lived and started their lives. This park will help protect and interpret the river's history, from Colonial times until the present — including the legacy of the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
The river's name comes from its color, which has been observed to be like black tea. Several of the state's rivers are this dark hue.
Edisto River Adventures/Google Reviews
The river winds for about 150 miles through Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Georgetown Counties. It becomes part of the Great Pee Dee River near Georgetown.
Aimee Lim/Google Reviews
In some places, the Black River is swamp-like, while in others it is swift-moving with a sandy bottom.
Aimee Lim/Google Reviews
This state park is the first new park in nearly 20 years and the result of much planning and input from the community. It will include multiple units positioned at various points along a 70-mile stretch of the river and will be part of a larger water trail and effort to protect and preserve the area.
Aimee Lim/Google Reviews

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Each trail stop will offer a variety of recreational activities and amenities.
mogollon_1/Flickr
The state park unit stops will include camping, trails, pond fishing, kayaking ...
Norman Smith/Google Reviews
... an outfitters center, cabins, a paddler pull-off and boardwalk, a boat launch, and more.
Aaron Tucker/Google Reviews
Plans for a sandy point bar beach would provide a natural, accessible area along the banks of the river for beaching a kayak, having a picnic lunch, or a refreshing swim.
Keith Wiljanen/Google Reviews
People have been enjoying the Black River for many years, and this state park will enhance and enable further enjoyment into the distant future while conserving natural resources and protecting habitats of our treasured wildlife.
Paul Kirkland/Google Reviews
Efforts are currently in the Phase 1 stage, and construction and development are anticipated to take several years to complete.

Get a closer look at this upcoming state park:

Visit the Black River Story Map to follow the progress of this new state park as its vision comes to life. What are your thoughts about this new Black River State Park? Share with us in the comments section. Be sure to check out several more amazing South Carolina state parks.

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Things To Do In South Carolina

William Suphan | March 28, 2023

What are the most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina?

The most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina include:

  • Lake Jocasse. This is the clearest lake in the state and is a beautiful place for setting up camp.
  • Runway Park. Located in Greenville, this is a children’s playground where you can watch planes take off and land on the adjacent runway.
  • Boneyard Beach. This is seven miles of beach that are accessible only by boat and has tons of seashells.
  • Castle Pinckney. This is the ruins of a castle that was abandoned in 1951 and once defended Charleston.

Learn more about the most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina. 

What are the most amazing attractions in South Carolina?

The most amazing attractions in South Carolina include:

  • Fort Sumter. Take a tour of this famous fort and learn all about its history in the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
  • Tunnel Vision. Created by local artist Blue Sky, this wall painting looks like you could drive right through it.
  • The Angel Oak. This gorgeous tree is several centuries old and was going to be cut down but thousands of locals got together to save it.
  • God’s Acre Healing Springs. The waters here have been believed to have healing properties by Native Americans and British soldiers.

Discover more about the most amazing attractions in South Carolina. 

What are the most bizarre roadside attractions in South Carolina?

The most bizarre roadside attraction in South Carolina include:

  • Upside Down House. This intriguing structure at Myrtle Beach is an upside-down house that holds interactive science exhibits.
  • Pearl Fryar’s Topiary. This collection of topiary is mesmerizing and so intricately detailed with unusual shapes.
  • Mars Bluff B47 Bomb Site. This is where a nuclear bomb was accidentally dropped on Mars Bludd in 1958 and thankfully didn’t detonate.
  • J’s Tearific Teapot Museum. Yes, the place calls it “tearific”, and the collection of strange teapots looks like the tea party from Alice in Wonderland.

Learn more about the most bizarre roadside attractions in South Carolina. 

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