What’s the advantage to visiting one (or six) of South Carolina’s least visited state parks, you ask? How about fewer people to share the landscape? If you’re in the mode to seek out less traveled spots throughout the state, then take this little road trip to six little-known state parks in South Carolina. Load up the car and let’s get going.
Here's an interactive map you can pull up to use along the journey. Have fun!
Located at about the halfway point between Columbia and Charlotte, Chester State Park is an underrated destination in the Palmetto State. Park it for a day or book a campsite for longer and then enjoy the beauty of the park's 160-acre lake. Fishing, boat rentals, hiking, three picnic shelters, and 25 camp sites make this overlooked gem worthy of checking it out in person. Plus, the park features a 472-foot bridge that crosses over the lake's northeastern finger.
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2. Andrew Jackson State Park
Andrew Jackson State Park, 196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720, USA
Art, history, and nature enthusiasts alike will love a visit to the childhood home of President Andrew Jackson. (Some even contend the 7th president of the United States was even born on this site.) The park features, among other things, a large statue of Jackson sculpted by Anna Hyatt Huntington (of Brookgreen Gardens fame), an 18-acre lake, a campground, two hiking trails, and picnic shelters. Enjoy the scenery before heading out to the third state park on this fun road trip!
3. Lee State Park
Lee State Park, 487 Loop Rd, Bishopville, SC 29010, USA
Lee S.P. brings a wealth of activities across the board, including hiking, biking, equestrian activities, swimming (in season), fishing, picnicking, camping, and more. But the park's most notable features are its four always-on springs that spill fresh artesian water into the park. There are even little artesian rivers that flow around the park; one of them flows into a small artesain pond that some people choose to get in. And don't overlook the campground. It's open year-round!
4. Poinsett State Park
Poinsett State Park, 6660 Poinsett Park Rd, Wedgefield, SC 29168, USA
Poinsett is a fantastic place to hide out for the day or weekend. Being an underrated park has its advantages. Namely, the place isn't overrun with visitors! Possibly plan to spend the night or weekend. The cabins here are rustic but furnished with all you'll need for a cozy stay and we have to say the lodging rates are phenomenally low! Prefer to camp? Poinsett has a campground, too!
5. Givhans Ferry State Park
Givhans Ferry State Park, 746 County Rd S-18-30, Ridgeville, SC 29472, USA
Underrated, under estimated, and under used, Givhans Ferry is a favorite spot for locals who want to get in the cooling waters of the Edisto. You'll swim at your own risk here on a small and cozy beach that's ideal for keeping an eye on little ones. The park has four cabins, 25 regular campsites, and 10 walk-in tent sites. Check them out on this road trip and then make plans to come back and spend the weekend!
6. Battle Of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site, 325 State Park Rd, Ehrhardt, SC 29081, USA
A battlefield from one of the last significant battles between the Confederacy and Sherman and his men took place here. It's the only fully preserved Civil War battlefield protected by the state parks' system and is a national treasure. Walk along an interpretive trail to follow along historic points of interest and then go pay respects at the site's four historic cemeteries of those who lost their lives on this battlefield.
One more thing, in case you’re unaware: South Carolina offers park passports that allow entry into any state park for everyone in the passholder’s vehicle. For one price you can purchase an All Park Passport, or double down to entry into just 35 of the parks for a little less money. Learn more on the official website for South Carolina Parks. Of course, you can still pay per park entrance as you arrive… that’s always an option, too.
What’s your favorite state park in South Carolina? Let us know!
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