From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, the South Carolina State Parks system boasts 47 state parks and historic sites. That’s a lot and can be overwhelming when trying to decide which parks to explore first. But we have narrowed it down to the top state parks to visit in South Carolina ASAP.
While all of the state parks are phenomenal, these five each offer something a little special that’s usually under the radar. For instance, we have at least one state park with a swimming pool. Do you know which one it is? At another South Carolina State Park, you can actually sleep on top of the water. Take a look at these five under-appreciated state parks and the cool amenities and attractions they offer.
Hickory Knob State Parkis the first on our list of state parks to visit in South Carolina and it just might be THE BEST kept secret in the state parks system.
This little-known park/resort has a lot to offer Palmetto State residents and visitors alike.
In addition to a lodge that accommodates 70 guests and has a full-service restaurant, there are 16 cabins/villas at Hickory Knob. And this park has some hidden secrets too.
You won't find that at most South Carolina State Parks, right? It's available by appointment. Check the South Carolina Parks' website for the current costs to go skeet shooting. This activity isn't bad for an afternoon face-off with your buddies.
You can also practice archery at this park which provides a wide variety of things to do outside in South Carolina.
Advertisement
Another thing this state park offers to guests of the lodge and cabins is use of the swimming pool.
Other state parks offer lake and ocean swimming, but an actual pool is a rare amenity in the parks. If you're staying at the park's campground or you're just a day guest of the park then you can always swim in Lake Thurmond, but it's swimming at your own risk.
And finally, Hickory Knob has a championship golf course that winds through the pine forest and along Lake Thurmond.
From campsites to a full-blown lodge with a swimming pool and amenities like skeet shooting and golf, Hickory Knob State Park is one of the best state parks in South Carolina. Find out more at this link. It's located at 1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC, 29835.
Prepare to take more than your average share of photos of the stunning spectacle.
Advertisement
If you're itching to get on the water but not interested in fishing from one of their flat-bottom fishing boats, you can also rent canoes and kayaks here.
The park has a 3-mile canoe trail perfect for getting up close to the gorgeous cypress trees. After paddling through, you'll probably think that Goodale is one of the most spectacular state parks to visit in South Carolina.
At just 763 acres, this junior state park packs a lot of punch for its small size.
Photographers, fishing enthusiasts, and canoe/kayakers will love this small oasis just outside Camden. Find out more at this link. It's located at 650 Park Road, Camden, SC, 29020.
At more than 7,000 acres, Croft State Park is one of the largest state parks to visit in South Carolina. Visitors can now enjoy the brand new pier that just opened for fishing or admiring views of Lake Craig. You can't swim in Lake Craig, but there's a better option anyway.
You can get your feet wet in the creek that flows under the footbridge.
There's a picnic table located along the shore -- shown at right in the above photo. Watch your footing on the rocks as they can be slippery and the state park doesn't provide lifeguards for wading here.
Advertisement
If you're looking for spectacular hiking trails in South Carolina, Croft State Park has 50 miles of trails that include access for horses, bikes, and hikers.
It's one of the few state parks in South Carolina catering to horse lovers. In addition to the horse riding trails, the park offers full equestrian facilities including stables and a show ring.
If horses aren't your thing, no worries. There's a ghost town up on the ridge that's just waiting to be explored.
450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA
Whitestone Springs Resort was a remote luxury hotel built in 1901 next to the healing waters of Whitestone Spring. Follow along the Whitestone Springs spur trail in this park and you'll find some interesting ruins.
Croft State Park is an underrated state park that has much to offer.
450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA
From a ghost town to a bonafide watering hole and horseback riding trails, Croft State Park definitely belongs on this list as one of the state's best-kept secrets. Find out more at this link. It's located at 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC, 29302.
Freely wander among the ruins of the old canal. You'll be in awe of the sheer size of it. You can also explore the ruins of the former lock keeper's house, looming like a skeleton just inviting you in to snoop around. This is one of the most fascinating state parks to visit in South Carolina.
Advertisement
The rocky shoals of the Catawba River are a beautiful sight any time of year.
However, each year in May and June they transform into a lilly wonderland as the largest stand of Rocky Shoal Spider Lillies in the nation erupts, blanketing the river in an explosion of green and white.
Watch the video below from the South Carolina State Parks to see this transformation firsthand.
Landsford Canal State Park is fun to explore all year, but if you visit during the spider lilly explosion then it's a stunning spectacle you'll never forget. Find out more at this link. It's located at 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC, 29704.
It also dishes up the opportunity for you to eat, sleep, and play in one of their "pier" cabins located right on top of the lake. This is the best way to experience one of the best state parks in South Carolina.
Several over-the-water cabins make Santee State Park one-of-a-kind in the Palmetto State. If you're more of a landlubber, they also have lakeside cabins and campsites. Find out more at this link. It's located at 251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC, 29142.
From exploring the ancient ruins of a long-gone resort hotel to sleeping in a cabin over the lake, these five state parks all offer little-known amenities and are perfect to add to your bucket list. You’ll absolutely love these top state parks to visit in South Carolina.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
State Parks To Visit In South Carolina
Melissa M.|February 10, 2022
What are some of the best things to do outside in South Carolina?
As a coastal state, there are wide, pristine beaches to spend time at laying on the sand or swimming in the water. You can also visit one of the many zoos like Bee City Zoo in Cottageville which offers up-close-and-personal animal encounters. Or how about visiting a botanical or topiary garden like the ones found in our previous post, Here Are The 13 Most Beautiful Gardens You’ll Ever See In South Carolina? There are so many wonderful outdoor places to visit in the Palmetto State.
What are the best hiking trails in South Carolina?
If you enjoy hiking, check out the trails listed in this article. Paris Mountain State Park in Greenville is home to an epic 15-mile loop trail while an easier hike can be found at Rainbow Falls in Cleveland. There’s a hike for everyone in South Carolina!
What is the largest state park in South Carolina?
Caesars Head State Park is said to be South Carolina’s largest state park at 7,467 acres and is a must-visit place to visit in the state.
