The Best State Parks to Visit in South Carolina
Located on the East Coast and representing one of the 13 original colonies, the Palmetto State packs much to love, from history to culture and natural endowments. The state covers an area of approximately 32,000 square miles, and around 90,000 acres of that area have been dedicated to preserving some of the finest natural attractions and historical sites in state parks. These state parks are pristine year-round, inviting visitors to endless exploration and adventures. From Hunting Island and its white sand beaches to the impressive waterfalls of Devils Fork, discover the best state parks in South Carolina to visit.
Poinsett State Park
Poinsett State Park, near Wedgefield, flaunts a unique appeal with its array of botanical offerings. This 1,000-acre park is home to more than 330 species of flowering plants, around 65 species of trees and shrubs, and wildlife such as bobcats, alligators, and hawks. Visitors can explore its diverse flora and fauna via hiking trails, with some linking to the Palmetto Trail running through Manchester State Forest surrounding the park.
In addition, the park has a 10-acre lake for fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake also has a swimming area that’s open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day, and there are picnic shelters nearby for relaxation. Birdwatching and biking are more exciting activities offered in the park.
Goodale State Park
Goodale State Park in Camden is a haven for nature lovers and kayakers as the park has one of the best canoeing trails in South Carolina, considered a best-kept outdoor secret. It is known as the Cypress Creek Canoe Trail and stretches for three miles on the Park’s lake leading to Pine Tree Creek. The beauty of this trail is attributed to the army of tall cypress trees jutting from the creek and creating surreal scenery.
Meanwhile, the park hosts a 140-acre lake, once a Civil War-era mill pond, but now a haven for fishing, boating, kayaking, paddling, and canoeing. On land, the park has a two-mile interpretive loop trail to explore and spot waterfowl. Visitors can even relax afterward at the two picnic shelters in the park, which also houses playground equipment for the kids.
Devils Fork State Park
Devils Fork State Park lies along the magnificent 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee near Salem. Although small at just 622 acres, the park exudes striking natural beauty as it hosts stunning waterfalls and one of the world’s largest assemblages of wildflowers. To explore the park’s picturesque flora, hike the one-mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail flanked by some rare and beautiful wildflowers.
The lake is the highlight attraction, lavish with bass, trout, and crappie for fishing expeditions. Visitors can swim and scuba dive in the crystal clear waters or kayak, boat, and canoe. Additionally, picnic shelters are available for relaxation and lunch, and there are two playgrounds in the park for unforgettable family fun moments.
Oconee State Park
The 1,165-acre Oconee State Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, serving mountain hikers, bikers, and outdoor buffs, and it is a magnificent world to explore. There are about six nature and hiking trails within the park, notably Oconee, Old Waterwheel, and Lake Trail, while the southern end of Foothills Trail is also in the park.
More activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating can be done at the park’s lake, while three playgrounds and a mini golf course set the stage for family bonding. Furthermore, Oconee State Park has cabins, campsites, and picnic facilities for more fun.
Croft State Park
Croft State Park, once known as Camp Croft during World War II, is one of the largest parks in South Carolina at 7,000 acres, making it an open-air playground for nature enthusiasts. This park has over 20 miles of biking and hiking trails, a mile-long Horace Craig Trail, and a one-and-a-half mile nature trail to explore. For horseback riding fans, there are many equestrian trails in the area to explore, and the park hosts a horse show every third Saturday of the month, except during winter. The park also hosts the 165-acre Lake Craig which is open to boating, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing adventures.
Birdwatching is also popular in the park, as tourists can spot hawks, waterfowl, bald eagles, and other bird species around the lake. Lake Johnson and Fairforest Creek are also within the park, with trails winding around them for sightseeing.
Edisto Beach State Park
Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island is one of the state’s ocean parks where visitors are invited to swim, sunbathe, play, and admire the sunset on the Atlantic Coast. There are around four miles of hiking/biking trails in the 1,255-acre park, perfect for birdwatching, while waterfowls can be seen on the beach or marshes. The park’s trails are interpretive as they course through the island’s maritime forest, with occasional wildlife sights such as alligators, white-tailed deer, and osprey. A boat ramp is also available for boating on the Big Bay Creek, while the salt marsh is great for fishing.
Visitors can relax at the picnic shelters after exploring, and campsites are available for extended experiences. Meanwhile, curious explorers can learn about the island and its fauna and flora at the Environmental Learning Center via interactive exhibits.
Jones Gap State Park
Jones Gap State Park is a pristine 3,964-acre park in Greenville County that flaunts more than a handful of prime natural assets. This park is home to the first scenic river in the state, the Middle Saluda River, and two enchanting waterfalls. While the waterfalls are incredibly beautiful and worth a few photo shots, the Middle Saluda River alongside Matthew and Julian Creeks is a hot spot for fishing. And that’s not all.
Jones Gap State Park is home to around 600 varieties of wildflowers, 60 different mammals, and 160 species of songbirds for birdwatching and wildlife sighting experiences. Hikers will also be thrilled as there are over 60 miles of trails within and around the park to explore. Some of the most scenic trails in the park include Jones Gap Falls (1.3 miles), Rainbow Falls (2.2 miles) and Pinnacle Pass (10 miles).
Hunting Island State Park
The 5,000-acre Hunting Island State Park is an iconic barrier island that represents the most visited state park in South Carolina. More than one million visitors flock to this park yearly to enjoy its seductive five-mile-long beaches and explore marshes, lagoons, and an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. Once here, sunbathe, stroll, catch the sunset, hold picnics, build sand castles, swim on the ocean, and admire the Hunting Island Lighthouse right on the beach. Remember to keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles nesting on the shore in summer and other wildlife in the park, such as deer, alligators, raccoons, and diverse bird species.
The park also has a 6.1-mile loop trail that courses through its maritime forest and leads to a boardwalk over the marshes for more nature sightseeing. Furthermore, a boat ramp provides boating access to Fripp Inlet and Harbor River. Don’t forget to check out the nature center and visitors center to learn about the island and fish at the fishing pier.
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock State Park is a unique park on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains that appeals more to mountain lovers. This park is famous for hosting Pinnacle Mountain, the tallest mountain entirely within the state, as well as Table Rock Mountain and scenic trails that pass through waterfalls and streams. Some top trails in the park include Carrick Creek (2 miles), Table Rock (3.6 miles), Pinnacle Mountain (4.2 miles), and Lake Side Trail (1.9 miles).
Away from the mountains, the park is home to the 36-acre Lake Pinnacle and 67-acre Lake Oolenoy, both great for fishing. Other activities like boating, kayaking, and canoeing are also available on both lakes, and there is a swimming area. Meanwhile, laid-back tourists can relax in its picnic shelters or stroll around the park to watch birds.
With over 90,000 acres of protected lands, the Palmetto State beckons outdoor buffs to come and express their adventurous fantasies unhinged and undisturbed. Discover some of the finest landscapes in these top state parks, from mountains and forests to beaches and rivers. In these epic destinations, there is no shortage of things to do and see. Come with a camera and a bag of supplies and step into these parks to discover, play, relax, and bond with nature.
