Guide to South Carolina State Parks

Top South Carolina State Parks

Caesars Head State Park

This state park is named for an outcropping on the Blue Ridge Escarpment. From this peak visitors can see views all the way south into Georgia and north to North Carolina. This park has many trails, which connect to Jones Gap State Park in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. One of the most popular features of this park are the Raven Cliff Falls. These falls are the highest is the state, with a drop of 400 feet.

Cheraw State Park

Cheraw State Park givers visitors to South Carolina the opportunity to enjoy an 18-hole golf course within the protected natural habitat of the surrounding land. Golfers are sure to enjoy the course as well as the woodlands around the park. This park is also a good spot to enjoy kayaking and canoeing on Lake Juniper, and the cypress wetlands on the lake. Visitors can also enjoy walking on the boardwalk through the wetlands, fishing and hiking and biking on the many other trails throughout the park.

Devils Fork State Park

Located on Lake Jocassee in the Blue Ridge, Devil's Fork State Park is the only public access to the beautiful lake. The lake is quiet and a wonderful destination for relaxing recreation, including scuba diving and boating. In addition, visitors can enjoy the wide variety of nature viewable from the trails.

Edisto Beach State Park

Visitors will find Edisto Beach State Park on Edisto Island. The park is a great spot to enjoy both the beach and the interesting natural history of the area. The environmental education center at the park offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the natural history of Edisto Island and the region. Visitors will also find that the park has plenty of trails for hiking and biking, as well as some excellent options for camping.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

This state park preserves the remnants of a colonial-era rice plantation. The mansion and grounds offer visitors the opportunity to learn about slavery in South Carolina and a specific era in American history. Visitors can also learn about what happened after emancipation and the how the people lived after being free. Hampton Plantation offers views of the rice fields that were once there, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching.

Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Hickory Knob State Resort Park combines the luxury of a full-service golf resort and the beauty of the natural outdoors into one fantastic park. The park is located on the shore of the Strom Thurmond Reservoir. Visitors have the option of staying in one of the resort rooms, or can instead camp on the banks of the Reservoir. Throughout the park visitors will find plenty to do including an 18-hole golf course, archery range, skeet shooting, hiking, biking and more.

Huntington Beach State Park

This state park is known for its beautiful expanse of beach. Huntington Beach is a wonderful spot to enjoy coastal camping, bird watching and even surf fishing. In addition to the amazing beach, visitors can tour the beautiful home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, who left the park as their legacy. The park also has a fantastic Nature Center, which offers interesting programs, which include opportunities to see endangered species such as the loggerhead turtle up close.

Jones Gap State Park

Jones Gap State Park, with 11,000 acres of land and numerous trails is a wonderful South Carolina state park to enjoy outdoor recreation. The trails are wonderful for hiking and the trails of Jones Gap connect to Caesars Head State Park in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap is also a fantastic destination for angling, especially trout fishing. The Middle Saluda River runs through the park and is a great river for trout fishing.

Poinsett State Park

Poinsett State Park is located in the region called the "mountains of the midlands," in a spot where the midlands meet the coastal plain region. In this unique ecosystem, visitors will find lots of biodiversity, making it a wonderful destination for wildlife watching. Poinsett State Park is also wonderful for recreating, with many trails for hiking and biking, as well as a lake, which is great for boating and fishing. Visitors can also see some historic points within the park, including a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Table Rock State Park

Located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Table Rock State Park is a great location for an outdoor adventure. The park has two lakes, a lodge and many opportunities for recreation. Table Rock State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and since its creation it has been a great South Carolina destination. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking and more. Table Rock State Park is the trailhead for the Foothills Trail.

State Park Guide | South Carolina