20 South Carolina State Parks

South Carolina is a great place to enjoy the U.S.’s extensive state park system. From the east coast Atlantic-facing beaches to forests, mountains and waterfalls, there’s much to see in South Carolina’s state parks. With hiking, biking, fishing and camping offered at most state parks, South Carolina is an excellent place to enjoy the outdoors and turn your day trip into a weekend vacation. Here are 20 to explore. 

South Carolina State Parks

20 State Parks in South Carolina

1- Myrtle Beach State Park

One of the most famous places in South Carolina is Myrtle Beach, and it also happens to be a state park.

This place is a beach and nature lover’s paradise, offering the perfect spot to relax outside.

This is one of the most popular state parks in the state, attracting two million visitors each year.

More than 60 species of birds, 25 mammals and 15 reptiles call the shores of Myrtle Beach home.

You can enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking and camping at this state park.

The sandy shoreline makes this an enjoyable place to relax in summer and the colder months.

Myrtle Beach State Park is at 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575.

Top Tours:

• South Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Island – private guided scenic tour.
• Surf Lessons in Myrtle Beach – a fun activity.

2- Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach State Park is around 30-minute drive south of Myrtle Beach in Georgetown County.

There are many things to do at this South Carolina state park including spotting wildlife.

The park is home to an array of birdlife as well as alligators who call the marshy land home.

You can also check out Atalaya Castle, the winter home of the philanthropist Archer M. Huntington.

There are three miles of beach to enjoy, so why not head there early for sunrise?

Huntington Beach State Park is at 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

Recommended tour: 2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Huntington Beach State Park

3- Barnwell State Park

Head to Blackville in South Carolina, and you will find Barnwell State Park, a wonderful place for connecting with nature and the outdoors.

If you are interested in fishing, this is one of the best state parks in South Carolina.

There’s a small fishing pier, a tackle and equipment loaning scheme, fishing boat rentals and fantastic freshwater fishing.

As well as fishing, you can go boating and paddling, enjoy the playground, visit the park store and enjoy seasonal swimming.

If you want to spend a whole day visiting the park, then bring a picnic to eat at the picnic shelters.

There are also hiking and biking trails, including the Dogwood Interpretive Trail. 

Barnwell State Park is at 223 State Park Rd, Blackville, SC 29817.

4- Keowee Toxaway State Park

Keowee Toxaway State Park is in northwestern South Carolina and is ideal if you want to head up to the mountains.

Keowee Lake is one of the park’s most beautiful features and is popular for fishing, canoeing, swimming and bird watching.

There’s also a super fun zipline that has 10 lines standing at 120 feet above the forest floor.

If you fancy staying a couple of nights, then there are also cabins and a campground where you can enjoy an extended stay among beautiful South Carolina scenery.

Keowee Toxaway State Park is at 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685.

5- Chester State Park

Another beautiful lakeside park is Chester State Park in northern South Carolina.

The main attraction at this park is Chester State Park Lake, so fishing and boating are popular lakeside activities you may want to enjoy.

As well as lake activities, there are also a series of trails to explore, including the Caney Fork Falls Trail, which is an easy 1.3-mile out-and-back trail to a dam forming a small man-made waterfall.

There’s also a campsite which requires a reservation.

Chester State Park is at 788 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706.

6- Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is another excellent South Carolina state park in the northwestern part of the state.

This state park is in the Blue Ridge Mountains’ foothills extending from Georgia to Virginia.

Table Rock State Park is popular because of its breathtaking views, mountain scenery and forested floors.

Some top things to do in the park include hiking to the top of Table Rock Mountain, cooling off in the mountain streams and hiking the Lakeside Trail.

The park also sits on Carrick Creek, where you can go paddling, boating and fishing for bass, bream and catfish.

Table Rock State Park is at 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671.

7- Edisto Beach State Park

Edisto Beach State Park is in southern South Carolina, around one hour’s drive outside Charleston.

The park is beautifully located on the South Carolina coast and has some of the most extensive trails in the state’s system.

You are welcome to both hike and bike on the trails and they are a great way to see the park’s beautiful natural landscapes.

Though the park has a small entrance fee, kids under five go free, so it’s an excellent location for families.

Of course, you will want to head straight to the beach to enjoy sunbathing, walking and hours of beachcombing.

Edisto Beach State Park is at 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438.

8- Caesars Head State Park

Another of the best South Carolina State Parks is Caesars Head in the north, around 15 miles outside Cleveland.

This state park is stunning and will certainly leave you in awe of these South Carolina landscapes.

One of the first things you’ll want to do in the park is check out Caesars Head Overlook to take in the beautiful mountain scenery.

If you love wildlife, particularly birds, next head to Hawk Watch to see if you can spot the raptor, a bird of prey migrating to South America.

The Middle Saluda River is perfect for taking a dip in the warm summer months.

And if you follow the Jones Gap Trail you will find yourself a series of wonderful swimming holes.

That isn’t all. Caesars Head State Park is also home to the tallest waterfall in South Carolina, and you’ll find it along the Raven Cliff Falls Trail.

Caesars Head State Park is at 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635.

9- Hamilton Branch State Park

Hamilton Branch State Park is ideal if you want to be on the water.

This state park is on the border with Georgia along the Savannah River in western South Carolina.

This 713-acre park is on a peninsula and has many inlets to explore.

Swimming in Strom Thurmond Lake is one of the best activities in the park.

It’s also an excellent place to watch the sunset.

Take your trip to Hamilton Branch that bit further by camping at one of the 180 lakefront sites.

It’s the perfect place to wake up to.

Hamilton Branch State Park is at 111 Campground Rd, Plum Branch, SC 29845.

10- Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial State Park, also known as Sesqui for short, is in Columbia in South Carolina.

This park is the perfect place to visit with family, especially small children.

There’s a fantastic splash pad and two awesome playgrounds to enjoy.

You can also rent pedal boats, kayaks and canoes and head out on Sesquicentennial Lake.

For hikers, there’s the two-mile Sandhills hiking trail and also a six-mile mountain bike trail.

Sesquicentennial State Park is at 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.

11- Cheraw State Park

Cheraw State Park is on the northern banks of Lake Juniper in northeastern South Carolina.

One of the first things you should do while visiting the park is hit the boardwalk trails.

These trails allow you to discover the beautiful Sandhills/Longleaf ecosystem.

Or why not hit the water and go paddling on Lake Juniper?

If you are a fan of golf, then check out the park’s very own golf club.

It is frequently cited as one of the area’s best places to play golf.

Cheraw State Park is at 100 State Park Rd, Cheraw, SC 29520.

12- Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island State Park is a beautiful part of South Carolina to visit.

Head to the east coast of South Carolina and around two hours drive south of Charleston, and you will find this peaceful park.

There’s just nothing better than the coastal vibes of an island park.

Hunting Island lighthouse is well worth a visit because of its charm and grandeur.

Shelling is another popular activity along the sandy shoreline.

You can also enjoy a fantastic sunrise if you wake up early.

There’s also the nature centre where you can learn all about alligators and see them.

If sunset is more your thing, head to the marsh boardwalks for one of the best sunset spots in the Lowcountry.

Hunting Island State Park is at 255 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC 29920.

13- Dreher Island State Park

Instead of by the coast, this island state park is inland on Lake Murray, around 50 minutes drive northwest of Columbia.

Though it’s an island, you can drive to this park along the overseas State Park Road.

Watching the sunset from this bridged road is amazing, and it’s one of the best spots to view it from.

There are hiking opportunities along the Little Gap trail that offer plenty of variation or try your hand at fishing.

If you consider yourself an experienced fisherman (or woman), you should participate in one of Dreher Island State Park’s fishing tournaments.

Dreher Island State Park is at 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127.

14- Landsford Canal State Park

Landsford Canal State Park is close to North Carolina’s Charlotte (38 miles north).

This park is on the banks of the Catawba River and offers access to the river and the surrounding countryside.

There are a number of short trails in the park, including the canal and eagle point trails.

Between February and early June, be sure to visit the park and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles who nest in the park

Landsford Canal State Park is at 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC 29704.

15- Jones Gap State Park

Close to the border with North Carolina is Jones Gap State Park, which is beautiful because of its varied landscapes.

From forest to waterfalls and incredible vistas, it’s a wonderful place to escape to nature.

This state park is right next to Caesars Head State Park so it’s well worth visiting both parks when you are in the area.

Jones Gap State Park is known for its wildlife, including deer, coyotes and bobcats.

Whether you are visiting in summer or winter, there’s something fun to do.

Try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or hiking, camping and fishing.

Jones Gap State Park is at 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661.

16- Sadlers Creek State Park

Sadlers Creek State Park is on the Savannah River along the border with Georgia.

This state park is an ideal place to hit the water.

This is a great park to explore with 56,000 acres (22,662 ha) of water.

You can rent boats and enjoy the water or go fishing.

There are also 65 campsites if you want to enjoy a long weekend.

There’s also a lakeside pavilion that is ideal for hosting gatherings and two barbecue shelters make for the perfect spot to make dinner.

Sadlers Creek State Park is at 940 Sadlers Creek Rd, Anderson, SC 29626.

17- Devils Fork State Park

Devils Fork State Park is on the southern shores of Lake Jocassee, close to the border with North Carolina.

This state park is known for its incredible crystal clear water on Lake Jocassee.

Beautiful lake views and rolling mountains in the background make for a picture-perfect spot.

The park’s Oconee Bell trail is a must for hiking lovers.

There’s also a fantastic waterfall on the lake.

If fishing is more your thing, then cast a line and try and catch some rainbow trout.

If you are searching for some of the best panoramic views of Lake Jocassee and Jocassee Gorges, head to Jumping Off Rock.

Devils Fork State Park is at 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676.

18- Poinsett State Park

Poinsett State Park is in central South Carolina, around an hour’s drive southeast of Columbia.

This state park is named after Joel R.

Poinsett, who was from Charleston and the US ambassador to Mexico.

This park is diverse, and its main feature is the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.

The 10-acre lake is a great location for fishing, swimming and paddleboarding.

If you fancy camping, there are 50 campsites where you can enjoy the park throughout the night.

If horse riding is more your thing, why not hit the equestrian trails?

Poinsett State Park is at 6660 Poinsett Park Rd, Wedgefield, SC 29168.

19- Croft State Park

Croft State Park is one of South Carolina’s largest state parks at 7,000 acres.

This park is on the southern shores of Lake Craig.

If hiking, biking and fishing are your thing, then this park is great to feel connected with nature.

There are more than 45 miles of trails to explore.

There’s also a 65-foot expansion bridge and 20 miles of mountain biking trails.

You can also go fishing on Lake Tom Craig, one of the area’s best fishing spots.

Croft State Park is at 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302.

20- Oconee State Park

Oconee State Park is in the northwest corner of South Carolina on Lake Keowee.

Locals love this state park but out-of-staters and foreigners also visit occasionally.

If fishing is your thing, you can expect to catch bass, bream and catfish.

You can also rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for an hour, half day or the full day,

There is also a campground and an 18-hole mini golf course near the campsite entrance.

There are also six nature and hiking trails that circumnavigate the park.

Oconee State Park is at 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664.