A day at the beach is a day well spent, especially when you're at one of the few county parks in the state that have a soft, sandy beach offering hours of fun in the sun. Check out these seven county parks that have delightful beaches and won't cost you an arm and a leg for parking. You may be surprised to learn you don't have to travel to the coast to find a perfect beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!
1. Folly Beach County Park - Folly Beach (Charleston County)
Head to the Edge of America for a day of fun in the sun at the ocean. The park has limited parking, so arrive early. Amenities include seasonal beach chair rentals and a snack bar. Portable restrooms and outdoor showers are also available. Entry fees are charged by the vehicle and vary by season. Find more about fees for the date you're going at this link. Folly Beach County Park is located at 1100 W Ashley Ave., Folly Beach, SC 29439. It's open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset.
2. Mile Creek Park - Six Mile (Pickens County)
A small, sandy beach just below the playground awaits for you to claim your little slice of paradise on Lake Keowee for the day. It's located at 757 Keowee Baptist Church Rd., Six Mile, SC 29682. Learn more at this link.
3. South Cove County Park - Seneca (Oconee County)
Seneca's South Cove County Park has a sandy beach perfect for the kids. The park is located on beautiful Lake Keowee and also has a campground that's ideal for a family excursion. Learn more at this link. The gates are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Beach hours may differ slightly. Daily use fees are $2.00 per vehicle. It's located at 1099 S Cove Rd., Seneca, SC 29672.
4. Isle of Palms County Park - Isle of Palms (Charleston County)
Amenities galore can be found at the IOP County Park, from picnic shelters with grills to a playground, dressing rooms, and a beach volleyball court. During peak season, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons (see the schedule here). Entry fees are charged by the vehicle and vary by season. Find more about fees for the date you're going at this link. The entrance to the parking lot is located at 1-14th Ave., Isle of Palms, SC 29451.
5. Ebenezer Park - Rock Hill (York County)
The sandy beach at Ebenezer Park affords a day by (and in) the water on Lake Wylie. Swimming is allowed from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you want snacks, they have a concession stand. Water shoes are recommended. Check this link for rates. The park is located at 4490 Boatshore Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732.
6. Kiawah Beachwalker County Park - Kiawah Island (Charleston County)
You won't need a special owner's pass to get onto Kiawah Island for this amazing county park, but you may need to arrive early to guarantee you get a parking spot. The beach features seasonal lifeguards and in-season beach and umbrella rentals. The park is currently closed until at least the end of May for renovations to many of the amenities. You can check this link for updates. It's located at 8 Beachwalker Dr., Kiawah Island, SC 29455.
7. High Falls County Park - Seneca (Oconee County)
Located on Lake Keowee, High Falls Park has picnic tables and grills, tennis and basketball courts, mini golf, boat ramps, a fishing pier — and a beach where you can while away the day basking in the sun. High Falls County Park is located at 671 High Falls Rd., Seneca, SC 29672. The parking fee per vehicle is $2. It's open for day use from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Learn more at this link.
Did we leave out your favorite county park beach? Feel free to add it in the comments!
For more hidden beaches in the Palmetto State, keep reading here.
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