10 Amazing State Parks To Add To Your South Carolina Bucket List
There’s no better time of year to get out and explore South Carolina’s breathtaking landscape. And what better way to see the best natural highlights found in the state than by visiting a few state parks? Check out the 10 best state parks to visit in South Carolina below. Each one belongs on your bucket list this year. Think you’ll be able to make it to all of them? Let’s get started!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Hunting Island State Park - Hunting Island
2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Our list of the best state parks to visit in South Carolina begins at Hunting Island State Park. The state's most visited state park features five miles of beaches including a gorgeous boneyard beach with sun-bleached downed trees. It also includes a campground, nature trails, a nature center, and a circa 1875 lighthouse that's open for tours. There's no doubt about it; Hunting Island State Park truly has it all!
2. Myrtle Beach State Park - Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA
The oldest state park in the system, Myrtle Beach State Park doles out endless fun in the sun along a full mile of undeveloped beach right in the middle of the 60 miles of (mostly developed) beaches found along the Grand Strand. Stay overnight (or longer!) in the campground and enjoy all this park has to offer, including nearby access to a world of amenities found in Myrtle Beach! Learn more about all that awaits you at the iconic Myrtle Beach State Park.
3. Huntington Beach State Park - Murrells Inlet
Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
Hunker down in one of the 173 campsites at this beach side state park and then spend your days in the sun and surf on the three miles of pristine beach on the Atlantic. The park also offers wetlands access, hiking trails, a maritime forest, and nearby access to Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet amenities and attractions. No matter the time of year, Huntington Beach State Park is an absolute must-visit.
4. Little Pee Dee State Park - Dillon
Little Pee Dee State Park, 2400 Park Access Rd, Dillon, SC 29536, USA
Named for the black water Pee Dee River, this state park near the North Carolina border in the Pee Dee region offers camping, fishing, boating, and canoe and kayak rentals. Find out more here.
5. Table Rock State Park - Pickens
Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Jutting above the earth like a giant molar tooth, Table Rock is the centerpiece of Table Rock State Park. Set aside 6-8 hours to hike to the summit, or just enjoy the views from ground zero at or near the base. Either way, this giant, natural landmark in South Carolina is bound to have a profound effect on your peaceful state of mind. Learn more about why many people believe Table Rock State Park is the best state park in South Carolina.
6. Edisto Beach State Park - Edisto Island
Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Edisto Beach State Park includes four miles of pristine, undeveloped beach on the South Carolina coast. One of only four oceanfront state parks, it is comprised of 1255 acres filled with trails, two campgrounds, and seven cabins for rent. Get away from it all with a visit to EBSP! While you're there, be sure to make use of the beautiful year-round campsites available.
Sleep in a round cabin over the lake at this South Carolina state park located on Lake Marion. Prefer to rough it in a camp site? The park has two campgrounds featuring more than 150 campsites for the choosing. Fish from the park's fishing pier, load your boat into the lake using the parks boat ramp, swim, bird watch, play tennis, and hike, all from this hidden gem on the lake. Learn more about why Santee State Park makes for the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
8. Devils Fork State Park - Salem
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Enjoy the spoils of a crystal clear lake at Devils Fork State Park, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee. The crown jewel of the Jocassee Gorges, Lake Jocassee offers miles of endless beauty found both along its shores and upon its waters. Devils Fork State Park has two campgrounds, cabin rentals, swim beaches, and a marina with boat tours, boat rentals, and canoe and kayak rentals. If you're looking for a place to stay, you'll be delighted to hear that Devils Fork State Park has one of the most beautiful campgrounds in South Carolina.
9. Caesars Head State Park - Cleveland
Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
You'll feel on top of the world atop the granite gneiss outcropping where the overlook is found at Caesars Head State Park. Although a day-use-only park, Caesars Head is perfect for hiking, bird watching, or just gazing out over the landscape from high overhead. Caesars Head State Park truly has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
10. Oconee State Park - Mountain Rest
Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Take your pick of 19 cabin rentals here, or pull up into one of 139 campsites for the night at Oconee State Park in the mountains of western South Carolina. The park features a lake with an old-fashioned swimming hole, or take a nearby hike to a waterfall and swim in a plunge pool. While you're there, be sure to check out these nearby options for glamping!
South Carolina has some truly fantastic state parks that are perfect for making lasting memories. What’s your favorite state park to visit in South Carolina, and why? Join the discussion in our comments — we would love to hear from you!
Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Address: Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA
Address: Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
Address: Little Pee Dee State Park, 2400 Park Access Rd, Dillon, SC 29536, USA
Address: Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: 251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Address: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Address: Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in South Carolina
January 12, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best natural wonders to see in South Carolina?
As you’ve learned from reading the article above, South Carolina is simply teeming with natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring a state park, national park, or another wild area, you’re bound to be impressed by all that the Palmetto State has to offer. Another great way to experience South Carolina is by making a special effort to check out the state’s collection of natural wonders. Perhaps the most impressive of all is Angel Oak. Located on St. John’s Island, this breathtaking tree is believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the entire country. It stands 66 feet tall and the canopy alone shades 17,200 square feet. How incredible is that? Next up on the list of natural wonders in South Carolina is Congaree National Park. Attracting countless visitors each year, this impressive park is home to the largest intact expanse of old-growth hardwood forest in the U.S. Moreover, it also boasts some of the tallest trees in the southern U.S. If you’re someone with a fine appreciation for nature, this destination is a must. Looking for a gorgeous waterfall? Check out Raven Cliff Falls, a spectacular waterfall that drops nearly 400 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in the state. To get to Raven Cliff Falls, you’ll need to hike to get there. Trust us, though, it’s worth the effort! Some other natural wonders to experience in South Carolina include ACE Basin, Boneyard Beach, Carolina Bays, the Edisto River, 40-Acre Rock, Centennial Tree, Capers Island, Healing Springs, and the Sandhills. Learn more about each of these magical destinations when you check out our previous article: Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In South Carolina.
Address: 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920, USA
Address: Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA
Address: Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA
Address: Little Pee Dee State Park, 2400 Park Access Rd, Dillon, SC 29536, USA
Address: Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Address: 251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Address: Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Address: Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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