Located in the small town of Ridgeville on the Edisto River, Givhans Ferry State Park is one of the state’s best-hidden treasures. With a population of just over 1,500 people, Ridgeville is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area and only about 35 miles from Charleston. Many people traveling there on I-26 pass right by this beautiful state park in South Carolina without even realizing it.

Givhans Ferry State Park consists of 988 acres of glorious South Carolina lowcountry to explore. It's one of the least-visited South Carolina state parks, so it's likely to be less crowded than some of the others!

But make no mistake, being a less popular state park does not mean it's not worthy of a visit. It offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, especially for those who enjoy the water. There's a beach area for lounging by the Edisto River, which is the longest free-flowing, blackwater river in North America.

Also the only major river system completely contained within the state, it stretches for over 250 miles from its sources in Saluda and Edgefield counties to its Atlantic Ocean mouth at Edisto Beach. Many enjoy kayaking the River.

There's a 21-mile canoe trail that you can paddle between Givhans Ferry and Colleton State Parks. Plan for seven to nine hours paddling time if you want to complete the entire trail, depending on the current, as well as for transportation once you reach the other side!

Tubing is another popular activity on the River. Edisto River Adventures is the only tubing company offering a full-service tubing operation on the Edisto River, and it operates out of Riverfront Hall at the park on weekends from Memorial Day through September 12. For one price, you can get a commercial grade durable tube, a shuttle, and loads of fun.

Other activities to enjoy at the River are fishing and boating. There's a boat ramp just three miles from the park.

Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy the 1.5-mile River Bluff loop trail. It's considered a moderate hike with slopes, a canal crossover, several footbridges, gorgeous river views, and more.

Two picnic shelters are available at the Park. They can be reserved for special occasion gatherings or used on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved.

Stay overnight in one of four completely furnished, heated and air-conditioned cabins. They are located on a bluff overlooking the Edisto River and are supplied with bath and bed linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, a coffee maker, a microwave, and a television.

Each cabin also has a screened porch, so you can enjoy being outdoors during buggier times of the year.

You can also camp at Givhans Ferry State Park. There are 25 sites for RVs, many that can accommodate 40-foot RVs and others up to 30 feet.

There are also ten sites for tent camping, hike-in only, with water, 20 -amp electric, a grill, a fire ring, a picnic table, and a storage box for food and supplies. The site material is groomed beach sand ideal for tents.

Givhans Ferry State Park is one of the parks that has a defibrillator that was donated by Showa Denko Carbon. This could help save the life of a heart attack victim at the park since it's several miles from first responders. The goal is for all state parks to eventually have one.

No matter what time of year, Givhans Ferry State Park is a beauty ...

... and even though snow is very rare in this part of the state, you just never know!

See the Givhans Ferry State Park page on the South Carolina State Parks website for more information and to plan a visit.

Have you ever visited this state park in South Carolina? Did you stay overnight or just spend the day there? What was your favorite thing about this park?