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It may come as a bit of a surprise but, in spite of the many beautiful hidden beaches in the Palmetto State, many South Carolinians would rather spend the day on the lake than with toes dug into the sand on the coast. And why not – when the state is home to so many marvelous lakes? And what better way to do that than by renting one of the many beautiful cabins in South Carolina near Lake Marion?

Lake Marion clocks in at 171 square miles with as many as 500 miles of shoreline. And it's no surprise how popular this spot is for those seeking some R&R.
Rain0975/Flickr
For those who desire the ultimate lakeside getaway, there's really no other place to sleep literally over the water than in one of the cute pier cabins at Santee State Park.
Gerry Brown/Google Local
This state park occupies 2,500 acres perched on the shore of Lake Marion. And with two campgrounds and a number of roundette cabins (both on the water and in wooded areas), it's the place to be if you want a front-row view of South Carolina's inland sea.
William B/TripAdvisor
As one of the fifty largest lakes in the country, Lake Marion is known as the inland sea.
Joanna Montes/Google Local

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Families and outdoor enthusiasts flock to this lakeside state park for a variety of activities found here, including fishing, two private boat ramps, a pier, camping, hiking on more than 10 miles of trails, and a park store that features a lakeside lounge with WiFi.
Damian Taylor/Google Local
The pier cabins are located right over the water and offer visitors 'round-the-clock views of the inland sea (a.k.a. Lake Marion). Imagine falling asleep after a stunning sunset and listening to the sounds of the lake right underneath your cabin.
Todd Jacobs/Google Local
Or... waking up and casting a line right outside your cabin's front door! Will you catch one of the record Large Mouth Bass for dinner? There's only one way to find out!
Bridgette R/TripAdvisor
The over-water pier cabins are available for rent year-round and have two bedrooms and one bath as well as a full kitchen. Linens, cooking and eating utensils, and television are among the amenities found in each cabin. (Note: in the summer, a reservation for a pier cabin requires a full week's stay.)
Chris Cheng/Google Local
Have you ever spent the night with a front-row view of South Carolina's inland sea? We'd love to hear all about it so feel free to join the discussion!
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Santee State Park is open for day-use visitors year-round. Anyone not staying overnight in a cabin or the campground is required to pay a small daily admission fee. Kids aged five and younger are free.

If you are looking for some unique places to stay in SC, those pier cabins at Santee State Park sure look interesting, don’t they? Find out more about the cabins and campgrounds at Santee State Park from the park’s official website.

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Unique places to stay in South Carolina

Chris Muras | October 31, 2022

How many vacation rentals are available around Santee State Park?

Weekend getaways in South Carolina don’t always have to be in beach-front condos. There are some really cool cabins, cottages, and camping to choose from. Depending on the size of your party, from cozy couples to large family reunions there are dozens of options to choose from. One of our favorite cottages is the Lake House at Santee, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, home that sleeps six. Stunning lake views with a fire pit make for a cozy spot to roast some marshmallows while witting under the stars and listing to the water lap the shore. Santee State Park and Lake Marion are nearby for plenty of outdoor fun.

Another wonderful home for rent is right on Lake Marion with panoramic views and a dock to enjoy some fishing or stunning South Carolina sunsets right off the back porch. This fantastic lakeside home has four bedrooms and sleeps up to ten people. The large patio allows you to fire up the grill and enjoy a family meal as the sun sets over the lake. There really isn’t a better way to relax than lakeside cabin living.

Can you swim in Lake Marion South Carolina?

While swimming is permitted in Lake Marion the State Parks website mentioned swimming is at your own risk. Pretty much all SC lakes have alligator populations so it pays to be careful. That being said there are a few swimming areas around the lake. Casperson Park by the west end of Lake Marion is a good beach, as is a little beach near the Cypress View Campground.

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251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC 29142, USA