Enjoy the Parks of South Carolina with this list of the top 20 most popular State Parks in South Carolina. As well as the cost of entry to each park.
South Carolina State Parks
| State Park | Description | County | Cost of Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington Beach State Park | This park features a wide, sandy beach, salt marsh, and a freshwater lagoon. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing. | Georgetown | $8/adult |
| Myrtle Beach State Park | This park offers oceanfront camping, swimming, fishing, and a nature trail. It’s also home to the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier, a popular spot for fishing and sightseeing. | Horry | $8/adult |
| Hunting Island State Park | This barrier island park features a historic lighthouse, beach, saltwater lagoon, and maritime forest. Visitors can camp, hike, bike, fish, and watch for wildlife like alligators, dolphins, and sea turtles. | Beaufort | $8/adult |
| Lake Greenwood State Park | This park sits on the shores of Lake Greenwood, offering camping, boating, fishing, and hiking. There’s also a playground, picnic shelters, and a community building available for rent. | Greenwood | $6/adult |
| Devils Fork State Park | This mountain park features crystal-clear Lake Jocassee, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. | Oconee | $8/adult |
| Table Rock State Park | This park is home to the iconic Table Rock Mountain, as well as Pinnacle Mountain and numerous hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and swimming in Pinnacle Lake. | Pickens | $8/adult |
| Caesars Head State Park | This park is located on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including rock climbing and rappelling. | Greenville | $8/adult |
| Oconee State Park | This park sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can explore the park’s trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas. | Oconee | $8/adult |
| Sesquicentennial State Park | This park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s picnic shelters, playgrounds, and nature trails. | Richland | $6/adult |
| Paris Mountain State Park | This park is located in the Greenville area and features camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy swimming in the park’s lake, as well as picnicking and exploring the park’s trails. | Greenville | $8/adult |
| Edisto Beach State Park | This park sits on the coast of South Carolina and offers a variety of beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the park’s trails and camping facilities. | Colleton | $8/adult |
| Dreher Island State Park | This park is located on the shores of Lake Murray and offers camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s picnic shelters and playgrounds, as well as its marina and boat ramp. | Newberry | $6/adult |
| State Park | Description | County | Cost of Entry |
| Aiken State Park | This park features a 1,000-acre lake for fishing and boating, as well as campsites and hiking trails. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and birdwatching in the park’s natural setting. | Aiken | $5/adult |
| Cheraw State Park | This park offers golfing, camping, fishing, and hiking. Visitors can also explore the park’s lake and picnic areas, as well as its historic Civilian Conservation Corps structures. | Chesterfield | $5/adult |
| Goodale State Park | This park features picnic tables and fishing areas along the Saluda River. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. | Newberry | Free |
| Givhans Ferry State Park | This park offers camping, fishing, and hiking along the Edisto River. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic sites and enjoy picnicking in the park’s natural setting. | Dorchester | $5/adult |
| Colleton State Park | This park features campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating in the park’s lake. | Colleton | $5/adult |
| Barnwell State Park | This park features campsites, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating in the park’s lake. | Barnwell | $5/adult |
| Devils Fork State Park | This mountain park features crystal-clear Lake Jocassee, perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, camping, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. | Oconee | $8/adult |
| Keowee-Toxaway State Park | This park is located on the shores of Lake Keowee and offers camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s picnic shelters and playgrounds, as well as its boat ramp and rental facilities. | Pickens | $6/adult |
| Calhoun Falls State Park | This park features campsites, picnic areas, and a playground, as well as fishing and boating on Lake Russell. Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. | Abbeville | $5/adult |
| Landsford Canal State Park | This park is home to the historic Landsford Canal, which was used to transport goods on the Catawba River. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnicking in the park’s natural setting. | Chester | $5/adult |
| Musgrove Mill State Historic Site | This park is a Revolutionary War battlefield that features hiking trails and picnic areas. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic structures and learn about the role of the Battle of Musgrove Mill in the American Revolution. | Laurens | $2/adult |
| Hampton Plantation State Historic Site | This park is a former rice plantation that features hiking trails, picnic areas, and historic structures. Visitors can also learn about the history of the plantation and the people who lived and worked there. | Charleston | $5 |
South Carolina State Parks
Did you know State Parks can be good for your health?
Visiting a South Carolina state park can be a fun and healthy activity for you and your family for a few reasons that I want to share here.
Firstly, state parks offer opportunities to engage in physical activity, such as hiking, swimming, and biking. These activities can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce stress.
Secondly, state parks provide access to the wonders of nature and the great outdoors, which can have a positive impact on mental health. Being surrounded by greenery and natural landscapes can reduce stress levels, boost mood, and improve overall well-being.
In addition to the physical and mental health benefits, visiting a state park can also be a great way to spend quality time with family and friends. Whether you’re camping, picnicking, or exploring the park’s trails, spending time in nature can help strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. Spending even just an hour in natural environments has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. This is because being surrounded by nature can help promote relaxation and calmness, which can lead to reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Then if you combine that with walking, or hiking this increase in physical activity can help improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall well-being.
Overall, visiting a state park can be a fun and healthy activity that provides numerous benefits for both individuals and families. We hope you will take the time to visit South Carolina or enjoy your best life here!
