The Park Less Traveled


Since the South Carolina State Parks have reopened on May 1, the parks have a limited number of visitors they can have there at one time. So far, each weekend, about 10 or more parks reach their capacity by noon. I've been keeping an eye on the parks to see which ones are the most popular and fill up the fastest. I thought I would share with you some of the fun but lesser known parks. Just be sure to check the state park facebook page to see the latest announcements.

First, though, I should tell you the parks that are busiest and have the most restrictions. Edisto Beach State Park is only open to campers and those staying overnight (until May 11). No day visitors. Jones Gap State Park has a lot of restrictions on visitors. On the weekends, you have to purchase a parking pass before arriving. Other popular parks that are filling up on the weekends before noon: Paris Mountain, Caesars Head, Keowee-Toxaway, Table Rock, Kings Mountain, Landsford Canal, and Musgrove Mill. Basically, your most popular state parks are filling up fast. Especially those in the mountains or with recreational lake access. I have also seen that Sesquicentennial and Poinsett State Parks have filled up some days.


Surprisingly, Lake Wateree, Lake Greenwood, and Dreher Island State Parks have not reached capacity on the weekends, that I have heard of. They're larger parks so they probably have a higher capacity they can allow in.
Other parks that I would recommend:

  • Savannah River Parks - There are many parks along the Savannah River that would give visitors options to visit. Some have trails, all have water access. You can reach most of them in a couple of hours from Columbia. 
  • Chester State Park - Close to Columbia, a larger park with a large lake for fishing and boating. Also has a trail to explore. 
  • Cheraw State Park - A further drive from Columbia but it is a large park with lots to explore. We enjoyed our visit there and seeing the towns in the area. There are trails, a lake for boating, and golf. 
  • Plantations - We recently visited Redcliffe Plantation because it has a beautiful magnolia lined drive. They said the magnolias should be at their best blooming in the next couple weeks. There's also a nice loop trail on the property. Other plantations are less visited, like Rose Hill and Hampton. 
  • Charles Towne Landing and Colonial Dorchester - I haven't seen that either of these have filled up on the weekends. Charles Towne Landing is celebrating 350 years since the settling of Charles Towne. Both are beautiful areas on the marsh and river. 
  • Oconee - Oconee State Park and Oconee Station Historic Site. There is a section of the Palmetto Trail that goes from one park to the other. I haven't seen either announced to be full. Though I think either could fill up. Oconee Station is small, but there is parking near by that is not part of the park, I believe. Both are worth checking out, especially when all the other mountain parks are filled up. 
I hope this helps! Weekends seem to be the only time the parks are announcing filling up so if you can go during the week, that has the best chances of being open. Also, be sure to go online to purchase your pass or pay in advance to keep everyone safe. I'm sure restrictions will ease up in the next few weeks but if you are trying to avoid people and crowds, check out these parks and the other parks. Our state has 47 of them! 
Location: South Carolina, USA

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