The Best State Parks in South Carolina

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South Carolina is more than just a state brimming with rich history, beautiful cities, and great food. South Carolina also has some of the most beautiful nature and natural beauty that our country has to offer. With nearly 50 state parks to choose from, we put together a list of our top five South Carolina state parks that you need to explore!

Hunting Island State Park
Starting off our list in the Lowcountry, we have Hunting Island State Park. Located in Beaufort, this beautiful state park is one of nature’s finest with over five miles of beaches and unique wildlife that spans thousands of acres of maritime forests and marshes. The Huntington Island Lighthouse is the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina. Visitors can climb up 130 feet in the air to catch breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the entire park. There is plenty of campground space to stay for a while because you will not want to cut your visit short at this beautiful South Carolina state park.

Dreher Island State Park
Moving up to the Midlands, Dreher Island State Park takes up three islands and nearly 350 acres, spanning twelve miles of the Lake Murray coast. When you are not soaking up the sun on the lake, scenic trails will guide you through the park to show you all it has to offer. This state park is known for its excellent fishing spots that are home to many major national fishing tournaments.

Cheraw State Park
Another state park located on the beautiful lakes of the Midlands is Cheraw State Park. Visitors can explore the cypress wetlands of Lake Juniper and walk along the boardwalk to take in the natural wonders and wildlife around. The most notable part of this South Carolina state park is the Cheraw State Park Golf Course. As golfers enjoy a relaxing game, they can explore the piney woodlands that have made this area one of the most scenic parts of our state.

Table Rock State Park
Finally rising to the mountains of the Upstate, Table Rock State Park exists because of the mountain, Table Rock, near the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Table Rock is a hikers dream, giving visitors access to over 80 miles of trails that wind through streams and waterfalls. Take the hike up to the top of Table Rock State Park and get the chance to look out over the Blue Ridge Mountains in all their glory.

Caesars Head State Park
Another South Carolina state park set in the greatness of the Blue Ridge Mountains is Caesars Head State Park. Closing our list strong, Caesars Head has countless breathtaking sights. With over 60 miles of hiking trails in this park alone, you can find natural wonders like 420-foot tall Raven Cliff Falls. On a clear day, from the top of Caesars Head, you can see all of Greenville, and beyond that into Georgia and North Carolina. During the peak season of this park, autumn visitors can marvel at thousands of hawks migrating south, passing right through Caesars Head. It’s no surprise that this is one of our favorite South Carolina state parks!

It’s time to start taking advantage of the beauty right in our own backyard! To explore even more state parks, view a map of all of them here! And visit our website to see the endless adventures South Carolina has for you!