South Carolina Parks…
are some of the most inviting natural and recreational areas in the country. With over 80,000 acres of protected lands, South Carolina Parks range from forested, mountainous areas, to sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, to waterfalls, rivers, and historic sites. There are a total of 47 parks in SC, and each one has something special to offer.
Year Round Fun
Unlike many areas of the country with extreme weather, South Carolina’s temperate climate means its parks can be enjoyed year round. Whether your interest lies in tent or RV camping, boating, hiking, relaxing on the beach, mountain biking, kayaking, equestrian trails, exploring historic homes or battlegrounds…everyone can find something to tickle their fancy.
Civilian Conservation Corps History
The Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, was a voluntary public work relief program created during the Depression by President Franklin Roosevelt. The CCC’s mission was the conservation and development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state, and local governments. Did you know that 16 of South Carolina Parks, including the Aiken State Park, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps?
Park Passport
You may purchase an All Parks Passport for $99, valid for one year, which gains admission into all South Carolina Parks for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle. The All Parks Passport also comes with the following benefits:
- Free admission to regularly scheduled historic home tours at Redcliffe, Rose Hill and Hampton plantations (maximum four people per visit)
- Free admission to the historic lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park (maximum four people per visit)
- Free admission to the historic Atalaya castle at Huntington Beach State Park (maximum four people per visit)
- Free weekend admission to the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival held every September at Huntington Beach State Park (maximum four people)
Seniors, and active members of the SC National Guard may purchase an All Parks Passport for 1/2 price.
South Carolina Parks Website
Here’s the best news…in my experience, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has developed the most user friendly, informative, visually attractive website of any state park system in the country. This website is fabulous! Take it for a spin, and let me know what you think. Click here to visit the South Carolina Parks site.
Go Visit!
Take the time, pick a park and go visit. Go for a day, or set up camp and stay awhile. You’ll be glad you did. Leave a comment below and let us know which park is your favorite!
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