There’s no doubt about the calming and relaxing effects garnered from spending the day out of doors when the weather in South Carolina is refreshing and absolutely gorgeous. And there’s no better time than the present to get outside and play, right? With the parks outlined below, you can, for the most part, skip the crowds and settle in for a peaceful journey. Enjoy!
- Congaree National Park - Hopkins
Google Maps/Doug Jefferson The country’s least visited national park sits right here in South Carolina. As tourists flock to the Palmetto State for other outdoor interests, our national park remains almost completely under the radar, but no less magical. Explore via the many trails including a boardwalk, or hop in a kayak or canoe and see the wonder by way of the water. Learn more in this previous article.
- Shark Wake Park - North Myrtle Beach
Facebook/Shark Wake Park This inflatable, floating water park is just what you need for a hot and steamy day in South Carolina. It’s open seasonally, of course, with a new season about to begin. Learn more about it, right here.
- Jones Gap State Park - Slater-Marietta
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu This underrated park in the Upstate is wedged down into a narrow gorge between mountains. Here, visitors can hike, camp, picnic, and fish. It’s also home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. Learn more about it here.
- Ninety-Six National Historic Site - Ninety Six
TripAdvisor/Jennifer D This park preserves the site of the first land battle of the American Revolution. Visit Star Fort and walk down the original colonial road (Old Island Fort Road) that passes through the park. There are also a number of events here throughout the year. Learn more about it and the seven other National Park units found scattered throughout South Carolina in this previous article.
- Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images Greenville was recently named the friendliest city in America by Conde Naste and it’s easy to see why residents are so friendly when you consider that sitting right out in the open in downtown is this fantastic park with a river-wide waterfall at the center and a famously arched bridge that serves as a viewing platform. If you’ve yet to make it to this underrated park, then get in your car and get moving. Learn more about it right over here.
- Kings Mountain National Military Park - Blacksburg
Facebook/Kings Mountain National Military Park Walk in the footsteps of American Revolution soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolution. You’ll also stumble across obvious evidence (in the form of rocks) of the area’s ancient volcano arc. Read all about that here.
- Canal and Riverfront Park - Columbia
TripAdvisor/anamiranda sanchez2016 The Broad River and the Saluda River converge here to form the Congaree River. This 167-acre park showcases the old power plant that still remains on site, but is no longer in use. It also has miles and miles of walking, running, and cycling trails. Learn more about it here.
- Dreher Island State Park - Prosperity
Google Maps/Ben Childers Located on islands in Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park doles out plenty of ways to enjoy the days both in and by the lake. The park is comprised of three islands that boast five lakeside cabins for rent and 97 campsites. Come for the day or stay longer, it’s up to you! Learn more about it, right here.
- Myrtle Beach State Park - Myrtle Beach
TripAdvisor/Svetlana2612 The oldest state park in South Carolina is also home to the oldest campground in the state. Both are located right on the beach and are worthy of a visit. If you don’t like the crowds, though, you’ll want to make sure you time your trip for the off-season. Read more about it here.
Have you been to any of these underrated parks in South Carolina? Which are your favorites?
Google Maps/Doug Jefferson
The country’s least visited national park sits right here in South Carolina. As tourists flock to the Palmetto State for other outdoor interests, our national park remains almost completely under the radar, but no less magical. Explore via the many trails including a boardwalk, or hop in a kayak or canoe and see the wonder by way of the water. Learn more in this previous article.
Facebook/Shark Wake Park
This inflatable, floating water park is just what you need for a hot and steamy day in South Carolina. It’s open seasonally, of course, with a new season about to begin. Learn more about it, right here.
TripAdvisor/jmpncsu
This underrated park in the Upstate is wedged down into a narrow gorge between mountains. Here, visitors can hike, camp, picnic, and fish. It’s also home to one of the tallest waterfalls in the state. Learn more about it here.
TripAdvisor/Jennifer D
This park preserves the site of the first land battle of the American Revolution. Visit Star Fort and walk down the original colonial road (Old Island Fort Road) that passes through the park. There are also a number of events here throughout the year. Learn more about it and the seven other National Park units found scattered throughout South Carolina in this previous article.
digidreamgrafix / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Greenville was recently named the friendliest city in America by Conde Naste and it’s easy to see why residents are so friendly when you consider that sitting right out in the open in downtown is this fantastic park with a river-wide waterfall at the center and a famously arched bridge that serves as a viewing platform. If you’ve yet to make it to this underrated park, then get in your car and get moving. Learn more about it right over here.
Facebook/Kings Mountain National Military Park
Walk in the footsteps of American Revolution soldiers who fought in the Battle of Kings Mountain during the Revolution. You’ll also stumble across obvious evidence (in the form of rocks) of the area’s ancient volcano arc. Read all about that here.
TripAdvisor/anamiranda sanchez2016
The Broad River and the Saluda River converge here to form the Congaree River. This 167-acre park showcases the old power plant that still remains on site, but is no longer in use. It also has miles and miles of walking, running, and cycling trails. Learn more about it here.
Google Maps/Ben Childers
Located on islands in Lake Murray, Dreher Island State Park doles out plenty of ways to enjoy the days both in and by the lake. The park is comprised of three islands that boast five lakeside cabins for rent and 97 campsites. Come for the day or stay longer, it’s up to you! Learn more about it, right here.
TripAdvisor/Svetlana2612
The oldest state park in South Carolina is also home to the oldest campground in the state. Both are located right on the beach and are worthy of a visit. If you don’t like the crowds, though, you’ll want to make sure you time your trip for the off-season. Read more about it here.
For one more fun, must-visit park: A Waterfall Lover’s Dream, The Cedar Falls Hike In South Carolina Passes Cascade After Cascade!
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Address: Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USAAddress: Shark Wake Park 843, 150 Citizens Cir, Little River, SC 29566, USAAddress: Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USAAddress: Ninety Six National Historic Site, 1103 SC-248, Ninety Six, SC 29666, USAAddress: Falls Park on the Reedy, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USAAddress: Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Rd, Blacksburg, SC 29702, USAAddress: 312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201, USAAddress: 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, USAAddress: Myrtle Beach State Park, 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, USA
