I’ve always said that libraries must be the most underutilized and under appreciated community resources. South Carolina State Parks have to be a very close second. I didn’t really learn much about these hidden gems until 2020 when the world was quarantined. Even though I grew up visiting a couple of nearby parks, I didn’t realize there was such a huge network of them, or that they were so affordable and enjoyable.
South Carolina State Parks have a great challenge for adventurous travelers. If you visit every single park, you can become an Ultimate Outsider! South Carolina currently has 47 state parks, with more under development. The Ultimate Outsider Challenge encourages you to stamp each park’s unique stamp into your park passport booklet, and turn it in for prizes & perks once it’s completed!
When I found out about this program, I thought it would be perfect for our family, and I was right! We have really enjoyed the parks we’ve visited so far, and the kids love getting our booklet stamped and then coming home and putting a new star on the state park map in our homeschool room.
The parks also have terrific programming throughout the year. Through the parks, we’ve participated in an archaeological talk, a virtual bat week program, scavenger hunts, and an awesome experience over the Christmas season called “Dashing through the Parks” which was a massive virtual scavenger hunt encouraging you to explore the parks in new and different ways.
SC State Parks We’ve Visited
At the time I’m writing (February 2023) We’ve visited 18 (+1**) parks out of the 47. I’ll be linking to each park we’ve explored over time, but you can click below to see the ones I’ve already shared below.
Charlestown Landing State Historic Site (2020)
Givhans Ferry State Park (2020)
Edisto Beach State Park (2020)
Huntington Beach State Park (2020)
Colonial Dorchester (2021)
Poinsett State Park (2021)
Dreher Island State Park (2022)
Chester State Park (2022)
Hampton Plantation (2022)
Barnwell State Park (2022)
Santee State Park (2022)
Colleton State Park (2022)
Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site (2022)
Myrtle Beach State Park (2022)
Hunting Island State Park (2022)
**SC Statehouse (2022)
Battle of Rivers Bridge Historic Site (2023)
Redcliffe Plantation (2023)
Little Pee Dee State Park (2023)
Lake Warren State Park (2023)
Paris Mountain State Park (2023)
Does your state have any special activities you’ve enjoyed through the state park system? I’d love to hear what they have to offer!
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