South Carolina is home to seven fabulous parks including one National Park, National Historic Sites, National Military Parks, and more. The parks preserve sites that are important to American history and spectacular scenery.
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National Parks in South Carolina
Charles Pickney National Historic Site
Charles Pickney National Historic Site is located about 6 miles northeast of Charleston, South Carolina. The park preserves Snee Farm, one of the plantation properties belonging to Pickney.
Pickney was born into a well-off South Carolinian family. He fought in the Revolutionary War and was captured by the British. Pickney went on to achieve great success and was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Amenities: Ranger-led programs, Historical Buildings, Nature Trail
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
National Park Website for Charles Pickeny NHS
Congaree National Park is located near the city of Columbia. It protects the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. It is also home to some of the largest trees on the east coast and synchronous fireflies.
We suggest strolling around on the boardwalk the hovers above the floodplain. You won’t be disappointed!
Amenities: Hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, Ranger-led programs
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
National Park Website for Congaree National Park
Cowpens National Battlefield
South Carolina had more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than any other American Colony. The Battle of Cowpens was fought in 1781 and lasted only an hour- but historians say that it completely changed the course of the war. The Patriots kicked some serious ass and had a huge confidence boost. This victory led to the British surrender in Yorktown.
Cowpens National Battlefield is located about 15 miles northeast of Spartanburg. The park has a 3.8-mile auto tour and a 1.2-mile battlefield trail.
Amenities: Museum Exhibits, Battlefield Trail, Auto Tour
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341
National Park Website for Cowpens National Battlefield
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park
Both Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie are located near Charleston. During the 19th century, Charleston was an extremely wealthy city. Cotton, rice, and other crops came in and out of its port.
When Abraham Lincoln was elected president and threatened to end slavery, South Carolina pulled out of the Union.
Union Major Robert Anderson moved his troops from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter. Confederate forces demanded them to surrender, but Anderson would not back down- despite his lack of supplies and troops.
As a Union supply boat approached Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, Confederate troops opened fire. This marked the beginning of the deadly Civil War.
Today, a ferry will whisk you over to Fort Sumter where you can explore the Civil War-Era fort.
Amenities: Nature Walks, Historic Forts
Entrance Fee: $10 per adult
Address:
Fort Moultrie, 1214 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC
Fort Sumter Visitor Center Address: 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Thomas Jefferson once said that the victory of Kings Mountain was “the turn of the tide of success.” In October of 1780, the Patriots defeated the Loyalists.
This was one of the first big wins that led to the Patriot’s victory of the British forces during the Revolutionary War.
Amenities: Hiking
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 2300 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC 29702
National Park Website for Kings Mountain National Military Park
Ninety Six National Historic Site
Before it became the site of a Revolutionary War battle, Ninety Six was once a thriving trading post. It became a stronghold for Loyalists, who constructed a fort here.
The first land battle outside New England occurred here when the Patriots attacked the fort. After 28 days of engagement, the forces retreated.
Amenities: Fishing, Hiking, Monuments
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 1103 Hwy 248, Ninety Six, SC 29666
National Park Website for Ninety Six National Historic Site
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
As one of the newer National Historic Sites, this is a park in progress. The 1860s- 1898 are considered the Reconstruction Era. During this time, the United States was navigating how to integrate millions of freed slaves. How would that look like in an educational setting? In the political arena? Etc.?
Amenities: Museum
Entrance Fee: Free
Address: 706 Craven Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
National Park Website for Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Check Out National Parks in Nearby States
What Should I Take With Me?
When you’re hiking, please remember to leave no trace! This means to pack out everything that you pack in and if you see trash, pick it up.
Backpack– to store all of your belongings
Dry Bag– to keep your electronics and wallet safe, in case of rain (or kayaking)
Trail GPS– the Garmin Oregon handled GPS works offline. You can view maps, waypoints, tracks, and trails even if you don’t have a signal.
First-Aid Kit– this ultralight, watertight medical kit is a must if you’re hitting the trails!
Sunscreen- yes, you can get sunburned in the forest.
Insect Repellant
Water Bottle– Always pack more water than you think you’ll need!
Snacks
Hammock– I honestly pack a hammock on most hiking trips. Psh, I even bring them along with me when we go on cruises. There are plenty of spots in the forest to put up a hammock and chill out for a bit.
If you’re traveling with your pup, like we often do, be sure to bring along their leash, poop bags, a water dish (this one is collapsible), extra water, food, and snacks.
How to Visit the Parks for Free
Although some National Park sites are free, some of them require a fee to enter. This fee ranges from $5 per vehicle to $35 per vehicle whereas some charge up to $20 a person.
The National Parks offer Free National Park Days where you can access the park for free! Learn more about these days.
If you have a fourth-grader, you can get an annual pass that grants you access to all of the parks for free! Every year, starting on September 1st, all fourth-grade students are eligible for an Every Kid Outdoors Pass. The pass grants free access to the entire family! Fill out the form at www.everykidoutdoors.gov
Other National Park Resources
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