Stamp #17: Andrew Jackson State Park

On our way home from Kin's Mountain State Park, we stopped nearby at Andrew Jackson State Park. It's a small state park with 25 campsite with water and electric. There's a small lake and fishing pier. The focus of the park is the Andrew Jackson statue and historic school house. It's a rustic little state park with quaint shelters and restroom buildings.

Rating: ****
Entrance fee: $2
Restrooms: clean, rustic
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: office closed
Trails: short

Amenities: gift shop, playground, 2 shelters, amphitheatre, museum
Park Stamp: outside office

Stamp #16 Kings Mountain State Park

Kings Mountain State Park is an upstate park located right on the border of SC and NC. It is located next to the Kings Mountain National Military Park. The park features 115 campsites with water and electric., 10 tent sites with water, primitive group camping, 5 picnic shelters, 2 lakes, and 20 miles of hiking trails. The park is well-known for it's Living History Farm, an 1800s replica Piedmont farm.

Replica Farm

The campsites are spacious and wooded. But no campground can promise solitude from the noise of a Girl Scout troop on a daddy/daughter camping weekend. These Girl Scouts were tent camping right across from our campsite. They were largely unsupervised Friday night and all day Saturday. The noise from their campsite was unbearable and lasted way past "quiet time" 10pm. Since I'm a former Girl Scout leader and I fully support the Girl Scout program, I didn't complain to the camp host or ranger. I didn't get much sleep either since they were up and loud way before 6 am. These Girl Scouts apparently have not learned the main Girl Scout motto: "Leave a place better than you found it" as they left the bath house disgusting and they threw rocks at my daughter-in-law and grand daughter when they were int he shower. (To be fair, I think they thought it was a fellow Girl Scout, but they did not apologize when they realized it was not.)

Interpretive signs along the trail.

My hiking buddy.

400 stairs to the top!

Just a short drive from Kings Mountain is Crowder Mountain State Park in NC. The hike up the mountain was one of our most difficult hikes with it being nearly straight up. The view at the top was worth it.

Rocky top at Crowder's Mountain

Rating: ****
Entrance fee: $2
Restrooms: clean, except when a Girl Scout troop trashes it!
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: on duty
Trails: Ridgeline Trail connect 3 parks, 2 states

Amenities: Living History Farm, canoe/kayak launch, gift shop, playground, equestrian trails
Park Stamp: in gift shop. Ask attendant.

Stamp #15 Cheraw State Park

Trail Map

One Saturday in September we decided to "get stamped" at another SC State Park, so we drove to Cheraw State Park. Cheraw State Park is one of only two SC State Parks that offers golf. Cheraw Sate Park Gold Course is an 18-hole championship course that is a major feature of this state park. Unfortunately, this was one of the few features of this state park that we were able to enjoy on our visit. The main part of the state park, the visitor's center, picnic area, camping area and playground we all blocked off and closed to visitors. There was not notice at the gate or online, so we were disappointed that we had driven so far to visit this park, only to be turned away! We were only able to view the golf course, a small section of the lake, the nature trail and the cabins. There was no park ranger anywhere to be found to explain why the park was blocked off to visitors.

The only trail we had access to today.

View of the lake from the golf course.

One of the park cabins.

Rating: ***
Entrance fee: none
Restrooms: Only restroom available was on golf course and was broken, clogged, and nasty.
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: not available
Trails: nature trail

Amenities: 17 campsites, primitive camping area, 2 picnic shelters, boat ramp, playground, 
Park Stamp: not available (area closed)

Stamp #14: Santee State Park

Stamp #14: Santee State Park

Our camping adventures begin at Santee State Park! We bought a new-to-us camper and we plan to camp at as many of our remaining state parks left to visit in our quest to become "Ultimate Outsiders!"

Our first trip with the camper!

We booked campsite #90 which turned out to be a beautiful campsite right on the lake. We had a clear path that led to the rocky shores of the lake. We had a corner space with no neighbors on either side. We had neighbors across the road, but luckily we saw by their awning flag that they are Gamecock fans, so we knew they were good people!

It was our first time taking out our camper, so we purposely chose a place not to far from home. Santee is just two hours from our house. All things went well with our first tow and set up. I found out quickly later that night that the air conditioner cools well, but the beds don't sleep well. I had added a 1.5 inch foam pad to the thin mattress, but that will definitely not do for a good night's rest! The next morning I posted a query to the RV Newbies group I joined on Facebook. Members responded quickly with several suggestions from those who suffered the same misery that I suffered. I'll be purchasing a 6-inch memory foam mattress before our next camp out! On night #2, I slept on the camper couch which converts into a single bed. It was better than the slide out bed, but not perfect!

I used the camper toilet and shower which was tiny, but usable. The rest of the family used the park bath houses. They said the bath houses were clean.

Wildlife on Lake Marion

Alligators in the lake!

For most of the next day, we explored the park. The park is spread out, so it is necessary to drive around. Our campsite was in Lake Shore Campground which is several miles from the main area of the park. We drove over and I got "stamped" at the visitor's center. Then we walked over to the camp store and pier. I found a brochure for a pontoon boa  tour on Lake Marion. I booked us all a tour. The tour was informative about the dam and flooding of the river and surrounding area (which I found to be a sad story) and about the wildlife habitat on the lake. We saw one alligator which was enough to convince me to not swim in the lake today.

Fishing cabins on the pier

After the pontoon boat ride, we made our way back to the campsite. We wanted to check out the fishing cabins on the pier, but they were closed for remodeling. Also, the pier was blocked off for construction. As we passed the land cabins, lots of deer were foraging in the woods nearby. Also, we ran over a rattlesnake in the road on our way back to camp and that was enough to persuade me not to check out the wooded trail in the park. We grilled burgers and roasted marshmallows by the fire for dessert. It was a peaceful and relaxing evening.

Wildlife on Lake Marion

While we were in the Santee area, we checked out Alligator Alley, part of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. We drove the rural, 7-mile loop, but we didn't see even one alligator. We ran over another rattlesnake though. I was so glad we didn't hike the nature trail!

Wildlife in the park

Santee State Park is a beautiful state park. It's a great place for fishing, camping, and water activities.
Rating: *****
Entrance fee: $2
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: lakeside trail, nature trails, 

Amenities: 158 campsites in 2 campgrounds, primitive camping area, picnic shelters, gift shop, 10 pier cabins, 20 land cabins, fishing pier, boat ramps, playground, visitor center 
Park Stamp: in box to the left of visitor center door

Stamp # 13: Oconee State Park

On our way home from a weekend mountain waterfall hiking trip in NC, we passed by Oconee State Park. Of course, I had to check it out! Since we were visiting on a Sunday afternoon, we missed the 70-year-old Friday night tradition: Square dancing at the barn!

Oconee was bustling with visitors on this beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon. Most were swimming in the lake or jumping off the diving board at the dock. First, I got "stamped" just outside the camp store,  then we walked around the lake to check thing out. Oconee has many motor-less fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent so that campers and day users can enjoy the lake. After checking out the lake and picnic areas, we took a self-guided driving tour of the cabin and camping area. The lakeside cabins are nice, secluded, and cozy. We'd definitely like to come back and rent a cabin by the lake on a cool fall afternoon.

 The park consists of 1,165 acres, 19 cabins, group lodging barracks, 140 campsites with water and electric, 15 tent sites with water, primitive camping area, 4 picnic shelters, laundry, camp store, fishing pier, swimming area, playground, and more.

Rating: *****
Entrance fee: $5 each
Restrooms: clean, small stalls at camp store
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: Western trail head for the Foothills Trail

Park Stamp: box outside camp store

Stamp #12: Barnwell State Park

Barnwell State Park is about a 3-hour drive from my house and is located near the small town of Blackville, SC. This park can be found in one of the most rural areas of South Carolina. If you go, be sure to pack lunch and a cooler of drinks. There are very little options in this area.

Barnwell State Park is one of the smaller SC state parks with 307 acres. There are 5 cabins, 17 campsites with water and electric, 1 primitive group campsite, 4 picnic shelters, 3 small lakes, a fishing pier, a playground, and a hiking trail.




When we visited on a Sunday in the middle of July, the park was nearly deserted. The lake was full of algae. The boats and kayaks sitting near the lake also contained algae and seemed neglected. We walked a short trail to a fishing pond and passed by the cabins. Only a few of the cabins were occupied.

If you're looking for a rural place to fish, this is the state park for you. The park contains three small lakes that host a large population of crappie, bream, bass, and catfish. Otherwise, because of it's rural location, it's probably a state park the locals enjoy.

Nearby, outside the park, is God's Acre Healing Springs. This is a neat attraction that was full of visitors. Apparently, the land owner deeded the property to God for use by the people. The natural spring water has a reputation of having healing properties. Many people were visiting the spring to fill up numerous water containers. We chatted with a few locals while filling our water bottles, then headed home.

Rating: **
Entrance fee: none
Restrooms: clean, dated
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: nature trail around lake

Amenities: nature trail, camping, primitive camping area, picnic shelters, cabins, lake fishing pier 
Park Stamp: found at office window in box to left

Stamp#11: Huntington Beach State Park

Stamp #11

Next on our journey to becoming "Ultimate Outsiders" is a visit to Huntington Beach State Park. Since Huntington Beach State Park is just 42 miles from our home, we have visited this park many times. It is a great park to visit for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. It's also a great park for bike riding! The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway runs through the park near the front entrance. The park has many paved roads and trails that make it a great place to ride bikes.

Waccamaw Neck Bikeway at Huntington Beach

entrance to castle tour

Consisting of 2500 acres,  most of it swampland, Huntington Beach State Park is a great place for birding, nature trails, and wildlife viewing. Also, there are many campsites and beautiful beach accesses. The main feature of the park is the historic Atalaya Castle remains. For $3, visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the castle.

Alligator habitat along the trail

On this visit, we didn't see alligators as we walked the nature trails. Last year, however, we encountered a large alligator sprawled across the trail that runs through the swampy area in the park. 

Of course, one of the best features of the park are the many beach accesses to the Atlantic Ocean. Near the beach is an outdoor shower for washing sand off your feet and belongings, a bathhouse with restrooms and showers, and ample parking.

We wrapped up our visit with a driving tour through the camping area. We picked out or future camper and campsite. MT says he will buy us one soon! I'm looking forward to our future state park camping adventures!

Beach access

Rating: *****
Entrance fee: $5 each
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: marsh boardwalk, nature trails, miles of ocean beach

Amenities: nature trails, camping, primitive camping area, education center, picnic shelters, gift shop, castle remains 
Park Stamp: only found in gift shop



UPDATE: In September, 2018, we visited Huntington Beach State Park and camped. The campsites are beautiful, paved, and close to beach access. We'll definitely be back soon for more camping.

Our campsite

sunrise selfie

pink spoonbill

sunrise at Huntington Beach

Stamp: 10: Hunting Island State Park

Stamp# 10

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Hunting Island State Park is our second park visit today on Day 2 of our road trip in our journey to becoming #UltimateOutsiders by visiting all 47 SC state parks. Hunting Island is just across the estuary from Edisto Beach, but since there is no bridge across, and there's just one main road into Edisto and just one main road into Hunting Island, we had to drive back 40 miles NW out of Edisto and then 40 miles back SE into Hunting Island. The 1.5 hour drive was a nice rest from our nature trail & beach walk, and our snake encounter in Edisto!

We made it to the top!

Marty and I have visited Hunting Island Sate Park before, maybe 2 years ago. One of my favorite parts of this state park is the historic lighthouse. It was rebuilt in 1875 after the original lighthouse was destroyed during the Civil War. It was moved inland 1.3 miles in 1889 after severe beach erosion occurred. For an additional $3 fee, visitors can climb 175 steps to the observation deck for panoramic views of the beach and park. Be sure to bring plenty of water for this strenuous climb to the top of the lighthouse. But the views are worth it!

Beach erosion

Another favorite feature of this park is the 5 miles of beach along the Atlantic ocean.  A few campsites are available within view of the beach. At the time of our visit, bulldozers were busy with construction around those campsites and the oceanfront campground restroom was closed for repairs. Campers were on site, but it didn't seem to be a very peaceful place to camp today! Along a section of the beach between the lighthouse and campsites is a forest of trees damaged by beach erosion. The bleached, downed trees are a sad reminder of the harsh realities of hurricanes and other storms along the coastline.

We walked along the beach and enjoyed the beautiful, sunny weather, watched a family fly a kite and a man fishing in the ocean, and took a few pictures among the beached trees. It was a peaceful afternoon.

Hunting Island State Park is a beautiful park with lots to see and do. I'd love to camp here one day  (when I get a camper & after they finish construction!).

One of the beach accesses

Rating: *****
Entrance fee: $5 each
Restrooms: clean, oceanfront restroom in campground closed for repairs
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available
Trails: marsh boardwalk , nature trails, 5 miles of beach

Park stamp!

Amenities: camping, group camping area, education center, picnic shelters, Lighthouse, gift shop, playground, beach volleyball court 
Park Stamp: See park ranger in visitor's center (best stamp yet!)

Stamp #9: Edisto Beach Sate Park

Stamp #9!

After walking 15,190 steps through three state parks yesterday, we decided it was time for a break. We ate dinner at Paige's Okra Grill in Mount Pleasant, then checked into our room at the Fairfield Inn in North Charleston. The updated hotel was clean and reviews gave it a "superb" rating. We arrived just in time for the last 30 minutes of the manager's reception. We ordered drinks, but could not access any snacks since a large group of men were surrounding a nearby TV yelling at a televised card game. So we took our drinks to the couch, but it was situated in front of a large group of senior citizens who were awaiting the Villanova basketball game and were enthusiastically and loudly discussing their pick for the win. Wore out from our adventure that day, we decided to take our drinks to our quiet room so we could relax. Unfortunately, we were given a double room instead of the king we reserved. Both beds were hard and uncomfortable as sleeping on box spring mattresses would be. Sometimes, there's no rest for the weary! I won't be giving this place a "superb" rating!

Edisto Beach access

On day two of our road trip to becoming #UltimateOutsiders, we grabbed a Chick Fil A chicken biscuit after checking out of our room, and headed 46 miles south to the 4th state park on this trip: Edisto Beach State Park. Edisto Beach state park, made up of 1,255 acres, is divided into two sections. The wooded area on the salt marsh is where 7 cabins  are located. The oceanfront section of the park is 1.5 miles from the wooded section. This is where campers will enjoy the oceanfront and marsh view campsites along with a picnic area and beach access.  Edisto Beach seems to be a popular place to camp since all campsites were already booked when we planned our trip last month. (Hence the hotel stay!)

After getting stamped in the Ranger Station in the wooded section, we made our way to the  oceanfront section. We walked along the beach that borders Edisto Beach State Park, took a few selfies, then opted for a walk along a nature trail. Here, along the nature trail, is where we encountered our first snake of the season! It was a small green snake, but scary nonetheless as it slithered quickly by in front of us on the trail. I learned today that I'm on my own when it comes to snakes! Marty nearly jumped back six feet and let me continue on the path without warning! I almost stepped on the snake! 

We took a walk through the camping area and picked out our future campsite. I think I have Marty talked into buying us a small camper soon! The campground is lovely and peaceful and the bathhouses are clean and well-maintained. I definitely want to visit Edisto State Park again (with a new camper!)

Oceanfront picnic area

Rating: ****
Entrance fee: $5 each
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: friendly & available at ranger station & entrance gate
Trails: nature trails, beach access
Amenities: wooded & oceanfront camping, education center, picnic shelters, beach access, boat ramp, boating, playground, bath houses, gift shop, Bache Monument, ancient shell midden  
Park Stamp: Located on counter in coffee cup in ranger station in wooded park section. Also, another stamp is located in box on sign in oceanfront picnic area.