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.

Stamp #8: Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Stamp #8: Colonial Dorchester

St. George's Anglican Church Bell Tower

Today has been a day full of history on our road trip to become #UltimateOutsiders. Just a 30 minute drive from our second stop, Charles Town Landing, is our third stop: Colonial Dorchester. This site is located near the Summerville area of Charleston, SC. It's a 325 acre historical site that features just a few remains of the town of Dorchester that existed before the Revolutionary War. What remains today are the walls of Fort Dorchester, made of an oyster shell "tabby", the brick bell tower of the St. George's Anglican Church, and the parish cemetery. An interpretive trail educates visitors about the colony. Reenactments are held periodically at the park.

Rating: **

Fort Dorchester cannon

Entrance fee: $2 each
Restrooms: not clean, plumbing construction underway
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: none available, ranger residence at entrance
Trails: short nature trail
Amenities: picnic shelter, interpretive trail, Ranger programs  
Park Stamp: Located in box on sign near parking area.

Stamp #7 Charles Towne Landing Sate Historic Site

Stamp #7 Charles Town Landing

Turtle greeting

Next on our Spring Break road trip on our journey to become #UltimateOutsiders is a visit to Charles Towne Landing Sate Historic Site. This park is just one hour from our first stop, Hampton Plantation, and is located in Charleston, SC. Charles Town Landing first opened as a State Park in 1970 and was rebuilt in 2006 to feature the historic side of the Carolina colony. Many interpretive signs on the self-guided trail describe life in 1670 when English settlers landed here and created the plantation system of the American South. The well-maintained park features an original settlement, cannons, archaeology exhibits, a Native American Ceremonial Site, an African-American cemetery, the Legare-Waring House, an animal forest, and much more.

camellias along the trail

After getting stamped in the visitor's center, we began a walking tour of the landing. We regretted not having our bikes on this trip since the paths are paved and wide enough for bike riding. Bike rentals are available in the visitor's center for $5 an hour. A few turtles sun bathing on a log in the pond greeted us as we began our self-guided walking tour.

We started with the history walking tour first. We walked through the original settlement to view cannons, common house, the stocks, "Adventure" ship, and more. The history trail passed the Avenue of Oaks (my favorite part) and led to the Legare-Waring House and Mrs. Waring's Garden. Along the trail we encountered an alligator sunning beside the pond! The history Trail led to the English Garden trail which circles the house. The Legare-Waring House is only open for wedding and special events. Azaleas and camellias were blooming in the garden.

Palisade Wall with cannons

Avenue of Oaks

Tour the "Adventure"

Alligator near the trail

The park features a nice picnic area and an animal forest trail that leads to the Animal Forest zoo. Also, a open-air, multi-passenger golf cart shuttle service is available throughout the park. The park is a must-see when visiting the Charleston area. It's kid-friendly and great for a beautiful walk through history. Don't forget to make a smash penny in the visitor's center!

Smash penny

Rating: ***** (best park so far!)
Entrance fee: $10 adults, $6 kids 6-15, free 5 years & younger
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available in visitor's center and throughout the park
Trails: History trail, animal forest trail, English garden trail, nature trail
Amenities: educational programs, picnic area, gift shop, Adventure ship to explore, animal zoo, English garden, Original English settlement, bike rental, & smash penny machine
Park Stamp: See park ranger in visitor's center.

Stamp #6: Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

Stamp #6

Hampton Plantation

It's Spring Break so we're taking a road trip to visit a few more state parks on our journey to become #UltimateOutsiders. Our first stop on this trip is Hampton Plantation State Historic Site. This site is located between Georgetown, SC and Charleston, SC near McClellanville. It's location is well-marked just off Hwy 17. This historic site consists of 274 acres of what remains of a Colonial-era rice plantation. Interpretive signs educate visitors about slavery and the freed people who helped build the plantation. The park rangers schedule plantation house tours a few times per day for a small fee. The next tour was not until a few hours later. We had a road trip to get back to so we opted out of the tour.

Short boardwalk over creek

A short nature trail leads to the remaining rice fields and loops back to the plantation house. The main features of the trail is interpretive signs describing life on the plantation, a short boardwalk over a creek, and ancient live oak trees on the property.

Camellia blooms in garden

A garden of azalea bushes, dogwood trees, and camellias sits behind the Plantation house. Several paths weave through an impressive amount of flowering trees and bushes, however, the brick-lined path is not well-maintained and the bushes seemed overgrown. We missed the peak blooms, but there were still a few flowers to enjoy. A little loving care and maintenance would surely bring this garden back to it's former glory. One of the garden paths leads down to the creek that runs through the property. There are benches to enjoy the scenery and peacefulness of the area.                                       
A massive oak stands tall in front of the plantation house. A plaque placed by DAR names the oak the George Washington Oak. According to the plaque, Washington visited the plantation in 1791 and "saved" this oak tree. That makes this oak more than 227 years old. I'm so glad Washington saved the tree. I love big oaks and I cannot lie!

Washington Oak

             
Rating: **
Entrance fee: none
Restrooms: clean
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: available in shop
Trails: small boardwalk, short nature trail
Amenities: gift shop, interpretive education, plantation house tours, garden, creek access  
Park Stamp: Located in box on sign near restroom

Stamp #5: Lee State Park

After leaving Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, about half-way down I 20 to our home, near Bishopville, SC, we spotted an exit sign for Lee Sate Park, so we took the exit. Just about a mile from the exit, through a rural, run down area, is the entrance to Lee State Park. At 6 pm, the gate was open so we drove in. We circled the loop road and found the park office closed and restrooms open. We walked the boardwalk through the swamp, but saw no alligators there today. The boardwalk came to a dead end with a nice sitting area with benches for relaxing (as much as one can relax in the middle of the alligator and mosquito habitat). After our walk on the boardwalk, we took a quick drive through the park and campground. We were searching for artesian wells that were built in the 1930's, but after consulting the park map, it appears we would need to walk the nature trails to find the wells. Since it was getting late, we decided to save that for another time. The park was deserted at the time of our visit with just a few campers scattered in the campground.

Rating: **
Entrance fee: donations accepted
Restrooms: clean, dated
Parking: plentiful
Rangers: none available
Trails: boardwalk, nature trails
Amenities: camping, group camping area, education center, picnic shelters, access to Lynches River, kayaking, gift shop, equestrian stable & trails, artesian wells  
Park Stamp: Located in box near water fountain just outside park office/gift shop.