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.