National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Aiken State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
Four spring-fed lakes and the meandering South Edisto River make Aiken State Natural Area a popular destination. The park is a combination of a river swamp, bottomland hardwood forest and dry sandhill pine forest the latter provides evidence of an era when the sea reached this far inland.
Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 1,067-acre park has a variety of animal and plant life, making it an excellent location for nature study and birding. The park also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoeing the Edisto River, fishing in one of the park lakes, picnicking, camping and hiking trails.
Camping
Each site is packed sand and has individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers. There are 25 sites with electricity and water, these sites can be rented for $1223/site/night.
Primitive Group CampingThe primitive group camping area is available for organized groups. (An organized group is defined as ?a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials?.) Located along the bank of the South Fork of the Edisto River, the area includes picnic tables, fire rings and a privy. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly.Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50 which allows up to ten campers. The rate increases by $5-$6.50 increments for each additional five campers.
Discounted rates are available for seasons of lower demand.
To make a camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.
Reservations requested less than three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
Picnicking
Three picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $25-32/day. If shelters are not reserved, guests may use shelters on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.
To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.
Boating
Private boats are not allowed on the park lakes, however private boats are allowed on the Edisto River at a drop-off area.
Canoe Rentals Canoes are available to rent for $12/day which provides visitors the opportunity to paddle a 1.7 mile portion of the South Fork Edisto River.
Boat Rentals Non motorized fishing boats provide access to the park lake and rent for $12/day.
History of the Area
Aiken State Natural Area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.
The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina?s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930s are still in use at this park.
More Info
Aiken State Park The South Edisto River flows a winding course through Aiken State Park. The size of the river here brings up the question "When is a river a river and not a creek?" However, the
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Aiken State Park