Located on the western edge of Lake Marion, and roughly halfway between the cities of Charleston and Columbia, Santee State Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor escapes in South Carolina and the American Southeast. Whether you are into hiking, fishing, swimming, or canoeing, this park is an excellent choice for a weekend trip.
5 Tips for Visiting Santee State Park
1. Reserve in Advance
While preparing your visit to any South Carolina State Park, it is always advised to reserve your camping area or lodging facilities in advance. It is possible to make reservations up to 13 months in advance, and these can be made either online or by calling the park’s administration directly. Although reservations are not required for day visitors, it is also possible to book picnic and shelter areas in advance.
2. Bring Comfortable Shoes and Prepare to Hike
With three walking trails and hiking areas, this state park is perfect for those who want to exercise during their visit. With a combined length of more than 10 miles, these trails offer endless opportunities not only to enjoy the fresh air but also to see some of the area’s wildlife. Scattered throughout the park are alligators, white-tail deer, foxes, woodpeckers, and more.
3. Bring Your Smartphone or GPS Device
Geocaching is one of the most popular activities in most South Carolina state parks. The Santee park is part of the Sandhills region, where several caches lead to the “secret” one. Those who manage to find the “secret” cache at Santee can win great prizes, which include free nights in the park’s cabins or campsites.
4. Stay at One of the Park’s Unique Rondette Cabins
If you are not planning to camp during your visit to the Santee park, booking one of the area’s unique rondette cabins is a great idea. Ten of these indoor lodging facilities sit directly on piers over the lake, while twenty more are spread along the lakeshore. Whether you are traveling with friends or family, these cabins are perfect to rest and unwind after a busy day of exploring.
5. Bring Your Camera and Capture the Magic
Especially if you are visiting during the fall, the Santee park is one of the best places to admire the stunning foliage season in South Carolina. Do not forget to bring your camera and some extra batteries, as the photogenic scenes come one after the other when you start exploring Santee’s hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
For those in need of a natural escape from the city life within driving distance of both Columbia and Charleston, the park is an excellent choice. Especially while visiting areas outside the beaten path, it is always good to have a reliable car. If you are looking for a new quality vehicle, visit Superior Kia in Orangeburg and ask for a hands
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