Santee State Park - Santee, SC - Park with Lake Access and Many Activities

Located in the Sandhills of South Carolina, Santee State Park is on the western edge of Lake Marion. Santee State Park is now part of the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT). Orangeburg County donated the park's lands to the PRT in 1942. The park is 2500 acres and is located at 251 State Park Road in Santee, South Carolina.

Admission to the park is $2 for anyone 16+ years old. For South Carolina seniors, admission is $1.25. Admission is free for children 15 and under. The park's regular hours of operation are 6:00am-10:00pm daily. The park's regular office hours are 8:00am-5:00pm daily. The park has a tackle shop that sells bait, tackle, camping supplies, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and limited groceries.

Fishing is permitted on Lake Marion with a valid South Carolina fishing license. Lake Marion consists of roughly 110,000 acres, although only a portion of the lake falls within the park. As Lake Marion is home to striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, those fishing on the lake can catch a variety of fish. A handicap accessible fishing pier is located next to the park's tackle shop.

Boating is also permitted on the lake, and there are two boat ramps that provide lake access for private boats. Lake Marion features a nature-based boat tour. The boat tour is typically available on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The tour departs from the tackle shop at the park, and group rates are available. Anyone interested in obtaining more information about the boat tour can call Fish Eagle Tours at 803-854-4005.

The park offers visitors access to three nature trails and one hiking/biking trail. The nature trails are Limestone Nature Trail, Oak Pinolly Nature Trail, and Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail. The Limestone and Oak Pinolly trails are both about one mile long, and the Sinkhole is approximately a half-mile. Roughly 7.5 miles long, the hiking/biking trail passes through a forest that is draped with Spanish moss. The lake can be seen in several places, and the trail is mostly level.

The park contains a playground, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a meeting facility. Visitors can also swim in the lake. In addition, the park has joined up with Santee Cooper Golf to offer visitors golfing opportunities at golf courses in the area.

The park has six picnic shelters that are available for group activities. Shelters can be reserved for $35-$44 per day by calling 866-345-PARK. If the picnic shelter is not reserved, visitors may use the shelter on a first-come, first-served basis free of charge.

Tent and RV camping are available. Cypress View Campground is located on the west side of the park and features 50 campsites. Lakeshore Campground is home to 108 campsites and is located on the park's eastern side. There is also a group camping area available that can accommodate up to 100 people. Camping rates vary based on the amenities offered at the campsite selected. The park also features cabin rentals. Cabins have two bedrooms and come in different sizes. Cabin rental rates range from $80 to $120.