🌤 Weather at Poinsett State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43–83 °F | 67–91 °F | 43–86 °F | 35–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Wedgefield, 7 mi away, elevation 250 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Poinsett State Park is a public state park in South Carolina near Wedgefield in Sumter County. Spanning 1,010 acres and established in 1936, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | South Carolina |
| Nearest City | Wedgefield |
| County | Sumter |
| Park Size | 1,010 acres |
| Established | 1936 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Poinsett State Park is located near Wedgefield, South Carolina. The park’s coordinates are 33.8066, -80.5394.
Things to Do
Poinsett sits on the High Hills of Santee, a sand ridge that lifts out of the Sumter County flatwoods — and that unlikely bit of elevation is what makes the park worth the drive. Mountain laurel, which normally belongs to the Upstate, grows here beneath Spanish moss, which normally belongs to the coast. On the Coquina Trail you can see both in a single frame.
Trails
The park keeps 25.6 miles of trail open for hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Start with the Coquina Trail, a 1.4-mile loop that circles Levi Mill Lake past the coquina boardwalk and the ruins of a pre-Revolutionary grist mill. Longer routes link into the Palmetto Trail, which carries on through the surrounding Manchester State Forest.
On the Water
Levi Mill Lake covers 10 acres and is open for fishing, swimming and paddling. The park rents 8 kayaks, 5 stand-up paddleboards, 3 canoes, 1 pedal boat and 1 jon boat — worth a call ahead on a summer weekend, because that is the entire fleet.
Camping and Cabins
There are 50 campsites in wooded ground above the lake, 24 with power and 26 without. Five rustic CCC cabins are also available to rent and come furnished with everything but the food.
Built by the CCC, and Still Standing
Poinsett is one of 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Around 200 men working out of three camps began construction in 1934, quarrying coquina — a soft stone of compressed shell and sand — for the bathhouse and the boardwalk you still walk across today. The CCC-built core of the park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
Planning Your Visit
| Hours | 9 a.m. to dark, year-round |
| Park office | 11 a.m.–noon and 4–5 p.m. |
| Admission | $3 adults · $1.50 SC seniors · $1 ages 6–15 · free age 5 and under |
| Staying over | 50 campsites (24 with power) · 5 rustic CCC cabins |
Hours, fees and facility counts verified against southcarolinaparks.com/poinsett on August 5, 2026. Fees change — confirm before you travel.
Explore More South Carolina State Parks
Poinsett State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Poinsett SP — at the ecological crossroads where the Sandhills meet the Coastal Plain — creating an unusually diverse plant community. Named for Joel Poinsett (who introduced the poinsettia plant to America). The park’s cypress swamp, sandhills, and hardwood forest support wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and barred owls. CCC-built structures from the 1930s remain.
Nearby Attractions
Wedgefield — adjacent. Manchester State Forest — surrounding. Sumter — 15 miles east.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Exploring Poinsett State Park: The Mountain of the Midlands (a short drive away) or Santee State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Poinsett State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 50 sites — 50 campsites in a wooded setting: 24 with power, 26 without power. RV length limits not stated. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 5 rustic CCC-built (1930s) cabins: 2 one-bedroom sleep up to 4, 2 one-bedroom sleep up to 2, 1 two-bedroom sleeps up to 7. Furnished, heated, A/C, bath/bed linens, cooking/eating utensils, coffee maker, fireplace (firewood sold separately). |
| Pets | Pets not allowed in cabins or cabin areas. Allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than 6 ft; park may remove noisy/dangerous/wildlife-threatening pets. |
| Reservations | reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/poinsett; phone 803-494-8177; reservations less than 3 days out must be made directly with the park. |
| Special sites | Water recreation rentals: 5 stand-up paddleboards, 8 kayaks, 1 jon boat, 3 canoes, 1 pedal boat. Group/equestrian/primitive camping not stated. |
Camping questions about Poinsett State Park
Can you camp at Poinsett State Park?
Yes. Poinsett State Park has 50 campsites. 50 campsites in a wooded setting: 24 with power, 26 without power. RV length limits not stated.
How do you reserve a campsite at Poinsett State Park?
reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/poinsett; phone 803-494-8177; reservations less than 3 days out must be made directly with the park.
Are there cabins at Poinsett State Park?
5 rustic CCC-built (1930s) cabins: 2 one-bedroom sleep up to 4, 2 one-bedroom sleep up to 2, 1 two-bedroom sleeps up to 7. Furnished, heated, A/C, bath/bed linens, cooking/eating utensils, coffee maker, fireplace (firewood sold separately).
Are pets allowed at the Poinsett State Park campground?
Pets not allowed in cabins or cabin areas. Allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than 6 ft; park may remove noisy/dangerous/wildlife-threatening pets.
Source: southcarolinaparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Poinsett State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of South Carolina state parks provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than six feet (or other physical restraint) required at all times
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities except in designated pet-friendly units at eight parks (Barnwell, Devils Fork, Dreher Island, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell, Oconee, Santee, Table Rock); up to two pets under 75 pounds each; additional charge applies
- Pet fees statewide rule
- Additional charge for pet-friendly cabins/villas; no fee for day use
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Park staff may require removal of noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten wildlife
Are dogs allowed at Poinsett State Park?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of South Carolina state parks provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via southcarolinaparks.com. More: South Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Poinsett State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
