waterfall in a state park near clemson south carolinaFor a state known for its subtropical beaches, it’s no wonder its state parks are so alluring. Every state park in South Carolina represents the state’s inherent love for healthy trees and lush grass.

There are several state parks in South Carolina, but the ones near Clemson offer a unique experience. You can immerse yourself in nature’s beauty and relax your worries away on the awe-inspiring shorefronts of these state parks.

In this article, you will find the list of the most amazing state parks near Clemson. Forget the whirlwind of the city and take a break to any of these captivating state parks because, after one visit, these state parks will be on your vacation spot list forever.

Map of State Parks Near Clemson, SC

Here is a map of the state parks in South Carolina covered by this post:

List of State Parks Near Clemson

Scroll down to check out some of the best state parks near Clemson. We’ve added a brief description of each park, so you know what to expect.

1. Sadlers Creek State Park

Location: 940 Sadlers Creek Rd, Anderson, SC 29626

The Sadlers Creek State Park is located 18 miles from Clemson. It sits in the beautiful city of Anderson. The shimmering lake offers watersport activities that are suitable for adults and children. For campers, this park offers 37 lovely lakefront campsites. Take in the breathtaking view of the sun setting on the lake when you spend the night at this state park.

This pet-friendly park is great for anyone who wants to spend time with their pets playing fetch or walking through the trails. You can hike through more than six miles of trails while viewing wildlife.

The lakeside pavilion serves as the perfect place to meet up with family and friends; it can accommodate about 150 people, so there is more than enough room for everyone. The park also has two picnic shelters for a smaller gatherings of friends and family.

Other recreational activities to try at this park include biking, boating, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, and playing in the playgrounds.

2. Lake Hartwell State Park

Location: 19138 SC-11, Fair Play, SC 29643

This state park is known for its 56,000-acre lake. It is located about 24 miles away from Clemson. The park’s lake makes it perfect for angle fishing. You can catch various fish in this lake, such as crappie, hybrid bass, bream, and more.

Guest are also welcome to sail boats across Lake Hartwell. Two boat ramps are available that make getting your boat in the water easier. Pets are allowed in the campgrounds but not in the camper cabins.

The 0.75-mile nature trail offers guests the perfect opportunity to soak in nature’s wonders, and the picnic shelter available can hold up to 75 people, so it is great for a small get-together.

Two camper cabins are available if you prefer a more comfortable camping experience. For a rustic camping experience, you can opt for the paved campsites or the walk-in tent sites. Guest can park their RV or set up their tents on the paved campsites; there are over 100 of them available.

3. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Location: 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685

Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a history-filled state park located just 24 miles from Clemson. Detailed interpretive kiosks await guests who visit this state park.

Enjoy the scenic view of Blue Ridge Mountain from any spot in the park. Walk across the foothills of the mountains when you hike through the trails in the park. There are over five miles of trails to hike through.

With proper restraint measures in place, guests can bring their pets on park grounds but not into the cabins, so if you want to play fetch and have fun with your pet, you would have to plan a day trip.

The park has five picnic shelters that can be rented for family reunions or get-togethers with friends. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Lake Keowee. For overnight guests, there are fourteen tent sites, ten regular campsites, and one camper cabin available.

4. Table Rock State Park

Location: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671

This park gets its unique name from the mountain on the park grounds. It is situated 21 miles away from Clemson. You can hike to the top of Table Rock trail and enjoy a stunning view from Table Rock mountain. There are two lakes in the park, which provide enough recreational watersport activities for everyone.

The park also houses the tallest mountain in South Carolina, the Pinnacle Mountain, and a lodge built by Civilian Conservation Corps that can be rented out for weddings and other group gatherings. There are fourteen warm cabins and ninety-four regular campsites available for guests who want to spend the night.

For day use visitors, there are four picnic shelters available and a playground for the kids. Guest are also welcome to swim in the swimming hole or attend the educational programs to learn more about the earth.

5. Devils Fork State Park

Location: 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676

Don’t let the name of this park dissuade you. It is a beautiful oasis of color and tranquility located only 23 miles from Clemson. It is the ideal vacation spot for families and large friend groups.

There are 20 lakeside villas on the park grounds, some of which are pet friendly. Unlike the other parks on this list, this park has a pet-friendly villa so you can spend the night at the park with your furry friend. Overnight guests have 59 regular campsites, 25 tent sites, and one boat-in campsite to choose from. The boat-in campsite can only be reached by boat.

The three boat ramps in the parks make boating more accessible for guests. The over 7000-acre lake contains various fishes, including trout, bream, bass, catfish, and crappie. In addition, picnickers have two picnic shelters available for them. The waterfalls that feed into the lake create a beautiful backdrop for pictures and paintings.

Conclusion

Take a holiday to any of these state parks, and your body will be thanking you for weeks to come. Choosing a state park on this list as your vacation destination will be your best decision yet. These state parks provide the perfect outdoor experience to keep your worries far from your mind throughout your stay.