Containing over 90,000 acres of pristine and well looked after lands, South Carolina’s state park system is a very good one.
Incorporated within a region that stretches from the imperious Blue Ridge Mountains, to the stunning coastline that accommodates the Atlantic ocean, their 47 state parks are truly magical.
Within them, you will find spectacular terrains that feature rampaging blackwater rivers, thunderous waterfalls, gorgeous white sandy beaches, shimmering lakes and craggy mountains that are covered in dense, verdant forest.
For those lucky people who live near the city of Florence, these public recreational spaces provide excellent opportunities to fish, swim, hike, bike, or partake in a range of water based activities like kayaking, SUP and canoeing.
If you are feeling the urge to explore the wonderful geography of your region, then let us provide you with some inspiration.
Below is a selection of 8 state parks near Florence you really should check out – whenever you get the chance.
Map of State Parks Near Florence SC
Below is a map of the state parks in South Carolina covered in this post:
List of State Parks Near Florence
All of the 8 state parks near Florence showcased below, can be reached within a 2 hour drive of the city. This makes them perfect day trip destinations.
However, to fully appreciate their beauty and overall ambiance, it’s worth staying at them for a few days. Which is why they all offer a range of camping accommodation options to suit all styles and budgets.
1. Woods Bay State Park
Distance from Florence: about 22 miles southwest of Florence (straight-line).
Location: 6 PM Address 11020 Woods Bay Rd, Olanta, SC 29114
Woods Bay State Park is a state park located near the town of Olanta in Florence County, South Carolina.
Highlights associated with Woods Bay State Park include wetland habitat and seasonal wildflowers.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include picnic areas.
See our full Woods Bay State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
2. Lee State Park
Distance from Florence: about 24 miles west of Florence (straight-line).
Location: Loop Road, South Carolina 29010
Lee State Park, formerly Lee State Natural Area, is a state park located near the town of Bishopville in Lee County, South Carolina along the Lynches River.
Highlights associated with Lee State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full Lee State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
3. H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area
Distance from Florence: about 27 miles north of Florence (straight-line).
Location: 825 Copes Creek Road, Patrick, SC 29584
H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area covers 7,000 acres in South Carolina.
Highlights associated with H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
See our full H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
4. Little Pee Dee State Park
Distance from Florence: about 30 miles east of Florence (straight-line).
Location: 2469 Park Access Road, South Carolina 29536
Little Pee Dee State Park is a state park located near the town of Dillon in Dillon County, South Carolina.
Highlights associated with Little Pee Dee State Park include lake recreation, river access, and wooded landscapes.
See our full Little Pee Dee State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
5. Cheraw State Park
Distance from Florence: about 31 miles north of Florence (straight-line).
Location: 112 Treacy Lane, South Carolina 29520
Cheraw State Park is located in the northeast corner of the U.S.
Highlights associated with Cheraw State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, and a designated swimming area.
See our full Cheraw State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
6. Goodale State Park
Distance from Florence: about 44 miles west of Florence (straight-line).
Location: Hunting Inc Road, South Carolina 29020
Goodale State Park is a South Carolina state park located just outside Camden, SC.
Highlights associated with Goodale State Park include beach access, lake recreation, and river access.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include playgrounds.
See our full Goodale State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
7. Poinsett State Park
Distance from Florence: about 52 miles southwest of Florence (straight-line).
Location: Wedgefield, SC
Poinsett State Park is located in Sumter County, South Carolina.
Highlights associated with Poinsett State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, hiking trails, and playgrounds.
See our full Poinsett State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
8. Lake Wateree State Park
Distance from Florence: about 65 miles west of Florence (straight-line).
Location: State Park Road, South Carolina 29180
Lake Wateree State Park is a state park located in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
Highlights associated with Lake Wateree State Park include waterfall scenery, beach access, and lake recreation.
Visitor facilities listed for the park include a campground, rental cabins, a boat launch, and playgrounds.
See our full Lake Wateree State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
