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 50 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cheraw State Park, one of 16 South Carolina parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, has an 18-hole championship golf course, a boardwalk through the cypress wetlands of Lake Juniper, paddling and fishing, nine cabins, 17 lakeside campsites and boat-in camping. Source: South Carolina State Parks, checked October 2026.
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.
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.
In the High Hills of Santee, known as the “mountains of the Midlands,” Poinsett State Park has hiking and biking trails that link to the Palmetto Trail through Manchester State Forest, a 10-acre lake with johnboat rentals, campsites, rustic cabins, a 1930s CCC coquina bathhouse and the ruins of a pre-Revolutionary grist mill. Source: South Carolina State Parks, checked October 2026.
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.
Lake Wateree State Park covers 238 acres on the shore of 13,800-acre Lake Wateree, with a two-lane boat ramp, in-water refueling, a tackle shop, 100 paved campsites (23 on the waterfront) and the 2.3-mile Desportes Island loop trail. Source: South Carolina State Parks, checked October 2026.
See our full Lake Wateree State Park guide for fees, hours, and what to expect.
