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Nearby Parks:
Aiken State Park Lake
Ernest Rand Memorial State Forest
Barnwell State Park
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| State Park Overview: |
 | Four spring-fed lakes and the meandering South Edisto River make Aiken State Natural Area a popular destination. The park is a combination of a river swamp, bottomland hardwood forest and dry sandhill pine forest; the latter provides evidence of an era when the sea reached this far inland.
Built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 1,067-acre park has a variety of animal and plant life, making it an excellent location for nature study and birding. The park also offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities such as canoeing the Edisto River, fishing in one of the park lakes, picnicking, camping and hiking trails. |
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| Camping: |
| Each site is packed sand and has individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers. There are 25 sites with electricity and water, these sites can be rented for $12-13/site/night.
Primitive Group Camping:The primitive group camping area is available for organized groups. (An organized group is defined as ?a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials?.) Located along the bank of the South Fork of the Edisto River, the area includes picnic tables, fire rings and a privy. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly.Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50 which allows up to ten campers. The rate increases by $5-$6.50 increments for each additional five campers.
Discounted rates are available for seasons of lower demand.
To make a camping reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.
Reservations requested less than three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park. |
| Picnicking: |
| Three picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $25-32/day. If shelters are not reserved, guests may use shelters on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.
To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK. |
| Boating: |
| Private boats are not allowed on the park lakes, however private boats are allowed on the Edisto River at a drop-off area.
Canoe Rentals: Canoes are available to rent for $12/day which provides visitors the opportunity to paddle a 1.7 mile portion of the South Fork Edisto River.
Boat Rentals: Non motorized fishing boats provide access to the park lake and rent for $12/day. |
| History of the Area: |
| Aiken State Natural Area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national needs in conservation and recreation.
The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina?s state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are still in use at this park. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| SC Thoroughbred (2) - ... area Campgrounds Note: telephone area code is 803 Aiken State Park Privately Owned/Operated Campgrounds RV Parks other Aiken area ... Parks Shows Trails Aiken State Park - Aiken SC Once an ... |
| Directions: |
| Sixteen miles east of Aiken off US 78 or off 302 from Columbia. From Hwy. 302: turn onto Mackney Scott Rd. and follow signs for the park. From Hwy 78: turn onto State Park Rd. and follow park signs. |
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