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.

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.

South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.

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.