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South Carolina
701

South Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
South Carolina
Santee Cooper Region
Santee State Park
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Santee State Park Santee Park Sunset © Mike Covington
A beautiful sunset by the boat ramp in Santee State Park.
Santee State Park © David King
Santee State Park © David King
Santee State Park © David King
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SANTEE STATE PARK
SANTEE STATE PARK
251 State Park RD
Santee, South Carolina   29142

Phone: 803-854-2408
Reservations: 803-854-2408
Email: park email button icon
Santee State Park serves as headquarters for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all kinds from its ideal location near Interstates 95 and 26 on Lake Marion in the nationally known Santee Cooper Country.

The 2,500-acre park opened in 1949. Santee State Park is in Orangeburg County on the south shore of Lake Marion, one of the two Santee Cooper lakes (along with Lake Moultrie) that were created when more than 100,000 acres were flooded for electric power.

Lake Marion?s flooded forest is across from the park, just one of the natural attractions that make the area a national draw for anglers (landlocked striped bass fishing was born on the Santee Cooper lakes) and other sportsmen as well as bird watchers, swamp lovers and boaters under power and sail.
Passes
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.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in two freshwater lakes, Lake Marion and Moultrie. Species include largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish. There's also a pier for easy access to deeper waters. Boat rentals are available if you prefer lake fishing over shore casting.


Location
Santee State Park is located near Manning, Columbia and Goose Creek

Picnicking
A rental meeting building is ideal for groups of up to 90 people.

Fee: $200 to $250/day.

This climate controlled facility includes a fireplace, full service kitchen, BBQ grill, tables and chairs.

A projector screen and lectern are available upon request.

To make a meeting facility reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can explore numerous trails, suitable for all skill levels. However, caution is advised due to varying terrains.

The park's 10-mile bike trail offers a moderate challenge with its hilly terrain and scenic views of Lake Marion.

For those seeking an easier ride, the flat Lakeshore Trail provides beautiful lake vistas without much elevation change.

Remember that helmets are required on all biking routes within the park; safety should always be prioritized over speed or distance covered.

Off-road cycling opportunities also exist but require careful navigation as some paths may not be well-marked or maintained.

Nighttime riding isn't recommended since visibility becomes limited after sunset which increases potential risks significantly.

Please respect wildlife by keeping noise down and maintaining a safe distance from any animals encountered during your rides.

Lastly, ensure you're prepared with water bottles and snacks before setting off - there aren't many refreshment facilities along these rural tracks!
Birding
Bird enthusiasts can enjoy over 200 species of birds, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatching tours are also available.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 23 bad roads by Charles_J
park review stars; one to five There are two circles of camp sites. To get to the wifi without a distance, you have to be in the new circle at the tackle shop. But phone service is good along the water in the older circle. The roads in the old circle are very, very bad. Been camping in a few states and the only place with noticeably bad roads have been South Carolina parks. I have only been to two SC parks and both had terrible roads. No need for speed bumps. The new section roads near the information center are very good. Looks like the older circle roads have been abandoned. The rest rooms are decently clean. And the lake location is very nice.
April 7
park review stars; one to five Racoons WILL steal your crappies out of your cooolers!
August 4 Our favorite park anywhere! by Hammer Family
park review stars; one to five We camp by tent and rent cabins and we always have a great time. Personnal are aways very nice and helpful. The fishing is great!
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Directions
General Directions: Off SC 6, three miles northwest of Santee and I-95.

Driving Directions: From I-95: take exit 98 to Hwy 6 toward Elloree, the park is located 1 mi. W. of the town of Santee. From Columbia: Take I-26 to Hwy 6, exit 136, travel through St. Matthews, continue on Hwy 6 for approximately 15 mile to Elloree and follow signs.

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South Carolina
701

South Carolina State Parks

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