Aiken State Park
Key Information
Contact Info
803-649-2857
Location
1145 State Park Rd, Windsor, SC 29856, United States
Opening Hours
9am–8pm
Fee
$3
Introduction of Aiken State Park
Aiken State Park is a well-liked vacation spot for families and aspiring naturalists since it is situated next to the serene, flowing South Edisto River. Canoeing in the river, quiet picnics, fishing in the river and the spring-fed lakes, a campsite, trailside camping, and hiking trails are all available at this lovely park in rural Aiken County. With a blackwater river and swamp, bottomland forest, and dry sandhill pine forest, the 1,000-acre location is exceptionally diversified. The history of Aiken State Park is equally noteworthy. A Civilian Conservation Corps unit made up of African Americans constructed it during the Great Depression. Some of the park’s original features and structures still bear the mark of their labour, and interpretive signage narrates their tale.
Camping at Aiken State Park
Information about camping: Each site is made of compacted sand and has its own power and water hookups. Some locations allow RVs up to 35 feet. The campsite has easy access to hot showers and facilities.
Reservations for Camping: To make a reservation for camping or to examine the prices, dial toll-free 1-866-345-PARK (7275). Reservations for camping must be made for at least two nights.
Less than one (1) day before check-in, reservations must be made directly with the park. For instance, if you want to check in on Friday and it’s today, Friday, you must make the appointment by calling the park directly.
25 standard plots with electricity and water
Yes, a dump station
Primitive Group Area: Organized groups may camp in the primitive group area. A organisation is considered organised if it conducts regular meetings and has a chief officer or other elected or appointed officers.
A privy, picnic tables, and fire rings are available at the area, which is situated along the South Fork of the Edisto River.
Contact the park directly to reserve a spot for a group camping in the wilderness. With a minimum cost of $10–12.50, ten campers are permitted. Each extra five campers results in a $5–$6.50 increment rise in price.
Camp in a tent: yes
RV Camping – Yes
Pets: Most outdoor spaces permit pets as long as they are restrained physically or on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets that endanger or disturb wildlife or are noisy or hazardous will be asked to be removed by their owners. Animals are not permitted within or around accommodation facilities.
Things To Do at Aiken State Park
Fishing Information:Fish for bream, bass, and catfish in one of the four park lakes or the South Fork of the Edisto River. You must possess a current South Carolina fishing licence.
Tackle Loaner Program: This park takes part in the SC Dept. of Natural Resources’ Tackle Loaner Program. At the park office, you may rent rods and reels.
- Fishing: Yes
- Freshwater Fishing: Yes
Boating and Boat Access: On the South Fork of the Edisto River, private boats are permitted. At the boat landing at the state park, there is river access.
Fishing Boat Rentals:Renting a non-motorized fishing boat costs $25 per day. Before visiting the park, check the weather. No rentals that are in disrepair. For information on the river level and conditions, ask park officials.
Call to schedule an appointment between November and February.
Canoe/Kayak Rentals:
The park offers canoe rentals for $20 per trip. This applies to paddles and life jackets. Review the River Rental Policies.
For planned float times, kindly get in touch with the park directly.
You may paddle your own canoe or a rented boat on the 1.7-mile canoe route in Aiken State Park.
- Boating: Yes
- Paddling: Yes
Park Store/Gift Shop: A small selection of souvenir items can be purchased in the park office. Firewood and fishing worms are also available for purchase.
- Playground Equipment: Yes
- Picnic Shelters: Yes
Swimming: The swimming area at Aiken State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The area is swim at your own risk and there is no lifeguard on duty. Dogs are prohibited in and around the swimming area.
Bird Watching: There are areas of the park that are ideal for bird watching. Interesting birds that can be seen include egrets, heron and various birds of prey.
Geocaching: Geocaching is permitted. Several geocaches are located on the park.
- Biking: Yes
- Birding: Yes
- Other Facilities and Activities: Horseshoe pits are available at the park for visitors to use.
- Hiking Trails: Jungle Trail (3-mile loop)
- Hiking: Yes
Aiken State Park Trails
Jungle Nature Trail
Length: 3 miles not including spur trails
Type: Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A 3-mile boardwalk and dirt turf loop that passes through wetlands that resemble tropical landscapes and mixed pine and hardwood forests is flat and simple to navigate. You will pass through areas of fern and rhododendron, which are home to a variety of birds, snakes, and other animals as well as colourful dragonflies. There are two distinctly designated offshoot paths near the main loop’s outermost portion. To get to the pier on the tea-hued south branch of the Edisto River, follow the short canoe launch offshoot route across the park road, past a sand-filled circular parking space. (Leaf fragments and tree roots give the water its peculiar tint.) An artesian well bursts up via a fountain next to the pier. You may also take the other, slightly longer offshoot route to the fishing pond and then return to the main circular trail. You can go back to the parking lot by sticking to the main route and avoiding any uncleared side trails. It is advised to use bug repellent throughout the warm season. Leashed pets are allowed. The picnic spot is close to restrooms.
South Fork Edisto River Trail
Length: 1.7 miles
Type: Canoe/Kayak Trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Description: The South Fork Edisto River at Aiken State Park easily meanders for 1.7 miles between two canoe landings. It’s a chance to go more quickly on a river trip that ordinarily lasts days. The terrain around Aiken State Park is made up of dry sandhills and river swamps, with the latter providing evidence of a time when the ocean moved thus far inland. Because of the quick access to the river and the four spring-fed lakes, the park is very well-liked by campers and fishermen. However, paddlers enjoy the added benefit of a canoe trail that has been created, allowing them to explore the South Fork’s confined waters. The river is not as wide in the state park as it is in the lower Main Stem. Instead, a narrow path snakes its way through a forest’s thick cover to create an intriguing tunnel look. You will be led by signs along the route.
