Summary: A guide to the best state parks near Columbia, SC. From lake adventures and hiking trails to splash pads and wildlife spotting, plus tips to save money on your visit! Included is also information about SC’s newest state park!
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for South Carolina state parks near Columbia, SC. We have all the info on these great parks, plus tips on how to make the most of your visit and save some money, too!
Are you trying to spend more time outside or hit the #1000hoursoutside challenge? While just being outside in nature has so many benefits, according to the American Psychological Association, that is a lot of hours! But don’t worry; Columbia has you covered with hiking and biking trails, nature trails, lakes for paddling, and lots more!
Of course, Columbia has dozens of city parks, an award-winning zoo and botanical gardens, but there’s also lots more nature. In terms of state parks, Columbia, SC has Lake Murray, with several more nearby. Plus, we have big news and some ideas on how you can save money on park admission.
Sesquicentennial State Park
To find out about the hiking, splash pad, paddling, and camping available at Sesquicentennial in northeast Columbia, check out our Kidding Around® Review of Sesqui.
Quick facts on Sesqui:
- Hiking around the lake, a short portion of the trail is paved, but most is not.
- Playground, pavilion, picnic spaces
- Splashpad is gorgeous and free with park admission.
- Boat rentals for the small lake at the park: Pedal boats, SUPs, and kayaks, very affordable at $5-10 per hour.
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223
Pine Island State Park: NEW!
An island formerly owned by the company SCANA, which supplied power to the region, Pine Island is set to become South Carolina’s newest, and smallest, state park yet. This island provides public water access and already has over 20 acres that include boat ramps and picnic areas. It’s scheduled to have a soft opening to the public on October 1, 2025.
Dreher Island State Park
But you don’t have to wait to cool off at the lake. Luckily, there’s already another state park out there on Lake Murray!
Northwest from downtown Columbia to the Irmo/Lake Murray area you’ll find Dreher Island. Many enjoy this 50-acre island on Lake Murray.
Good hack to know: even though it is an island, you can drive on State Park Road to get there- no boat needed! However, boating is permitted, and there are boat ramps available. On the island, you can explore woods, beaches, playgrounds, and wildlife, including rare birds on the lake.
The park has three different short walking trails and three playgrounds. You can find a visitors’ center with WIFI where you can also buy a few things or use picnic tables. Camping, swimming (at your own risk), geocaching, fishing, and scuba diving are permitted. Note, dogs should be on a leash and may not be allowed in camping villas.
Without your Park Passport, Dreher Island costs $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for kids 6-15 and free for kids 5 and under. It’s open from dawn to dusk, with hours changing seasonally.
Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, SC
Aiken State Park
Just about an hour’s drive from Columbia, Aiken State Park is waiting. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this park has a long history and many opportunities for you to enjoy nature. Hike through hardwood forests, paddle down the Edisto River, camp, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors in Aiken.
Don’t miss our Kidding Around® review of Aiken State Park.
Quick Facts of Aiken State Park:
- Fishing tackle loaner program- Free
- Canoe rentals available
- Hiking, picnic area, small playground
Aiken State Park
1145 State Park Road, Windsor
Bonus Hacks! SC State Parks Tips to Save You Money & Maximize Fun
Admission Discount
SC State Parks offer admission discounts up to 50% for seniors, military, and the disabled. Each park’s discount will be slightly different. For Dreher Island, you can get your park admission for HALF the standard admission rate if you can show an ID (or handicapped placard) to prove you are:
-Disabled
-SC National Guard
-Over 65
Ultimate Outsider Challenge
Here’s another secret to maximizing the fun with these parks. They offer an Ultimate Outsider program. Simply pick up or order your Ultimate Outsider Guide, do activities and collect stamps from each park to become an Ultimate Outsider! It’s a fun challenge to get you motivated to do more outside.
The Kidding Around Guide to all of South Carolina’s State Parks will help you out as you plan your Ultimate Outsider adventures!
Park Passport *(discount!)*
As you might know, a SC Park Passport is an affordable way to get access to hundreds of acres of wilderness, free activities, learning, events and more.
Here’s How it Works:
First, you can get your All Park Passport online or at any South Carolina State Park Office. Your pass hangs in your car rearview mirror, like a handicapped placard and comes with a card for inside exhibits. It’s just $99 for your entire family for the whole year of access.
For this, you get unlimited access to all the state parks in the state. That means everything from Hunting Island Beach, to several lakes, to hiking in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Caesar’s Head and Table Rock. Actually, that is 48 state parks.
So, if you went to one every month, it would take you nearly four years to see them all. On the other hand, if you went to one every week, you could finish in a year!
Now, you can explore the Columbia state parks and beyond for a discount!
Columbia’s National Park
For information on our FREE National Park, home to a unique synchronized firefly phenomenon (for which our local baseball team is named), check out our Kidding Around® review of Congaree National Park.
Please tell us your favorite Columbia, South Carolina State Parks!
