Santee State Park

Located on Lake Marion, Santee State Park is an an angler's paradise. Striped bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish live in abundance in the lake, one of two large bodies of water in the area. A flooded cypress forest rests in the middle of the lake, best seen from pontoon boats, which depart from the marina/park store. Private boats may access the lake from two boat ramps. Campers have a choice of 50 sites in the Cypress View Campground and 108 sites in the Lakeshore Campgound, both featuring water, hookups, and picnic tables, with convenient access to restrooms and hot showers. Many sites can accommodate RVs. A primitive ...

Located on Lake Marion, Santee State Park is an an angler's paradise. Striped bass, largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish live in abundance in the lake, one of two large bodies of water in the area. A flooded cypress forest rests in the middle of the lake, best seen from pontoon boats, which depart from the marina/park store. Private boats may access the lake from two boat ramps. Campers have a choice of 50 sites in the Cypress View Campground and 108 sites in the Lakeshore Campgound, both featuring water, hookups, and picnic tables, with convenient access to restrooms and hot showers. Many sites can accommodate RVs. A primitive camping area is reserved for groups. Vacation cabins - 10 on the pier and 20 on the shore - are in great demand. The 2,500-acre park has three nature trails and a 7.5-mile-long biking/hiking trail. The visitor center features displays on the natural and cultural history of the area, but does not offer educational programs. Santee State Park is located midway between Charleston and Columbia and is easily accessible from Interstates 26 and 95.

About the Expert

Carol Timblin has contributed to numerous guidebooks and authored four editions of Houghton Mifflin's Best Places to Stay in the South.