Barnwell State Park

Barnwell State Park is a 307-acre area in the coastal plain with three small lakes, walking trails, and forested sections. The grounds provide space for fishing, camping, picnicking, and exploring different natural environments throughout the park.

The park was developed in the 1930s during the Great Depression through work by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Workers built the dam, picnic areas, and lower lake that form the park's foundation today.

The park serves as a gathering place where local families and groups host celebrations, weddings, and community events throughout the year. These outdoor traditions reflect how residents connect with nature and each other in this shared landscape.

The park offers camping spots with water and electric hookups and rental cabins for overnight stays. Visitors can explore on foot, fish from boats or the shoreline, and use picnic areas scattered throughout the grounds.

The Fern Hill Trail passes through a forest section that recovered naturally after a tornado struck in January 2017. The regrowth in this area offers a lesson in how nature rebuilds and transforms after disruption.

Location: South Carolina

Inception: 1937

Website: https://southcarolinaparks.com/barnwell

GPS coordinates: 33.32880,-81.30090

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06