Copyright: South Carolina Dept of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Barnwell State Park

Description - Acquired in 1937, Barnwell State Park is a 307-acre park situated along the coastal plain in Barnwell County. Known for its lake fishing and large meeting facility, Barnwell features five vacation cabins, a 25-site camping area and a nature trail.

The two park lakes provide day-visitors and overnight guests the opportunity to appreciate the natural features while enjoying the recreational opportunities on the park.

The park was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public works program set up in the 1930s by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. Examples of its work can be seen at the spillway, picnic shelters and the lower lake.

Attractions - Barnwell State Park has 25 sites available for $12-13/site/night. Each site is packed gravel and includes individual water and electrical hookups. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.

Four sites accommodate RVs up to 36 feet, others up to 28 feet. A dump station is available for RVs. Camping clubs may reserve up to 20 sites.

The primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as “a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials”.) The area includes picnic tables, fire ring and nearby restoom facilities. Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50 which allows up to ten campers. The rate increases by $5-$6.50 increments for each additional five campers.

Cabins are completely furnished, heated, air-conditioned, and supplied with linens, basic cooking and eating utensils, coffee maker and a television. The cabins are located 100 yards from the upper lake and 300 yards from the lower lake. Pets are not permitted in the cabins or cabin area.

Four picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $25-38/day. If shelters are not reserved, guests may use shelters on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

Recreation - Barnwell State Park offers a moderate 1½-miles interpretive trail.

Private boats are not allowed in the park lakes, however rental fishing boats are available. Non-motorized fishing boats are available to rent for $12/day or $2.50/hour.

Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish may be enjoyed in the 16-acre lake with fishing pier or 8-acre lake with a valid South Carolina fishing license.

Climate - South Carolina generally has a temperate climate, with cool winters and warm, humid summers. Snow and freezing temperatures are possible in the winter at the higher elevations. Thunderstorms are possible throughout the year but most common in the spring and summer. Tropical storms occasionally strike the coast during the hurricane season.

Location - Barnwell State Park is located in west-central South Carolina, 7 miles northeast of the city of Barnwell, off SC Highway 3.

LAT: 33.3295958
LONG: -81.3039945