Located in South Carolina’s well-known Santee Cooper Country, Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion. South Carolina locals know the lake for its abundant population of large catfish. Santee State Park camping is offered on the lake, but for guests who prefer to spend the night indoors, rondette cabins, 10 of which sit on piers over the lake, are available and have been attracting families for years.
Other amenities and activities found in the park include the Village Round, a community meeting building with a large, screened-in grilling facility, biking and hiking trails and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest on Lake Marion. South Carolina natives and out-of-towners alike can find something fun to do in Santee State Park-camping, fishing, boating and a whole lot more. Start planning your trip now!
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in Lake Marion for largemouth bass, striped bass, bream, crappie and catfish. A valid South Carolina fishing license required.
Fishing Pier: A handicapp accessible fishing pier is located next to the park store.
Fishing: Yes
Freshwater Fishing: Yes
Boating and Boat Access: Two boat ramps provide private boat access to Lake Marion.
Boating: Yes
Boat Ramp: Yes
Playground Equipment: Yes
Picnic Shelters: Yes
Playground: Three playgrounds are located throughout the park for visitor use.
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Lake Marion at your own risk. Swimming around the pier cabins is prohibited.
Bird Watching: Santee is a premier location for birdwatching. The best areas for viewing are from the trails and wetland areas. Osprey, great blue heron, painted buntings and various other species may be seen.
Tennis Courts: A tennis court is located near the park visitor center.
Biking: Yes
Birding: Yes
Walking/Nature Trails: Three nature/walking trails are located on the park. The one-mile Limestone Nature Trail, the one-mile Oak Pinolly Nature Trail and the half mile Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail.
Biking Trails: The park also has a 7.5-mile biking/hiking trail.
Hiking: Yes
CAMPING
Camping Information: The 50-site Cypress View Campground sits on the west side of the park. The Lakeshore Campground, with 108 sites, is located on the east side of the park. Each site is packed sand and has individual water and electrical hookups and a picnic table. Both campgrounds are convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Many sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.