Guide to the 7 South Carolina National Parks
South Carolina's national parks are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance. Read on to see what each of these seven national parks offers visitors to the Palmetto State!
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Charles Pinckney was instrumental in creating the United States Constitution, and Snee Farm was one of his plantation properties. This park allows the public to visit Snee Farm, and it's open all year round. Visitors can learn all about his life and political influence.
Congaree
Congaree boasts ample biodiversity and oozes vibrancy and life. This South Carolina national park is open all year round and allows the public to walk across scenic board bridges through a spectacular old-growth hardwood forest.
The boardwalk's 2.4-mile span has an entirely wheelchair-accessible design. Depending on the time of year, the path may be closed due to flooding. If you want to see the forest from a different point of view, you can take a kayak or canoe onto the water below.
The Battlefield at Cowpens
Cowpens National Battlefield marks a revolutionary war site that you can visit. It's one of the most interesting South Carolina national parks for history buffs. The park welcomes visitors all year round and offers a visitor's center, guided tour, and battlefield trail.
On these grounds in 1781, British troops fought the Patriots in the Battle of Cowpens. The skirmish only lasted one hour when the American side declared a victory.
Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie Historic Park
This historically significant park allows visitors all year round and offers not one but two historic forts as well as a visitors' center. Fort Sumter has a claim to fame as the location of the first shots that set off the Civil War.
You can take a boat ride to Sumter and visit the military artillery that guards the fort. If you time it so that you're on either the first or the last tour, you can witness the raising or dropping of the flag.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
This military park is open all year round and offers visitors the opportunity to see a battle site up close. What's more, you're bound to find the 1.5-mile self-guided walking tour fascinating.
Ninety-Six NHS
This national historic site features an incredible star fort visitors can walk past when they tread the one-mile walking loop. You'll find the park open at any time of year, and the sights can be seen in all weather. The park's rangers maintain a visitors' center equipped with educational exhibits to mark this extraordinary war site.
Reconstruction Era National Historical Park
Most historians consider the reconstruction era to fall between 1861 and 1898. This park has a whole load of information about this important time in American history, as does the museum nearby.
See What South Carolina Has to Offer!
If you're looking to delve into the culture, history, and stunning vistas that South Carolina has to offer, consider visiting Shibby RV to stay the night. Shibby's campus is a great place to keep your RV and a perfect base from which you can explore these seven amazing national parks.