Guide to the 7 South Carolina National Parks 

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Key Takeaways

  • South Carolina has seven national parks rich in history, nature, and culture.

  • Explore everything from Revolutionary War battlefields to Civil War forts and ancient hardwood forests.

  • Shibby RV Living offers an ideal, centrally located base to explore the entire state.

  • Stay in comfort with pet-friendly RV sites and long-term or short-term parking options.

  • Convenient to Greenville, Spartanburg, and other Upstate attractions.

South Carolina’s national parks are known for their incredible natural beauty, fascinating history, and cultural landmarks that help tell the story of the Palmetto State.

From Civil War sites to old-growth forests, there’s something here for every kind of traveler — and if you’re looking for a peaceful home base, Shibby RV Living in Woodruff, SC, makes it easy to explore them all.

Here’s a closer look at seven national parks in South Carolina and why each one deserves a spot on your travel list.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many national parks are in South Carolina?
There are seven national park sites in South Carolina, including Congaree, Cowpens, Fort Sumter, and Kings Mountain.

2. What is the most popular national park in South Carolina?
Congaree National Park is the most visited, known for its scenic boardwalk and kayak trails.

3. Can I stay in an RV near South Carolina’s national parks?
Yes! Shibby RV Living in Woodruff, SC offers full-service RV sites near many of these historic and natural destinations.

4. Are South Carolina national parks open year-round?
Most parks are open year-round, though hours and programs may vary by season. Always check the National Park Service website for the latest updates.

5. Which South Carolina park is best for families?
Cowpens Battlefield and Congaree National Park both offer easy trails, family-friendly exhibits, and plenty of open space to explore.