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Guide to Charleston, South Carolina Parks

James Island County Park

A ten minute drive from downtown Charleston will land you at James Island County Park. The park is open year-round with operating hours from 8AM to sunset. James Island County Park is a comprised of campgrounds and grassy meadows, which are an inviting landscape for fun. Activities include:

  • Biking
  • Saltwater Fishing
  • Crabbing
  • Skating
  • Off-leash Dog Park
  • Golfing
  • Horseback Riding

A spraying water fountain relieves residents and visitors from the summer heat. Indoor and outdoor activities will keep you entertained and active 365 days a year. Additional activities at the James Island County Park include climbing the tallest outdoor climbing wall and visiting the Splash Zone: a large water park for children and adults. Fully equipped picnic areas are located throughout the Park, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a professional 18 hole golf course, kayaking rentals, pedal boat rides and family event facilities are all popular amenities. The park also hosts several events each year such as the Cajun Festival, Reggae Night Concerts and Yappy Hour.

871 Riverland Drive | Website

Photo by Mike Baird via Flickr
Photo by Mike Baird via Flickr

North Charleston Wannamaker County Park

Children will enjoy the North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, because of its two fun filled playgrounds, safe play hills and its seasonal Adventure Water Park. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy its wetlands and wooded areas which are home to many species of wildlife and plants. Additional adventures within the 1,015 acres of the North Charleston Wannamaker County Park include walking trails, biking paths, skating ramps, boating, fishing and kayak rentals. The picnic areas located throughout the  park include grilling pits, covered shelters, snack stands, restrooms, tables and benches. Rent a canoe or paddle boat and explore the park’s five acre lagoon or you can also rent a bike. Daily and annual passes are available at varying prices.

8888 University Boulevard | Website

Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park

Join in the annual Sea Turtle Release which is held at the end of July, watch the Charleston County Lifeguard Championship or listen to the great reggae music at summer concerts. These activities and many more take place at Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park. The 943 acre Park is specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, families and groups. Its amenities include picnic pavilions, bike paths, fishing in tidal creeks, crabbing and kayak launches. Children will love the Big Toy Playground with climbing structures, water activities and building sand castles. The Nature Island is a section of the Palmetto Island County Park which features a boardwalk over wetlands and a 50 foot observation tower with a small play area. Family pets are invited to play off-leash in their own area of the park. Daily and annual passes are available.

444 Needlerush Parkway | Website

Folly Beach County Park

The peaceful and natural landscape of Folly Beach County Park is located 15 minutes from downtown Charleston. The Folly Beach County Park has annual operating hours from 10AM to either 5PM or 7PM, depending on the month. The admission fee is based upon a family rate, group rate and camping rate. A one-day visit or walk-in visitors enter free of charge. The white sandy beaches of Folly Beach are connected to the park area, where people can picnic and use the barbecue pits. Inland activities include volleyball and frisbee.

1100 West Ashley Avenue | Website

Isle Of Palms County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is another Charleston community park with easy access to the ocean and a beautiful beach. This community park is a mix of concrete and sand, where residents and visitors can take a few short steps from the beach to the County Park boardwalk. Lifeguards patrol the Isle of Palms Beach within certain parameters while people are enjoying picnics, walking and biking. Closer to the beach there is a play area for kids including jungle gyms and sand boxes. Daily and annual Isle of Palms County Park passes are easily available.

1-14th Avenue | Website