Charleston, South Carolina's Top 6 County Parks
You all have heard of the popular Waterfront Park, Hampton Park, and Battery Bark... but did you know that the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission operates over 11,000 acres of historic Charleston landmarks, beach parks, campgrounds, boat landings, and more? Well, park yourself right here as I explore our top six Charleston County park attractions.
One of the best ways to enjoy Charleston and its scenery is time spent at a local park. You don't have to venture far to find an ideal park pit stop as Charleston's best parks are close by in Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, James Island, and, of course, on the beaches.
1. Palmetto Islands County Park
First on the list is Mount Pleasant's Palmetto Islands County Park. Located just behind Longpoint subdivision and Boone Hall, you'll be welcomed by 943 acres of tropical greenery and marshfront amenities situated along Horlbeck Creek off the Wando River. Take a stroll down the Osprey Trail, a one-mile loop around the woodlands with some scenic stops along the way and views the marsh, creeks for kayaking, and breathtaking boardwalks, like the bridge where you can stop for a peaceful moment, listen to the soundscapes of the woodlands, and watch a family of turtles swim by.
Palmetto Islands is dog friendly with an off-leash dog park where dogs of all sizes can exercise and socialize. A trip to Palmetto Islands with the family is hours of fun from the Big Toy play park with a zone for kids of every age, sandpit, and the crowd-pleasing 50-foot Observation Tower. Climb up to the top of this wooden fortress for the best views of the park and intercoastal waterway, then take the fun way down on one of the slides. From May to September, stay cool all summer with a thrilling waterpark, and complete your day with a dive-in movie night featuring a family-friendly movie every Friday night all summer long.
2. James Island County Park
Next up is James Island County Park. Best known for the Festival of Lights, a treasured Lowcountry holiday tradition where you can admire millions of twinkling lights right from your car, visit Santa's Village, and make your own s'mores. For the other 11 months out of the year, this 643-acre park offers one of the most favorite dog parks in town with a multi-acre waterfront wonderland, including spacious grassy fields, a beach, a large lake and woods all within an enclosed safe space for a paw-some good time.
Leave your furry friends at home for a day of fun in the sun. James Island County Park is home to Splash Zone Waterpark. Keep the whole family busy all day long with multiple waterslides, a spray play fountain to cool off after a picnic or an afternoon at the bustling play park. The fun doesn't stop there. Rent paddle boats and kayaks and take a climb up the ambitious 50-foot rock wall, spend the night at the full-service campgrounds with 124 campsites, or take a scenic run or bike on the trails under the mossy oaks.
3. Wannamaker Park
Moving up to North Charleston, Wannamaker Park is the largest of all the Charleston County parks, extending over 1,000 acres of beautiful woodlands and a variety of outdoor activities, including two and a half miles of running and biking trails, a dog park, volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and one big play hill, which is an enchantment to see in the Lowcountry. If you overhear the excitement over the Big Kahuna, the Riptide Run, Rollin' River, and the Tubular Twister, you are in for a splashing good time. From riding the tides or relaxing on the lazy river, there's fun for all ages around every corner in the 15-acre Whirlin' Waters Adventure Park, the coolest place to beat the heat in the summer.
4. The Beaches
Without question, the most iconic spots and popular vacation destinations in Charleston are the beaches. Beach parking, concessions, and fun are made easy with convenient county parks at the beach. Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker County Park all boast 2,500 feet of ocean frontage and are accessible to amenities like private parking, dressing areas, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic areas, and snack bars. Boogie board and surfboard rentals are also available for those who want to take advantage of some of the best surfing on the East Coast.
5. Johns Island County Park
Next on the list is Johns Island County Park. This county park is a little more country. This 738-acre park offers the perfect land for equestrians, where you can find 20 miles of casual rider-friendly trails and it serves as a host site for competitive horse shows at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center. Other outdoor activities on site include a six-target archery range and disc golf.
6. Mt. Pleasant Pier Park
Rounding out our top six parks brings us back over the Ravenel Bridge to the Mt. Pleasant Pier Park. Part of the Memorial Waterfront Park complex, the 1,250-foot long Mount Pleasant Pier stretches out into Charleston Harbor under the Ravenel Bridge and is a favorite spot for catching the best fish. Grab a souvenir or an ice cream at the gift shop and schedule a play date at the fenced-in play park, which is conveniently shaded by the Ravenel Bridge and features structures that mirror the familiar sites of the area, like boats, bridges, and dolphins.
If you're visiting Charleston, any of the parks are just a few dollars for full-day access. But if you're a resident of Charleston County for a one-time annual fee of $75, you get all VIP treatment of free parking and all the amenities the parks have to offer. We consider this a must-have if you live in the Charleston area.
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