State Parks Near Columbia, South Carolina

9 state park units lie within 50 miles of Columbia. The closest is Sesquicentennial State Park, about 3 mi north of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Sesquicentennial State Park3 mi north
Within 25 miles
1of 9 within 50 mi
With camping
84 with cabins
Dog-friendly
92 with free entry

State parks near Columbia, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Columbia; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Sesquicentennial State Park

    3 miles north · Columbia, South Carolina · State Park

    The park supports historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and biking. Camping is available: 78 campsites across 2 camping areas, including RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. The park says there are no showers.

    1 alert78 campsitesDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating$6 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Sesquicentennial State Park →

  2. Poinsett State Park

    27 miles southeast · Wedgefield, South Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Overnight options include 50 campsites across 2 camping areas, with RV sites and tent sites. There are also cabins for rent.

    1 alert50 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$3 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Poinsett State Park →

  3. Lake Wateree State Park

    28 miles north · Winnsboro, South Carolina · State Park

    The park supports historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. On the water side, there is a boat ramp.

    1 alert100 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$3 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Lake Wateree State Park →

  4. Goodale State Park

    28 miles northeast · Camden, South Carolina · State Park

    The park supports historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and wildlife watching.

    Dogs allowedHikingFishingBoatingFree entry

    Hours, fees and rules for Goodale State Park →

  5. Dreher Island State Park

    29 miles west · Prosperity, South Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include historic sites, boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are 112 campsites across 2 camping areas (RV sites and tent sites).

    1 alert112 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$6 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Dreher Island State Park →

  6. Lee State Park

    42 miles east · Bishopville, South Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include horseback riding, historic sites, swimming, fishing, and biking. Overnight options include 19 campsites, with RV sites and tent sites.

    1 alert19 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingFree entry

    Hours, fees and rules for Lee State Park →

  7. Santee State Park

    43 miles southeast · Santee, South Carolina · State Park

    Popular activities here are historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. Water access includes a boat ramp.

    1 alert194 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$3 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Santee State Park →

  8. Aiken State Park

    48 miles southwest · Windsor, South Carolina · State Park

    Popular activities here are historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, swimming, and fishing. For overnight stays there are 25 campsites across 2 camping areas (RV sites with full hookups and tent sites).

    1 alert25 campsitesDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoating$3 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Aiken State Park →

  9. Chester State Park

    48 miles northwest · Chester, South Carolina · State Park

    Things to do include historic sites, boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Camping is available: 25 campsites, including RV sites and tent sites.

    1 alert25 campsitesCabins/lodgingDogs allowedHikingFishingBoating$3 per adult

    Hours, fees and rules for Chester State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Columbia

  1. Sesquicentennial State Park 3 mi north · 78 campsites
  2. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · 50 campsites
  3. Lake Wateree State Park 28 mi north · 100 campsites
  4. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · 112 campsites
  5. Lee State Park 42 mi east · 19 campsites

+ 3 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Columbia

  1. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. Santee State Park 43 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  4. Chester State Park 48 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Columbia

  1. Sesquicentennial State Park 3 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
  2. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · Pets allowed under park rules
  3. Lake Wateree State Park 28 mi north · Pets allowed under park rules
  4. Goodale State Park 28 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
  5. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules

+ 4 more in the list above

Swimming near Columbia

  1. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Lake Wateree State Park 28 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
  4. Lee State Park 42 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
  5. Santee State Park 43 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area

+ 1 more in the list above

Hiking near Columbia

  1. Sesquicentennial State Park 3 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  2. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
  3. Lake Wateree State Park 28 mi north · Hiking trails listed
  4. Goodale State Park 28 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
  5. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · Hiking trails listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Fishing near Columbia

  1. Sesquicentennial State Park 3 mi north · Fishing listed
  2. Poinsett State Park 27 mi southeast · Fishing listed
  3. Lake Wateree State Park 28 mi north · Fishing listed
  4. Goodale State Park 28 mi northeast · Fishing listed
  5. Dreher Island State Park 29 mi west · Fishing listed

+ 4 more in the list above

Free state parks near Columbia

  1. Goodale State Park 28 mi northeast · No entrance fee listed
  2. Lee State Park 42 mi east · No entrance fee listed

Questions about state parks near Columbia

What is the closest state park to Columbia?

Sesquicentennial State Park is the closest, about 3 miles north of Columbia in a straight line. Next are Poinsett State Park and Lake Wateree State Park.

How many state parks are near Columbia?

9 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Columbia have camping?

8 parks list camping, the nearest being Sesquicentennial State Park, Poinsett State Park and Lake Wateree State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Columbia?

Yes, at 9 parks, including Sesquicentennial State Park, Poinsett State Park and Lake Wateree State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Columbia?

2 parks list no entrance fee: Goodale State Park and Lee State Park. Camping and some activities can still cost extra.

State parks near other cities

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.