State Park

Aiken State Park

Aiken County, South CarolinaAbout 1,175 acresEstablished 1934
Status
Open (per official listing)Daily 9 a.m. – sunset
Entrance fee
$3 per adultAnnual pass available
Day-use reservations
None mentioned
Dogs
Dogs allowed, with restrictions6-ft leash
Camping
25 campsites
Official site
southcarolinaparks.com(803) 649-2857

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 1

Partial closure Park NewsThe Jungle Trail is open, but the boardwalk section remains closed. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for the Canoe Trail. All boat rentals must… (more)

The Jungle Trail is open, but the boardwalk section remains closed. Kayak and canoe rentals are available for the Canoe Trail. All boat rentals must be done at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact the park office for more information.

Posted by the park. Official alert

Overview

In Aiken County, about 14 miles east of Aiken, Aiken State Park covers about 1,175 acres.

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).

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDaily9 a.m. – sunset—
OfficeNot stated11 a.m. – noon—
Not stated4 p.m. – 5 p.m.—
Official wording

M-Su, 9 a.m. to sunset

11 a.m.-noon and 4 p.m. -5 p.m.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).

Fees and passes

ItemAmount
$3 adults;$3 · adult
$1.50 SC seniors;$1.50 · senior
$1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free$1 · child
Official wording

$3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free

South Carolina park passes

From the South Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
SC State Parks reservation system (reserve.southcarolinaparks.com)
Phone
1-866-345-PARK (7275)

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

Dogs allowed, with restrictions · leash up to 6 feet

Not allowed in or on: or around lodging facilities.

Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Standard Sites with Elec. & Water19Standard Sites with Elec. & WaterShowersRVs up to 35—
Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, Sewer
6 sites, #20-25
6Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, SewerShowersRVs up to 35—
Camping details from the park

Camping Information: Each site consists of packed sand and has individual water and 30 & 50 amp electrical hookups. Campsites #20-25 also include sewer hookup. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. The campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.

Standard Sites with Elec. & Water: 19 sites

Full Hookup Sites with Elec, Water, Sewer: 6 sites, #20-25

Primitive Group Area: The primitive group camping area is available for organized groups. An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.

Located along the bank of the South Fork of the Edisto River, the area includes picnic tables, fire rings and a privy.

To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $10 -12.50 which allows up to ten campers. The rate increases by $5-6.50 increments for each additional five campers.

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Things to do

FishingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingPicnickingBikingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingHistoric sites and toursCampingSwimming

Trails

TrailLengthDifficultyNotes
Jungle Nature Trail3 miEasyLength: 3 miles, not including spur trailsHiking Trail
Pine Passage2.2 mi—Length: 2.2 milesHiking Trail
Woodpecker Ridge0.6 mi—Length: 0.6 milesHiking Trail
Fox Squirrel0.25 mi—Length: 0.25 milesHiking Trail
South Fork Edisto River Trail1.7 miEasy to ModerateLength: 1.7 milesCanoe/Kayak Trail
Trail descriptions from the park

Notice: Due to flooding issues, portions of the Jungle Nature Trail are closed. Click here for a trail map.

Jungle Nature Trail

Length: 3 miles, not including spur trails

Type: Hiking Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Description: This is a level, easy-to-follow, 3-mile boardwalk and dirt turf loop through tropical-looking wetlands and mixed pine and hardwood forest. You will walk through dense green rhododendron and fern that provide habitat for iridescent dragonflies, and a variety of birds, snakes, and other wildlife. At the far end of the main loop, you will see two clearly marked spur trails. Follow the short canoe launch spur trail across the park road, through a sandy oval parking area, to the dock on the tea-colored south fork of the Edisto River. (The water gets its unusual color from tree roots and leaf debris.) Near the dock, an artesian well bubbles up through a fountain. When you return to the main loop trail, you can also walk the other, slightly longer, spur trail to the fishing pond. Continuing on the main trail, avoid any unmarked spur trails, and you will return to the parking area. During the warm season, insect repellent is recommended. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms are available near the picnic area. Click here for more information.

Pine Passage

Length: 2.2 miles

Type: Hiking Trail

Woodpecker Ridge

Length: 0.6 miles

Type: Hiking Trail

Fox Squirrel

Length: 0.25 miles

Type: Hiking Trail

South Fork Edisto River Trail

Length: 1.7 miles

Type: Canoe/Kayak Trail

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Description: Paddle a scenic 1.7-mile stretch of the South Fork Edisto River at Aiken State Park. This easy-to-moderate trail winds through a narrow, tree-lined channel, creating a tunnel-like canopy along the way. A cleared path and posted signs help guide paddlers through this peaceful blackwater experience.

The canoe launch is located 1.5 miles from the park entrance near the artesian well (second left after entering the park). It is recommended to bring two vehicles and stage one at the take-out location, as no shuttle service is available. Some paddling experience is recommended due to narrow passages and natural obstacles. Click here for more information.

Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and tandem kayaks are available for 1.5-hour rentals. Rental start times are available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1:30 p.m. Life jackets must be worn at all times while on the water. Reservations must be made 24-hours in advance. Reservations may be canceled if river conditions are unsafe. Contact the park for more information.

Find a link to the park map here.

Swimming

Swimming: The swimming area at Aiken State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The area is swim at your own risk and there is no lifeguard on duty. Dogs are prohibited in and around the swimming area.

Boating and paddling

Boating and Boat Access: Private boats are allowed on the South Fork of the Edisto River. River access is available at the state park boat landing.

Canoe/Kayak Rentals: Canoes are available for rent at the park for $20/trip. This includes life jackets and paddles. See River Rental Rules and Regulations.

Boat reservations must be made in advance through the park.

Stand up paddle boards are $10 for 4 hours or $20 per day.

Fishing

Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in one of the four park lakes or the South Fork of the Edisto River for bream, bass and catfish.

Tackle Loaner Program: This park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program sponsored by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Rods and reels are available for loan at the park office.

A state fishing license is usually required.

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic shelters
  • Playground
  • Group facilities

Camping

  • RV dump station
  • Tent camping
  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Getting there

Address
1145 State Park RD
Windsor, SC 29856
Nearest town
Aiken — about 14 mi east (straight line)
Coordinates
33.5507, -81.4904 (from Wikidata)
Phone
(803) 649-2857
Email
aiken@scprt.com

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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