When planning a family getaway, the goal is always the same: finding a destination that balances relaxation for the adults with high-energy adventure for the kids. Tucked away in the heart of South Carolina’s low country, Santee Cooper Country is a hidden gem that delivers exactly that. From “night under the stars” camping to world-class putting courses, here is why your next family trip should be to the shores of Lakes Marion and Moultrie.
Step into a Watery Wonderland at Cypress Gardens
One of the most magical experiences in the region is a visit to Cypress Gardens in Berkeley County. This isn’t your average park; it’s a 170-acre preserve that feels like stepping into a movie set. Families can explore the “swamp” by taking a self-guided boat tour through tall cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The calm, black waters are home to turtles, birds and even the occasional alligator, making it an unforgettable nature lesson for children. Beyond the water, the Butterfly House and the Swamparium offer up-close encounters with local wildlife, ensuring there is never a dull moment.
A Night Under the Stars: Family Camping
If your family’s idea of a five-star hotel is a tent pitched under a canopy of oaks, Santee Cooper Country is your paradise. With over 43 waterfront campgrounds and two stunning state parks—Santee State Park and Poinsettia State Park—you have plenty of options to unplug and reconnect.
At Santee State Park, located on the western edge of Lake Marion, you can choose from traditional campsites or unique round cabins that sit right out over the water. Spend your days hiking the wooded trails, biking through the forest, or fishing off the pier for record-breaking catfish. There’s something deeply rewarding about roasting marshmallows over a fire after a day of “lakeside living.”
Tee Off Together: World-Class Golfing for All Ages
Santee is widely known as a premier golfing destination in the Southeast, but it’s not just for the pros. While the region boasts challenging courses like the Santee National Golf Club, Wyboo Golf Club and the Lake Marion Golf Course, there is a new attraction designed specifically for “wild fun” for the whole family: The Palmetto Traverse.
Located at the Santee Cooper Golf Resort, the Palmetto Traverse is a massive, 35,000-square-foot putting green. This isn’t your typical mini-golf with windmills. Instead, it features varied terrain, slopes and putts that can stretch as long as 260 feet. It is the perfect way to introduce children to the game of golf in a high-energy, low-pressure environment where everyone can compete together.
Why Santee Cooper Country?
Beyond the activities, what makes this region special is the “slower pace.” Whether you are picking fruit at a local U-Pick farm, exploring Revolutionary War history or simply watching a sunset over the 171,000 acres of fresh water, Santee Cooper Country invites you to create memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your adventure? Pack the flip-flops, grab the hiking shoes, and head to the country!
