Santee State Park

Angela Shankle

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Santee State Park is one of those places that reminds you to slow down and look around. Between the lake views, the walking areas, the pier, and the peaceful wooded spots, it has that nice mix of relaxing and exploring. We saw deer wandering through like they owned the place, and honestly, they kind of do. One even stopped long enough with a mouthful of leaves to give us the look of, “Yes, I’m eating. Can I help you?” 😂🦌 The lake views are beautiful, especially from the boardwalk/pier area, and it’s a great place to stretch your legs, take pictures, or just enjoy being outside for a while. When the deer are calm and the water is pretty, you’re probably standing somewhere worth visiting. Santee State Park is peaceful, scenic, and a great little getaway spot if you enjoy nature, water views, and the occasional wildlife encounter with attitude. 🌿✨

Wander Woman

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Stayed 5 days at Santee State Park and had a great experience. It was quiet and mostly empty during the weekdays, but filled up by Friday afternoon. The sites are spacious, the bathrooms were clean with nice hot showers, and there are plenty of trails to explore. Great views of Lake Marion. Overall, a really nice park to relax and enjoy the outdoors!

Francis Loughney

4 out of 5 stars★★★★☆

I’m including a pic of the trail map. The Blue loop is 7.5 miles. It’s cool biking through the forest and quiet when you’re riding on pine needles. I’d give it a beginner rating but be aware the trail is mostly sand and there are lots of roots. I think a fat tire biking would be best. I rode a hard tail and felt those roots, full suspension would have been better.

Jenn Bell

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Santee State Park in Santee, SC (off Lake Marion, near I-95, about 57 miles and 1 hour from Charleston/where we live). We saw the visitors center/interpretive displays (NOT about that rattlesnake skin, it goes over the left side of the shelf, made us extra cautious while doing our trail. TONS of leaves for coverage, luckily since it was much colder usual, the snakes should mostly be burrowed but would be careful for copperheads in spring/summer as leaves colors would be perfect camo - don't be afraid, be mindful and respectful of nature). Since we were mindful about daytime hours + closest to visitors center + already had walked a longer trail that day (fitbit said 10k steps by time completed both trails), we did the Oak Pinolly trail (0.75 miles) - can't say it was anything to write home about, but it was easy (mind the roots!!!), took us about an 29 mins, saw lots of HUGE oak leaves (like Land Before Time tree star huge), found 2 small feathers. Probably would be really nice in the spring when all green again. Before leaving/near where we parked, visited the short pier and the Cypress gift shop too (similar to what was in visitor center but some more snacks and tackle/fishing gear).

Michael Travis

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

Chill almost empty campground. Large mossy trees. A man made reservoir masquerading as a lake with water the temperature of a hot bath. Air conditioned restrooms and a short trail featuring sinkholes. A fine space to spend the night as you travel the length of I-95. Better than sleeping in the car at a rest stop.