Two new state parks are set to open in South Carolina.
Black River State Park will span from Kingstree in Williamsburg County through Andrews to Georgetown, while Ramsey Grove State Park will be located 15 minutes from historic Georgetown along U.S. Highway 701.
Black River State Park will include 70 miles of lush forests and swamp land along South Carolina’s Black River. This innovative linear park will follow the river’s path, offering unique recreational opportunities and a connection to the region’s history. The Black River Water Trail & Park Network will be the first of its kind in the state, accessible by both land and water. Multiple tracts along the river are being acquired with the help of partners like the Open Space Institute and The Nature Conservancy.
This linear park will include campsites for kayakers, allowing visitors to rest and explore different areas of the park. Stretching over 1,800 acres, it will open in stages, with the first tract, “The Meadows,” set to debut this spring. The Meadows will feature campsites, a picnic area, hiking trails, kayaking, fishing, and birding. It will also host the park’s visitor center, which will emphasize the river’s historical importance to Indigenous and Gullah-Geechee communities.
High Bluffs, a 162-acre tract within the park, is slated for a soft opening in fall 2025. The park’s broader goals include revitalizing surrounding communities like Andrews and Kingstree, protecting land from future development, and promoting floodplain resiliency. Full completion of the Black River State Park is expected by 2030, though ongoing improvements may continue beyond that date.
Ramsey Grove State Park is also progressing steadily, though it remains in its early stages. Located on the Black River in Georgetown County, this 2,600-acre property was acquired through a tax settlement with Dominion Energy. Formerly a slave rice plantation and later a hunting retreat, the park’s development has included archaeological testing to identify sensitive areas and infrastructure work on water lines and roads. Its rich woodlands and history offer opportunities for both recreation and education.
When Ramsey Grove opens, projected for 2025, it will include hiking and biking trails, a duck impoundment, and areas for deer hunting. The S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism has partnered with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources to manage the duck impoundment. The park also plans to host community events such as pumpkin patches, oyster roasts, and weddings, further enhancing its appeal.
You can find out more about the new parks on SC’s official park site here.
