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South Carolina
501

South Carolina State Parks

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USA Parks
South Carolina
Santee Cooper Region
Poinsett State Park
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Poinsett State Park Waterfall at Poinsett © Mike Covington
An old waterfall at Poinsett State Park.
Poinsett State Park Learning to Fish © Mike Covington
A young child is learning to fish with her father behind the visitor center at Poinsett State Park.
Poinsett State Park © Gregg Pratt
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POINSETT STATE PARK
POINSETT STATE PARK
6660 Poinsett Park RD
Wedgefield, South Carolina   29168

Phone: 803-494-8177
Reservations: 803-494-8177
Email: park email button icon
Poinsett State Park is located in an outlying area of the Sandhills, yet it is still within the coastal plain.

This unique position on the edge of diverse terrain makes for habitat diversity that supports a wide range of floral life. Within the park?s swamp, Sandhills, mountain bluffs and hardwood forests are plants that typically thrive in Upcountry habitats and species that are normally found in Lowcountry habitats.

The park?s cabins, picnic shelters and other historic structures are excellent examples of the quality craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which built the park in the 1930s.

This 1,000-acre park also features a family campground, equestrian campground, fishing lake, trails and access to the Palmetto Trail system, which links to adjacent Manchester State Forest.
Passes
South Carolina offers a variety of Park Passports. You can read more about the South Carolina Park Passports and order online by visiting the SOUTH CAROLINA PARK PASSPORTS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
WinterActivitiesyes
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in serene lakes and ponds, home to species like largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie. The park's diverse aquatic habitats also offer opportunities for fly-fishing. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required.


Location
Poinsett State Park is located near Hopkins, Sumter and Columbia

Picnicking
Five picnic shelters are available for family or other group gatherings. Each shelter may be reserved for $25-38/day.

If shelters are not reserved, guests may use shelters on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.

To make a picnic shelter reservation, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK.
Bicycling
Be aware, the park offers a challenging 10-mile bike trail for experienced riders. Helmets are strongly recommended.

For beginners or casual cyclists, there's an easier 1.5-mile loop to enjoy at your own pace.

Mountain biking is popular here due to varied terrain including hills and wetlands; proper gear is essential.

The trails can be muddy after rain so check weather conditions before planning your ride in this location.

Remember that wildlife encounters may occur while cycling; stay alert and respect nature's inhabitants during rides.

Bike rentals aren't available on-site - bring all necessary equipment with you when visiting these scenic routes.

Ensure bikes have lights if intending to cycle past sunset as visibility within wooded areas diminishes quickly.


Birding
The park offers diverse bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Birders can find waterfowl and songbirds in the wetlands area during migration seasons. The mixed pine-hardwood forest is home to woodland birds like warblers and woodpeckers year-round.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 4 Poinsett St Park (equestrian trails) by horsecentz
park review stars; one to five The equestrian trails have always been a favorite of ours. We were told diturbing news tonight that the trails are no longer to be used by horses. If not horses what??? The message was that the campground is closed and horses are not welcomed. Is this true or did the Ranger relaying this info make a mistake? Mistake I hope.
February 23 A Family Favorite! by D. Anderson
park review stars; one to five My husband and I take our teenage daughters to this park every year. Living within 20 minutes of it, we visit it frequently either for day trips or for camping overnight. We love the trails, the fishing, and just exploring the park. The rangers are always helpful and informative and all of the facilities, campgrounds included, are always clean and adequate for a families needs.
November 19 family visit
park review stars; one to five We had a family visit with grand daughters, great park with the exception of the bathrooms. No hot water and the bathrooms were not clean. It was the weekend, so we wondered if they forgot to clean them. Seems like there are people who live in the park year round.
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Directions
General Directions: Off SC 261, 18 miles southwest of Sumter near Wedgefield

Driving Directions: From I-95: Take exit 119 (Manning exit) onto Hwy 261 towards Columbia until you see signs for Poinsett. From Columbia: Take Hwy 378/76 toward Sumter. After crossing over the Wateree River proceed to the top of the hill and turn rt. on Hwy. 261 toward Wedgefield. Continue on Hwy 261 until you see signs for Poinsett. Park will be on the rt. From I-20: Take exit 98 (Camden exit) onto Hwy 521 S. toward Sumter. Go 2 mi. on Hwy. 521 to Hwy. 261, bear rt. and follow the rd. for approximately 35 mi.

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South Carolina
501

South Carolina State Parks

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