Shhhh! Let’s keep this between us….
Delighted to discover that the Aiken State Park is a lovely, thirty-five minute drive from the new parsonage, which makes it our local state park, and that makes a Methodist and her two dogs very happy.
Ben and Jack are happy there is water. There’s the Edisto River to canoe (and canoes to rent right in the park) and a fishing pond to catch lilies and catfish. There’s even a main pond with a partitioned swimming area. Dogs aren’t allowed there, but it looks good for humans. They’ve added a bit of sand to the swimming area to make the bottom of the pond more hospitable and far less squishy between the toes. Looks like they participate in the Tackle Loaner Program too, so if you don’t have a fishing pole–you can borrow one from the rangers.
Like many of the state parks in South Carolina, Aiken State Park was a Civilian Conservation Corp project. Three artesian well fountains and several buildings throughout the park reflect the workmanship of the CCC.
There are lots of pavilions and shelters, and a small campground that looked like it was doing a brisk business. I didn’t drive through; I hate gawkers when I’m camping. The park map lists a “Primitive Group Camp” and a “Rustic Tent Site”, as well.
We didn’t hike, but we did notice two trailheads: Jungle Nature Trail and Old Tory Trail. Considering the size and terrain of the park, the trails loop and remain fairly level for walking. The park map describes Jungle Nature Trail as “a three mile loop through bottomland hardwood and Sandhill pine forests while exploring wetlands, plus plenty of wildlife to observe along the way.” I will keep you posted after a hike!
The park was quiet on the day I visited, and it was a holiday weekend.
Carolina Camping 
Thank you for this beautifully written peice! Love the historical texture as well. We will have to hike this sometime.
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