South Carolina's Best Little Local Fishing Hole

General Info: If you’re looking for a hidden gem of a fishing hole, Barnwell State Park near Blackville, South Carolina is the place for you! It is one of 16 state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Palmetto State during the Great Depression. The park covers 307 acres and features two fishing ponds (one of which was created by a dam). There is a pay phone on site and your leashed pets are welcome to join you in the outdoor areas of the park.

Hours and Fees: Admission is free! The park office is open daily from 11 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The park itself is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (extended to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during Daylight Saving Time). For more information call the park office at (803) 284-2212. Download the park map PDF before your visit.

Activities: Cast a line from the fishing pier of the 16-acre lake for large mouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish, or try your luck in the adjacent 8-acre lake. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required. Contact the park at (803) 284-2212 for instructions about bringing your own boat. If you don’t have a boat with you there are some non-motorized boats available for rent at daily or hourly rates. The park’s four picnic shelters can be used on a first-come first-served basis if they are not already reserved for private use.

The Dogwood Interpretive Trail loops around one of the two ponds for an easy/moderate 1.5 mile hike. Many of the trees and shrubs are marked to help all you weekend botanists with identification. In the thick wooded areas of the trail you’ll see yellow jessamine, wild orchids, hollies, poplars and large oaks and pines, among other flora.

Camping Info: The park campground features 25 gravel RV campsites with water and electrical hookups (30/50 amps). There are eight sites with sewer hookups, and a dump station is available for the sites without sewer hookups. Back-in sites measure 20×50 ft. Four sites accommodate rigs up to 36’ long while the rest can handle RVs up to 28’ in length. The campground is near restrooms with hot showers, and features picnic tables and fire rings. Rates range from $10 to $13 per night (plus tax) depending on the season and type of site.

If you’re from the Palmetto State or have visited Barnwell State Park in the past, please chime in with your stories and travel tips!