My family’s love for camping is no secret. I’ve posted about it in this space multiple times. We’re just an outdoorsy type of family!
We are currently working our way through the SC State Parks (hoping to become Ultimate Outsiders soon!). While we do explore different parks each camping season, the one we always come back to is Table Rock State Park. We go camping there every year for Labor Day Weekend. It is an amazingly beautiful park and the perfect place to go, see, and explore!
Go!
Location: 158 Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671
Note: While that is the address listed, that address is for the visitors center. That is not the entrance to the park and/or campground area. When you are on Ellison Ln, you will need to pass the visitor center entrance and look for the State Park entrance.
Park Hours: Sun. – Thur., 7am-7pm; Fri.-Sat., 7am-9pm
Daily Admission Rates: $6 adults, $3.75 SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3.50 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free. (If you are camping, you do not need to pay admission.)
See!
One of the reasons my family loves Table Rock so much is because there is so much to see here. If you are a nature lover, this is the park for you!
- Animals: Each year we go, we see a new type of animal. The first time, we saw a baby black bear cub. (We said, “aww,” and then got the heck out of there before mamma bear showed up!) The next year we saw multiple snakes (I know…”ewww” and/or “yikes” but I have boys so they were thrilled). The following year, something literally growled at us from in the trees as we were hiking with our friend and their dog. (We think it may have been a grey fox or bobcat.) Then, there are always toads, salamanders, lizards, crayfish, minnows, woodpeckers, and tons of beautiful Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.
- Scenery: Table Rock State Park is one of the most picturesque and beautiful places I have ever been! The views of the mountain from both the visitor’s center and inside the park are breathtaking. If you hike all the way to the top (or even halfway!) you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Pickens. We usually rent paddleboats, and I love paddling out to the middle of the lake and just looking at the mountain from that vantage point. It’s so majestic!
- Waterfalls: Table Rock is one of the many state parks in the Upstate that boasts multiple beautiful waterfalls. Aside from the gorgeous views, you are also able to swim in them, which makes them even more special. There is nothing like cooling off in the sparkling clear water after a long hike!
Explore!
There is no shortage of things to do while at Table Rock! If you’re the type of person who prefers swinging in your hammock and relaxing at the campsite, you’ll have a beautiful spot to do so. But, if you like adventure, there are miles and miles of space to explore!
- Camping: The campground at Table Rock is set apart from the public park area, which gives it a quieter, more serene atmosphere away from those who are just at the park for the day. This is one of the largest campgrounds you’ll find in the state because it includes three separate camping areas. The main campground is ideal for both tent camping and RV camping, and the two smaller camping areas are tent only. Table Rock also boasts 16 furnished cabins! You can’t go wrong either way.
- Hiking: Hiking is the main attraction at Table Rock! If you’re up for the challenge and itching to see the view from the top, why not traverse the 3.6 mile (one-way) trek up the Table Rock Trail? Hiking with kids? No problem! The Carrick Creek Trail is a two-mile loop that is easy for young hikers to tackle. There are multiple trails suitable for all ages. Be sure to keep your eyes out for wildlife while hiking!
- Nature Center: The Table Rock Nature Center is located at the start of the hiking trails. Be sure to check in here to register before your hike! In addition, they usually have some snakes and other critters on hand to check out. Park rangers are available to answer any questions you may have. There are also restrooms located here.
- Swimming: Pinnacle Lake is open seasonally for swimming from 7am-6pm daily. It’s a wonderfully serene lake with a beach area, complete with picnic tables, a small store/shop, and a large grassy area for kids and pets to run and play. (Note: While pets are allowed in the park, they are not allowed on the sandy beach area or in the lake, per DHEC regulations.)
- Boating: At Table Rock, canoe, kayak, non-motorized fishing boats, and pedal boats are available for rental. My family always rents the pedal boats. We all love pedaling out to the middle of the lake and enjoying the view! We did try a canoe once, but I will never do that again (That’s a story for another day!).
- Playground: Right next to the swimming area is a large playground, complete with swings, slides, climbing apparatuses, and more!
- Picnic area: Table Rock also has multiple picnic tables throughout the swimming and playground areas. There are also picnic shelters for use.
- Park Store/Gift Shop: Table Rock has three different park stores, each with a wonderful variety of items. The country store at the entrance to the campground offers limited grocery items, drinks, snacks (including ice cream bars!), firewood and souvenirs. The snack shop by the swimming area offers snacks, drinks, and swim gear. It’s also where you pay for boat rentals. The visitor center (located on SC Hwy 11 just down the road from the main park entrance) has an assortment of souvenir items, snacks, drink and books.
As you can see, Table Rock State Park is the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure! Whether you’re camping or just headed out for the day, be sure to check their website for important updates before you head out. (For example, nature center renovations and statewide burn bans.) Now, get out there and go, see, explore!
