Barnwell State Park in South Carolina, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-26. Check linked official notices before travel.

Barnwell State Park near Blackville, South Carolina, offers small-lake fishing, woodland walks and overnight cabins or campsites. Its Civilian Conservation Corps buildings add a historical thread to a relaxed outdoor visit. The park is currently lowering a lake to address water loss, so confirm water access before bringing a boat or planning to swim.

Fishing ponds and CCC heritage

Three small lakes: fishing is a central activity, with a pier near Shelter 1 and loaner tackle available at the office.
Two nature walks: Dogwood and Fern Hill offer different routes through the pond and woodland landscape.
Historic structures: the CCC-era spillway and buildings connect today's park to its Depression-era development.

Water levels and overnight plans

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Topic	Details
Park admission	Free. Overnight accommodation, rentals and reserved facilities have separate charges.
Park hours	9 a.m. to dark daily, year-round. Office hours are 11 a.m.–noon and 4–5 p.m.
Lake conditions	A park advisory says lake levels are being lowered to control water loss. Ask staff which water activities and access points are usable before your visit.
Swimming	The swimming area is seasonal and has no lifeguard. Confirm that it is operating before planning a swim.

Check the water before using it

Swimming is at your own risk in the seasonal area, with no lifeguard on duty. For boating, discuss current lake levels with staff before unloading. The park has no boat ramp, so private craft must be small enough to carry from the parking area.

Pets and quiet recreation

Keep pets under physical restraint or on a leash no longer than six feet in permitted outdoor areas. Owners must remove animals that harass wildlife or become dangerous or disruptive. Only Cabin 2 allows pets; a pet-friendly outdoor policy does not apply to the other cabins.

Camping and cabin bookings

Camping reservations have a two-night minimum. Contact the park directly for a same-day campsite or a cabin stay requested less than three days before check-in. Use the official camping information and cabin information to reach current rates and the reservation service.

Three miles from Blackville

From US 78 in Blackville, take Highway 3 south for about three miles. The park is in Barnwell County. Follow the official road directions for your approach rather than treating Barnwell town and the park as the same destination.

Nearby parks and historic sites

Aiken State Park: west of Blackville, with signed approaches from the US 78 and SC 302 corridors. Its Jungle Trail boardwalk section is closed.
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site: a separate road-access destination in Bamberg County, approached on the SC 641 or US 321 corridors.

Walk a loop or fish from shore

Trail	Published route	Starting point and character
Dogwood Interpretive Trail	1.5-mile loop	Starts behind the office and follows the pond landscape.
Fern Hill Nature Trail	1.5-mile figure-eight route	Begins near the lower pond dam, with shorter and longer options through fern-rich woodland.

A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for fishing in the park lakes. Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish are among the listed fish. The office loans rods and reels through the tackle-loaner program. Private boats may not have gas-powered engines; fishing-boat rentals are another option when available.

Campsites, cabins and day-use amenities

The 25-site campground has water and electrical hookups, with restrooms and hot showers nearby. Sites 18–25 also have sewer hookups and 50-amp electricity. The five furnished cabins have heating, air conditioning and basic cooking equipment. Check the specific unit's capacity and layout before reserving.

Picnic shelters, a community building, playground and fishing pier support day visits and gatherings. Ask staff about the exact route and facility access if you have particular mobility needs; a trail's easy rating is not a statement that its whole surface is accessible.

Built for recreation during the Depression

The Civilian Conservation Corps

The state acquired the park land in 1937. CCC workers developed the recreation area, and several buildings from the 1930s remain in use. The spillway is another visible connection to that work.

Woodland and pond life

The park describes osprey, wood ducks and painted buntings among its birdlife. Ferns and flowering plants line parts of Fern Hill, while the lakes support the fishery. Animal sightings vary; the pier near Shelter 1 is a suggested place to watch birds.

Contact Barnwell State Park

Call 803-284-2212 for water conditions and short-notice bookings. The official park page carries the current advisory and links to visitor services.

	Temp max	Temp min	Rain	Snow
Jan	14 °C 57 °F	5 °C 41 °F	80 mm 3.1 in	1 cm 0.4 in
Feb	17 °C 63 °F	7 °C 45 °F	101 mm 4.0 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Mar	20 °C 68 °F	9 °C 48 °F	86 mm 3.4 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Apr	24 °C 75 °F	13 °C 55 °F	97 mm 3.8 in	0 cm 0.0 in
May	28 °C 82 °F	18 °C 64 °F	87 mm 3.4 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Jun	31 °C 88 °F	22 °C 72 °F	108 mm 4.3 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Jul	33 °C 91 °F	24 °C 75 °F	128 mm 5.0 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Aug	31 °C 88 °F	23 °C 73 °F	127 mm 5.0 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Sep	29 °C 84 °F	20 °C 68 °F	89 mm 3.5 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Oct	25 °C 77 °F	15 °C 59 °F	83 mm 3.3 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Nov	19 °C 66 °F	9 °C 48 °F	64 mm 2.5 in	0 cm 0.0 in
Dec	16 °C 61 °F	8 °C 46 °F	113 mm 4.4 in	0 cm 0.0 in