What to Do at Santee State Park

Santee State Park Hours and Admission

Here is some general information that is relevant to all visitors, no matter the activity they’ve come for.

Hours

• Park Hours - Daily, 6 a.m. - dark
• Office Hours - Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Hours may extend during peak season)
  

Admission

• Adults - $3
• SC seniors - $1.50
• Children 6-15 - $1
• Children 5 and under - Free
  

Pets

Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas. However, all pets need to be on a leash no longer than six feet or kept under other kinds of physical restraint. If your pets are overly noisy or dangerous to other guests or to the wildlife, you will be asked to remove the pet from the premises.

Fishing

For decades, Santee State Park has been a popular destination for experienced and amateur anglers alike and for good reason. After all, the state record for the largest largemouth bass caught in South Carolina is held by Lake Marion.

Anglers can choose to set up on the Santee State Park fishing pier or venture onto the waters from one of two well-maintained boat landings. Lake Marion is well known for its wide variety of fish that live in the lake, whether they be housed along the riverbanks, in the open water, or in the dense cypress forest in the center of the lake. 

Here are some of the fish that are found in Lake Marion:

• Largemouth Bass
• Catfish
• Crappie
• White Bass
• Striped Bass
• Perch

Be sure to obtain the necessary licenses before you hit the water.

Water Sports

Fishing isn’t the only reason visitors go out onto the water. Lake Marion is a perfect place for water sports of all kinds. Whether you are looking to relax on a boat or feel the thrill of water skiing/jet skiing, Lake Marion can accommodate.

While swimming is allowed at Lake Marion, it is to be done at your own risk. It should also be noted that all swimming around the pier cabins is prohibited.

Hiking Trails

Wandering the Santee State Park hiking trails can be a great way to view the landscape in all its glory. There are multiple trails at the park to explore:

• Santee Trail / Bike Loop – 7.8 mile loop trail
• Oak Pinolly Trail – 0.9 mile out-and-back trail
• Sinkhole Pond Nature Trail – 0.8 mile loop trail
• Limestone Nature Trail – 1 mile loop trail

One unique feature of the park that can be seen from most of the trails are the various sinkholes scattered throughout. Ranging from hidden underground caverns to large, gaping depressions, these sinkholes allow you to see nature at work as the underlying limestone is being eroded. 

Wildlife

Santee State Park is home to a vibrant array of wildlife, which draws in visitors from all over. The park is home to the Fox Squirrel, the largest species of tree squirrel in North America. These rodents can get up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 2.5 pounds. Visitors can also spot alligators lurking in the waters.

For those interested in birding, the park is home to a plethora of bird species including:

• Bald eagles
• Ospreys
• Canadian goose
• Great Egret
• Great Blue Heron
• And many more!

The park does request that visitors refrain from feeding the wildlife. If you come across wildlife, just let them be.