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Paris Mountain State Park South Carolina (SC) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Santee State Park is a popular destination for RV camping, and for a good reason. The park’s rich history and cultural significance make it a unique and fascinating place to visit. The park was established in 1949 and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It is named after the Santee Indians, who once lived in the area.

The park’s natural occurrences have contributed to its incredibly unique features. The park is located on the shores of Lake Marion, which is the largest lake in South Carolina. The lake was created in the 1940s when the Santee Cooper River was dammed to generate hydroelectric power. The lake’s creation led to the flooding of many cypress forests, creating a unique ecosystem that attracts a variety of wildlife.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Paris Mountain State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Paris Mountain State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When it comes to transportation options for visiting Santee State Park private vehicles are the most convenient way to get there. The park has three entrances and visitors can access the park from Highway 6 Highway 26 or Highway 15. RV renters should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes and the park can only accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. Additionally there are no hookups available for RVs so renters should come prepared with enough water and power to last for their stay.

  • Parking area

Recreational vehicles are welcome at the park but there are certain guidelines to follow. Designated RV parking areas are available and overnight parking is restricted to designated campsites only. It’s a great idea to camp with an RV and explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

  • Public Transportation

Santee State Park offers public transportation options for visitors. Shuttle buses and walking paths are available for getting around the park making it easy to explore without relying on personal vehicles.

Top Campsites in Paris Mountain State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campgrounds near Santee State Park that require reservations are

Lakeshore Campground

This campground is located along the shores of Lake Marion and has 158 sites. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers a playground and a boat ramp. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Santee / Santee Lakes KOA

This campground is located just outside the park and has 250 sites. It offers full hookups cable TV Wi-Fi a swimming pool a hot tub a fishing pond and a mini-golf course. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet are permitted.

Cypress View Campground

This campground is located in the park and has 50 sites. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers and a playground. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Santee Coastal Reserve Campground

This campground is located near the park and has 20 sites. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers and a boat ramp. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

  • First-come first-served

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served camping options in Santee State Park here are a few options

Squirrel Hill Campground

This campground has 20 sites and is located in the park. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers and a boat ramp. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Gum Swamp Campground

This campground has 20 sites and is located in the park. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers and a playground. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Owl Creek Campground

This campground has 10 sites and is located in the park. It offers water and electric hookups a dump station restrooms with hot showers and a fishing pier. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

  • Alternate camping

If the campgrounds in Santee State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby. Here are a few options

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near the park including Santee Campground and Lodge Santee National Golf Links RV Park and Lake Marion RV Park. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities including full hookups Wi-Fi laundry facilities and recreational activities.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience you can try backcountry camping in the Francis Marion National Forest. Permits are required and camping is only allowed in designated areas.

RV Parks and Resorts

If you’re traveling in an RV there are several RV parks and resorts located near the park including Santee Lakes RV Park Lake Marion RV Park and Pine Ridge Campground. These parks offer full hookups Wi-Fi and a variety of recreational activities.

  • General activities

Santee State Park is a haven for outdoorsy RV campers who love to immerse themselves in nature. The park offers a variety of recreational activities that attract thousands of visitors each year. Here are the top five activities listed in order of popularity

Fishing


Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Santee State Park. The park has two lakes Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie that are teeming with fish. Anglers can catch largemouth bass catfish crappie and bream. The park has several fishing piers and boat ramps making it easy to access the water.

Hiking


Santee State Park has over 10 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the lakeshore. The trails range from easy to moderate making them accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The park’s most popular trail is the Lakeshore Trail which offers stunning views of Lake Marion.

Biking


The park has several miles of paved bike trails that are perfect for a leisurely ride. The trails wind through the forest and offer scenic views of the lake. The park also has a bike rental program making it easy for visitors to hit the trails.

Boating


Boating is a popular activity at Santee State Park. The park has several boat ramps that provide access to Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. Visitors can rent pontoon boats kayaks and canoes from the park’s marina.

Bird Watching


Santee State Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. The park is home to over 200 species of birds including bald eagles ospreys and herons. The park has several bird watching platforms and trails that offer excellent opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures.

  • Alternative activities

Santee State Park also offers several alternative activities for RV campers who prefer a more low-key outdoor experience. Here are the top five alternative activities listed in order of popularity

Sightseeing


The park’s scenic beauty is a major draw for visitors. The park has several overlooks that offer stunning views of the lake and forest. The park’s nature center also has several exhibits that showcase the park’s natural and cultural history.

Nature Watching


In addition to bird watching the park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer raccoons and otters. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the park’s trails and observe these creatures in their natural habitat.

Photography


The park’s scenic beauty and abundant wildlife make it an ideal location for photography. Visitors can capture stunning images of the lake forest and wildlife.

Picnicking


The park has several picnic areas that offer scenic views of the lake. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the park’s natural beauty.

Stargazing


Santee State Park is a designated dark sky park making it an ideal location for stargazing. The park hosts several stargazing events throughout the year allowing visitors to explore the night sky and learn about the constellations.

Season-specific experiences in Paris Mountain State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Santee State Park especially for RV campers. One popular activity is fishing on Lake Marion which is known for its large population of catfish bass and crappie. The park has several fishing piers and boat ramps making it easy to access the water.

Another must-see landmark is the Santee Cooper Lakes Dam which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. Visitors can take a guided tour of the dam to learn about its history and operation.

For those interested in history the park is home to the Santee Indian Mound a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 1400 AD. The mound is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes by the Santee Indians.

Hiking is also a popular activity in the spring with several trails that wind through the park’s forests and wetlands. The Lakeshore Trail is a favorite among campers as it offers beautiful views of the lake and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Finally birdwatching is a popular pastime in the park with over 200 species of birds calling the area home. The park’s wetlands and forests provide the perfect habitat for a variety of birds including egrets herons and ospreys.

  • Summer activities

Summer is the busiest season at Santee State Park and it’s easy to see why. One of the most popular activities is swimming at the park’s lakefront beach which offers crystal clear waters and plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun.

For those who prefer to stay active the park offers several options for water sports including kayaking paddleboarding and canoeing. The park rents out equipment making it easy for visitors to enjoy the lake without having to bring their own gear.

Another popular activity is geocaching which involves using GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures throughout the park. The park has several geocaches hidden throughout its trails making for a fun and challenging scavenger hunt.

Summer is also a great time to explore the park’s nature center which offers exhibits on local wildlife and environmental conservation. Visitors can learn about the park’s history ecology and cultural significance.

Finally the park’s amphitheater hosts a variety of events throughout the summer including concerts movies and educational programs. Visitors can check the park’s schedule for upcoming events and plan their trip accordingly.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a beautiful time of year to visit Santee State Park and enjoy the changing leaves. Here are five activities that RV campers love to do during the fall season

Hiking

With over 15 miles of trails Santee State Park offers hikers of all levels a chance to explore the park’s natural beauty. The Lakeshore Trail is a popular option for those looking for an easy hike with stunning views of Lake Marion.

Fishing

Lake Marion is known for its excellent fishing and fall is a great time to cast a line. Anglers can catch a variety of fish including bass crappie and catfish.

Bird Watching

Santee State Park is home to over 100 species of birds making it a popular destination for bird watchers. Fall is a great time to see migrating birds including bald eagles and ospreys.

Campfires

There’s nothing quite like a campfire on a cool fall evening. Santee State Park has several campsites with fire pits perfect for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.

Visiting the Santee Indian Mound

The Santee Indian Mound is a historic landmark located within the park. It’s believed to have been built by the Santee Indians over 1 000 years ago and is a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a peaceful time to visit Santee State Park. While some of the park’s amenities may be closed there are still plenty of activities to enjoy

Hiking

The park’s trails are still open during the winter and hiking is a great way to explore the park’s natural beauty. The cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking conditions.

Fishing

While the fishing may not be as plentiful as it is in the fall anglers can still catch a variety of fish during the winter months.

Wildlife Viewing

Winter is a great time to see some of the park’s wildlife including deer foxes and raccoons.

Stargazing

With minimal light pollution Santee State Park is a great place for stargazing. Winter skies are often clear making for excellent stargazing conditions.

Visiting the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area

Located just a few miles from the park the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area is a great place to see a variety of wildlife including alligators and bald eagles.

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