Lake Greenwood State Park: 7 Places to Play in and Around the Water
By Carl Hedinger of Travel Through Life
No matter your plans for an Old 96 District of South Carolina trip, you need to make at least one stop at Lake Greenwood State Park.This 914-acre series of peninsulas is ready and waiting for you to hop out of your car, stretch your legs, and enjoy a day (or more) around the water.
Start with these great places to play in and around the park. They’ll show you that Lake Greenwood is a park to mark down for a return trip.
The Pier
Take a right at the fork past the park entrance toward the picnic shelter. After a few twists and turns, a wheelchair-accessible pier will appear on your right. It’s an absolutely lovely spot for staring out into the water and for fishing if you brought your rod and reel.
The Playground
If you brought a little one and want to let them get the wiggles out without swimming, there are two playground structures between our favorite swimming area and the pier. Your kids will thank you after their umpteenth time down the slide.
Swimming Spot
The perfect swimming spot at Lake Greenwood State Park is just across from the playground. A couple of picnic tables are also there for you to leave your things. The beach is pretty small and cuts right to the chase (as a lake should), running right into the water.
The Nature Trail
The park’s 0.8-mile nature trail is also very nice and starts from the Recreation Building. This easy loop trail (Blue Markers) will take you through tree lined paths, with the lake coming out of hiding to say hello.
Skipper’s Landing
If you didn’t bring a boat and really want to get out on the water, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Aquafun Paddle and Jetski at Skipper’s Landing in Cross Hill. Skipper’s offers pontoon rentals, too. And if you’re hungry, there’s a food menu for before and after heading out.
Eat at Break on the Lake
Break on the Lake is a nice place to eat along the lake, with an outdoor screened-in area and huge indoor dining area. You can eat here or grab some takeout. Local favorites include fried flounder, oysters, mac and cheese, and some of the tastiest collards on the side that you’ll eat.
Camp in the Park
If you think you don’t have enough time to do all this in one day, that’s okay. Lake Greenwood State Park’s 125 family campsites are right on the water and ready for you. These spots are also equipped with electric, water, and picnic tables. Campers also have access to hot showers and restrooms.
For those who’d prefer a hotel to a campsite, you can always stay at Inn on the Square or Hampton Inn in Greenwood.
Which of our favorite things to do at Lake Greenwood State Park are you ready to try? If you’ve been before, is there something you’d add?
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Carl Hedinger is the writer and Christina Riley is the photographer for Travel Through Life. After years of living abroad, they now call the good ole USA “home.” From their base in Durham, North Carolina, they share travel guides, packing lists, and experiences with on Travel Through Life and sister site NC Tripping.
Also check out Old 96 District’s 6 Ways to Enjoy our State Parks, or learn about the Ultimate Outsider Challenge.
