Barnwell State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
Are jet skis or motorboats permitted in the park lakes?
We have two ponds on the park consisting of 18 and nine acres each. Neither pond is large enough to accommodate a boat ramp, and does not allow any motorized boats. You may launch your private boat as long as it can be carried from the parking lot to the ponds.
Are boats available for rent at Barnwell State Park?
Jon boats are available for rent at the park for $15/day or $5/hour. You may bring your own non-motorized boat as long as it can be carried from the parking area to the pond.
How long can boats be rented?
Boats are available for rent from 9-5 each day. If you are staying in the campground, you may rent a boat for multiple days and have access to the boat for the entire time. Boats are prohibited on the lakes after dark.
Is swimming allowed in the park lakes?
We no longer allow swimming at the park. The closest designated swimming area to the park is the YMCA waterpark in Orangeburg, SC or Richardson’s Lake in Aiken, SC. Both are within a 45-minute drive from the park.
How many people do the picnic shelters accommodate?
There are four shelters at the park that vary in size and can accommodate from 45 to 125 people. For more information, please contact the park directly.
How long is the nature trail?
Our nature trail is approximately 1.3 miles long and is best-suited for hiking. The trail has several different access points, providing the ability to make the hike shorter or longer depending on where the user begins.
Is there a fee to fish or enter Barnwell State Park?
Fishing and park entry is free at Barnwell State Park. The park also participates in the
tackle loaner program, and loans out rods and reels to park visitors. If you are fishing, please make sure to bring your bait, tackle and a valid South Carolina fishing license.
Other than fishing, what activities does the park offer?
Barnwell State Park offers a playground, volleyball area, horseshoe pits, nature trail and loaner sports balls. The park also offers a picnic area with charcoal grills and scattered picnic tables for use by park visitors.
How do I make a reservation at a state park?
Reservations at state parks may be made up to 11 months in advance. There are three convenient ways to make reservations at South Carolina State Parks:
Call toll free 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
Online at
SouthCarolinaParks.com or
click here to reserve
At the park of your choice, by calling the park directly
Reservations for group camps or primitive camping must still be made through the state parks.
Camping Reservations: Reservations requested less than one (1) day in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Friday and you are making a reservation checking in on today, Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly. Campsite reservations require payment in full at the time the reservation is made.
Cabin Reservations & Day Use Facilities: Reservations requested LESS THAN three (3) days in advance of check-in must be made directly through the park.
For example: If today is Wednesday and you are making a reservation for the upcoming Friday, you must make the reservation by contacting the park directly.
How far in advance may I make a reservation?
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance. For example: If you would like to check in on November 1, 2012 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2011.
What is the cancellation policy for park reservations?
Fees assessed to reservation cancellations or changes are based on the amount of notice given in advance of the arrival date. Transaction fees are not refundable. Below is more detailed information:
CANCELLATION POLICY:
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LODGING
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CAMPING
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DAY-USE
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
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30+ Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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15+ Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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15+ Days
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No Charge
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15-29 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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1 night charge
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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0-14 Days
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Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
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Entire deposit
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0-3 Days
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Entire deposit
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TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
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LODGING
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CAMPING
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DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
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Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
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No Charge
|
15+ Days
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No Charge
|
15+ Days
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No Charge
|
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15-29 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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4-14 Days
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$10 Handling Fee
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0-14 Days
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Cancellation Required
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0-3 Days
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Cancellation Required
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0-3 Days
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Cancellation Required
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* Changes that result in additional nights reserved will not incur handling fees or penalties, but will be subject to non-refundable transaction fees for the additional nights.
EARLY DEPARTURE POLICY: Cancellation Policy applies in conjunction with Fee Policy for Emergency Waivers.
Are pets allowed in state parks?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are not allowed in or around cabins, cabin areas or other lodging facilities.
Which parks offer free wi-fi internet service?
The following parks offer free wifi in some capacity on the park: Caesars Head State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Dreher Island State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Hickory Knob State Resort Park, Hunting Island State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Santee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Lake Hartwell State Park. For more detailed information, please contact the park you are interested in visiting, directly.
What is the discount policy for senior citizens, blind and disabled citizens?
South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years of age, legally blind or disabled, qualify for certain rate reductions. Proof of age or disability is required. These qualifying residents receive 35% off admission fees, camping, picnic shelters, golf greens fees and fishing pier admission. In order to receive the camping discount, qualifying individuals MUST occupy the site reserved. Also these qualifying residents may purchase a Palmetto Passport for $37.50 (50% off) for admission to all state parks for the period of one year. There are NO rate reductions for lodging, building or meeting facility rentals, leased facilities, resale items or equipment rentals.
Do out-of-state senior citizens, blind or disabled citizens receive any discounts?
The same rate reductions as listed in the question above are extended to out-of-state U.S. residents only at the following parks: Baker Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hamilton Branch, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell and Sadlers Creek, EXCEPT for the Palmetto Passport discount.
What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?
What are your geocaching guidlelines for state parks and state park properties?
How can I get printed information on state park camping and lodging?
Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?
What is the minimum age required to reserve/occupy a campsite?
To reserve and/or occupy a campsite, a member of the party must be least 18 years of age and present at the time of check in. They must also be present on the site with the camping equipment.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed on park property?
It is unlawful for any person to consume or display in public any beverage of alcoholic content, including beer and wine, except where specifically authorized by the Department.
Are golf carts permitted on state parks?
For information regarding the use of a personal golf cart, please contact the individual park that you plan to visit.