Austin Mitchum

Park Manager

Hello. My name is Austin Mitchum, and I am the Park Manager at Colleton State Park. Growing up, I often found myself in the great outdoors. If I wasn’t fishing, I was hunting. If I were doing neither, there was a problem. Fresh out of college, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a park ranger; however, I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in an office for the foreseeable future. When I landed my first job as an assistant ranger at Huntington Beach State Park, everything clicked. That is when I realized that I could be a part of something bigger than myself by preserving, protecting and promoting places so special to so many.

At the end of the Cypress Swamp Nature Trail at Colleton State Park, there is a boardwalk that takes you to the edge of the Edisto River. This little slice of heaven gives you a priceless opportunity to catch a big ol’ Redbreast while experiencing a million-dollar view. It’s my favorite feature of the park.

As a first-time visitor to Colleton State Park, I would encourage you to camp at one of our 25 full-service campsites or stay in our popular camper cabin. And, if you’re an experienced paddler, plan a canoe or kayak trip down our portion of the Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in the world.

From access points to section descriptions and history about this amazing watershed, you’ll find it all here at ercktrail.org.

**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located on the park kiosk, which is near the Ranger Station. There is also a stamp inside the Ranger Station.