FAQs
Chester State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
How close to the the lake are the standard campsites?
The standard campsites are located on a 25-site, teardrop-shaped loop. The bottom of the teardrop is closest to the lake, but the closest site is still over 100 yards away from the water.
Which campsites are the most private?
No one site is any more or less private than the other. The sites are in a teardrop-shaped loop encircling the comfort station. This campground layout allows everyone similar access to the park facilities.
What are the rules for renting boats at Chester State Park?
Fishing boats are available for rent from 9am-5pm daily at the park office. Rental fees are $10/half day. Lifejackets and paddles are available if you do not have your own. Personal electric trolling motors may be attached to park fishing boats at no additional charge. All boats, personal or park-owned, must be off the lake by sunset.
Are personal boats allowed on the park lake?
Chester State Park has a public boat ramp located next to the rental boathouse. Personal boats are allowed on the lake as long as they are hand, or electric trolling motor powered. Gas engines are not permitted.
Is swimming allowed at the park?
Chester State Park is a park designed and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930’s. The man-made lake in the park, built by the CCC, was never designed to accommodate swimming. Swimming is not allowed.
How late can we stay in the park if not camping?
The day-use areas of the park, including the picnic shelters and lake access, are available for public use, daily until sunset. The community building may be used after sunset if the building is reserved and park officials are notified of this intended use. An additional hourly rate for after-hours usage will be charged.
What are the fishing rules for Chester State Park?
Standard South Carolina fishing rules, regulations and limits enforced by SC DNR apply. Anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid SC fishing license. Artificial bait & live bait (including worms, crickets, & minnows) are allowed.
What do we do with our trash in the day-use area?
Chester State Park is asking all visitors to pack-out what they pack-in. All users of picnic shelters, community buildings, all campers, boaters, and all individual visitors are asked to please pack-out their trash or place it in the centrally-located waste dumpsters on the park.
Are motorized vehicles or bicycles allowed on the trail?
Caney Fork Falls, the only trail at Chester State Park, is a 1.3-mile “there-and-back” hiking trail that starts at the boathouse, wraps around the lake bank, and ends at the spillway. This trail is for foot traffic only. Motorized vehicles and bikes are not allowed on the trail.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.
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
|
Entire deposit
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TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
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LODGING
|
CAMPING
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DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
15-29 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
|
0-14 Days
|
Cancellation Required
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0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
0-3 Days
|
Cancellation Required
|
* 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.
What are check in and check out times for cabins and villas?
Check in time for cabins and villas is 4pm and check out time is 10am at all parks except for Hickory Knob. Please contact the individual parks for late arrival instructions.
What are check in and check out times for camping?
Check in time for camping is 2pm and check out time is 12pm for all parks. Please contact the park for late arrival instructions.
How can I provide my comments and feedback on my recent visit to a state park?
Does the park service have a comprehensive guide with information on all 47 state parks?
To access our online, interactive Official Guide to South Carolina's State Parks, please
click this link.