Lake Warren State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
What are the Park hours of operation?
Currently the park is operating 9:00am until 7:00pm or sunset, 365 days a year. During Daylight Savings Time, the park gates will close at 7:00 unless there are people actively using the park (picnicking, fishing, hiking) if so the park closes at sunset. During standard time the park closes at sunset (we’ll let you watch the sunset, please leave
promptly after the sun has dipped below the horizon)
Is there camping at Lake Warren State Park?
Yes, but it is VERY primitive. A group camp is located behind our Park Shop, designed for use by organized groups. If no group is using the area, we do allow individuals to camp there. The cost is $12.50 a night, and reservations for individual use can only be made 2 weeks in advance by calling or visiting the park. The only convenience in the area is potable water, the day use public restrooms are available but are about 900 yards from the camping area
How big is Lake Warren State Park?
Lake Warren is 440 acres, on both sides of Lake Warren. The developed park is on a 90 acre tract, that also includes some SC DNR land that borders the lake. The Northwest section, located across the lake is 350 acres, most of it flood plain, and the area is mostly in pine trees. Currently there is not a trail system on the NW Park, and the area is used by several groups to study pine forests.
Can you rent boats at Lake Warren State Park?
Currently, Lake Warren has three jon boats for rent, for $25 per day which includes life jackets, an electric trolling motor and battery. The boats are designed to hold two average size adults and fishing equipment. There is a third seat that can accommodate a child. You can reserve a boat up to 3 days in advance by calling the park (803) 943-5051 or emailing lwarrensp@scprt.com or stopping by the office.
How big is Lake Warren?
Lake George Warren is approximately 200 acres, about a mile long from the dam on Lake Warren Rd to Hopewell Road. The lake is shallow – 4-5 feet in most places, but the two creek beds (Briar Creek and Black Creek) can get to 20+ feet in depth.
What kind of fish are in the Lake?
Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Brim and Catfish are the primary game fish. Sterile Grass Carp have been introduced –please release them if you catch one. Regular SC DNR Fishing Rules and Regulations are in force, so be sure you have your license on you.
Can you fish in the pond at Lake Warren State Park?
Yes,but you need to follow the same rules as fishing in Lake Warren. Additionally, no boats of any kind are allowed in the pond. The observation deck on the trail is NOT for fishing. The pond has the same types of fish as the lake, and some decent sized bass have been caught in “Two Acre Pond.”
How many alligators are in the park/lake?
Too many, we don’t know how many, and alligators produce a lot of baby alligators every year. Fortunately, Heron, Egrets, and other predators remove most of the baby alligators. Alligators as large as 13 feet have been sighted at Lake Warren and ALL alligators should be respected. Keep your dogs on a leash at all times and keep an eye on them when they are near the water.
What kind of wildlife is at Lake Warren State Park?
Lake Warren is a birdwatchers paradise, combining a lot of habitats for birds common to the lowcountry. Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Swallow Tail Kites have visited the park, the noisy Barred Owl and several variety of hawks are common sightings at the park, wading shorebirds, waterfowl, turkey, and songbirds are plentiful as well. The first mammal you will see (aside from those in your car) will probably be squirrels, but armadillos, opossum, and rabbits are seen frequently, deer often pass through the park, as well as fox, coyote, bobcats, and raccoons.
Do you have any jogging trails?
Lake Warren has two trails, the Nature Trail and the Interpretive (Lowcountry Discover) Trail. The Nature Trail is 3/10 of a mile long and goes from the playground to the lake and loops back to the playground. The Interpretive (soon to be Lowcountry Discovery) Trail is a 1.1 mile loop trail that goes from the picnic area thru open fields, pine stands, into bottomland hardwoods and out thru mixed hardwoods and back into pine stands. There is an observation deck at the pond, about ¾ of the way around the trail. You may jog these trails, but be respectful of the walkers and hikers who are going at a slower pace to enjoy the experience at a slower pace than you do.
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:
|
LODGING
|
CAMPING
|
DAY-USE
|
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
Notice Given
|
Fee / Penalty
|
|
30+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
15+ Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
15-29 Days
|
1 night charge
|
4-14 Days
|
1 night charge
|
4-14 Days
|
$10 Handling Fee
|
|
0-14 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
0-3 Days
|
Entire deposit
|
TRANSFER / CHANGE POLICY *:
|
LODGING
|
CAMPING
|
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
|
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.