Paris Mountain State Park FAQ
If you have a problem or question not answered in our FAQs, please contact us.
While camping at Paris Mountain, how do I get in and out of the Park after the gate is locked?
When you register on arrival, you will be given the gate code and its use will be explained.
Does Paris Mountain have cable and WiFi in the Campground?
We do not have cable access but WiFi is available at the Park Center.
Can I bring my personal water craft?
At this time we do not allow personal water craft on our lakes. We do have pedal boats, canoes and kayaks for rent at Lake Placid. Dates and times vary with the season and are posted on the web site.
What is Camp Buckhorn and how can I rent it?
Camp Buckhorn is a group facility consisting of a lodge and 10 primitive cabins with a total sleeping capacity of 40. Reservations are for a 2 night minimum and may only be made directly through the Park at 864-244-5565.
Can I have a wedding at Paris Mountain?
Yes – we have picnic shelters of varying capacity and also Camp Buckhorn.
What is Music in the Woods?
Music in the Woods is a series of free solar-powered concerts held in the Amphitheater on Saturday afternoons in Sept. and Oct. Local musicians play a variety of music in a family-friendly, smoke and alcohol-free environment. Visitors bring their picnic dinners, children and pets and an enjoyable time is had by all.
Where can I fish, what kind of fish are there, and do I need a license?
You can fish in all our lakes for bass, bream and catfish. There is bank access all around Lake Placid with parking nearby , Mountain Lake is a short (3/4 mile) hike and Reservoir 3 is a 2 mile hike. A license is required for anyone 16 and older and may be obtained from DNR or one of their agents (see the DNR website).
Does Paris Mountain have trails and is mountain biking allowed?
We have 15 miles of shared use trails. Mountain biking is allowed every day except Saturday and the Park stays open on Tuesday evening in the Winter for those who like to mountain bike in the dark. A printable trail map is available from the website and the Park Center has a contour model of the Park with the trail system laid out. Park personnel can also offer advice.
Who is the Park named for?
Richard Pearis was the first white settler in this area in the late 1700’s. He built a trading post and grist mill on the Reedy River. The Cherokee Nation gave the land to his son George whose mother was a Cherokee. The spelling of the name changed several times over the ensuing years, finally becoming Paris.
What kind of wildlife is there in the Park?
There are a number of animals here – raccoons, squirrels, skunks, occasionally a deer, rarely a black bear, many varieties of birds (both land and water),and snakes (mostly non-venomous).
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
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
15+ Days
|
No Charge
|
|
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
|
|
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.