Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I make a reservation at a state park?
  2. How far in advance may I make a reservation?
  3. What is the new cancellation policy for park reservations?
  4. What happened to the old 1-888 State Park telephone number?
  5. What is your discount policy for Senior Citizens, Blind & Disabled citizens?
  6. Do out-of-state Senior Citizens, Blind or Disabled citizens receive any discounts?
  7. Are pets allowed in state parks?
  8. What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?
  9. What are your geocaching guidlelines for State Parks and State Park properties? 
  10. How can I get printed information on State Park camping and lodging?
  11. Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?

1.   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.

2.   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, 2007 you can call or go online to make reservations on December 1, 2006.

3.   What is the new 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.
 

4.  What happened to the old State Park 1-888 telephone number?

 It has come to our attention that the former toll-free phone number for the State Park Service has now been leased by a private company that has no affiliation with our agency. Please know that we are aware of the situation and share the concerns expressed by those who have recently attempted to contact us through the old number.

Even though the number still remains on certain items that were distributed prior to our acquiring a new toll-free number, it does not appear on publications or Park Passports that are currently being distributed or sold.

Our new toll-free number for reservations is 1-866-345-PARK (7275). Reservations can also be made online.  For general Park Service information, you should contact the respective park’s office or call (803) 734-0156.

We apologize for any inconveniences this situation may have caused.

5.   What is your discount policy for Senior Citizens, Blind & 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 $25.00 (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.

6.  Do out-of-state Senior Citizens, Blind or Disabled citizens receive any discounts?

The same rate reductions as listed in question #5 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.

7.   Are pets allowed in state parks?

Pets must be on a leash or other physical restraint at all times.  Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.  Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.

8.  What are your metal detection guidelines for State Parks and State Park properties?

Click here for a printable version of our guidelines concerning metal detector use on State Parks and State Park properties.

9.  What are your geocaching guidlelines for State Parks and State Park properties?

Click here for a printable version of our guidelines concerning geocaching on State Parks and State Park properties.

10.   How can I get printed information on State Park camping and lodging?

For detailed information on all State Park lodging facilities, download our Cabins & Camping brochure.

11.  Where can I find information about State Park employment, internships, etc?

Detailed information on employment with the South Carolina State Park Service and other areas within SCPRT may be found by clicking here or visiting our agency website, www.scprt.com.