Barnwell State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Barnwell State Park in South Carolina spans 307 beautiful acres and has three lakes full of thriving fish populations. This is one of 16 state parks established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) almost a century ago. You're welcome to enjoy the peacefully winding nature trail, ample picnicking spots, and large community building. This park is unique because it still has several historic CCC structures like the tiered spillway and pumphouse. There's also an artesian well by the fishing pier. Some of the park's programs include a self-led bingo activity and seasonal events like hiking and paddling excursions led by rangers. Nearby Cities: • Blackville, SC • Barnwell, SC • Augusta, GA • Bamberg, SC
Spring 45-83 F
Summer 68-92 F
Fall 43-85 F
Winter 36-68 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Barnwell State Park
Barnwell State Park • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 36 feet • Other amenities: On-site dump station, picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers
Barnwell State Park Campgrounds
If you want to stay in the middle of this park, you can rent a site at Barnwell State Park. All the sites have packed gravel lots, and they include electric and water hookups. Four sites can accommodate rigs to up 36 feet in length, and the rest will fit RVs up to 28 feet. A dump station is available for all the sites. The comfort station provides visitors with clean restrooms and hot showers. This campground requires a two-night minimum stay for all its sites.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Cabins and picnic pavilions
Pine Acres Campground
You can find a quiet retreat at Pine Acres Campground. This RV campground is located in Aiken and is a short distance from all the local attractions. There are 43 sites with full hookups, and they can accommodate rigs up to 43 feet in length. The majority of the spaces are pull-through sites. You don't have to worry about any issues since the manager lives on the property. For some added comfort, there are modern restrooms and showers. If you need additional propane, you can purchase it from the office. The daily rate starts at $30 per night, but there are discounts for Good Sam and AARP members.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes, for a fee
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Scenic location
Barnyard RV Park
Barnyard RV Park is another great campground located in Lexington, South Carolina. If you love the outdoors, then you will want to spend time at this campground. Barnyard has plenty of amenities, including a large clubhouse and a dog park. There are 129 RV sites, and they all feature water, sewage, and electric hookups. You can enjoy plenty of room at this campsite. There is even free cable at every site. The rates start at $38 per night. You can get a reduced rate for any stays longer than a week. There are also discounts for Good Sam, AAA, AARP, and Coachmen members.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Playground, public phones, and air-conditioned laundry
What to Do at
Barnwell State Park
This state park is a hotspot for anglers interested in peaceful summertime lake fishing. Barnwell participates in the Tackle Loaner Program, which allows you to borrow a rod and reel from the park's office. Non-motorized fishing boats are also available for rent for $15 a day or $5 per hour. Don't forget to check out the great selection at the park's store or bring your kids to the playground for hours of entertainment.
Inside Barnwell State Park
Barnwell State Park is known for its water-based fun. There is a small fishing pier where you can try to catch some bluegill or largemouth bass. Boats are allowed on the lake, but you cannot use any gas-powered engines. Unfortunately, this park does not have any boat launches, so be mindful of the limited access if you are towing your boat.
Fishing
This park's three freshwater lakes are teeming with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Find a great spot on the shore or head to the small fishing pier near Shelter 1. Anglers over the age of 16 must have a valid South Carolina fishing license.
Geocaching
You'll find several traditional geocaches here with logs to sign. One of the most easy-to-find containers is under a split magnolia tree near State Park Road. If you plan to visit several South Carolina parks, consider participating in the Sandhills Region Challenge Series. This challenge includes 13 caches, with at least one in Barnwell.
Nature Watching
Take your time traversing the interpretive trails and discovering the many ferns, butterfly weeds, yellow jasmines, and Spanish mosses. The shores of the lakes provide the perfect nesting grounds for various waterfowl and more exotic animals like alligators. There was a tornado that devastated the park in 2016. However, the second-growth forest has become lush since then, and its extensive canopy will shade you while you explore the park.
Flora and Fauna
Watch out for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, ducks, osprey, raccoons, opossums and red foxes. Some visitors may even see spotted or striped skunks, muskrats, northern cardinals, house finches, or marsh birds. While you're hiking or biking, you'll notice many of the trees are broadleaf varieties like oak and red maple.
Hiking
The easy 1.5-mile Dogwood Interpretive Trail is well-known for the excellent fishing spots along its route. It also takes hikers by the community recreation center. The 1.5-mile Fern Hill Nature Trail begins near the lower pond dam and loops around in a figure-eight pattern through the park. You'll see plenty of charming wildflowers while traversing this trail.
Boating
Barnwell State Park allows human-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors. There's no boat ramp available, so you must carry your boat from the parking area to the water.
Swimming
Seasonal swimming is allowed in the designated area during the summer. This is a swim-at-your-own-risk beach, as there is no lifeguard on duty.
Biking
Both the Fern Hill Nature Trail and the Dogwood Interpretive Trail allow bicyclists. They are multi-use trails, stay alert for any hikers, and stick to established paths.
How to Get to
Barnwell State Park
If you're heading to Barnwell State Park via Interstate 20, you'll want to take Exit 18 toward Aiken. From there, travel on Highway 78 E to Blackville. Next, take Highway 3 until you reach the park. It will be about 3 miles. From southbound Interstate 77, take Exit 1 and follow Highway 321 S until you reach Swansea. Next, take Highway 3 out of this city and drive about 32 miles to reach the park.
Entering Barnwell State Park
Entering this park is free to all anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Barnwell is open from 9 a.m. until dark every day of the week all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barnwell State Park
Come to this state park in the spring or summer to take full advantage of the swimming beach, volleyball area, playground, and group picnic pavilion. This is also an ideal time to check out the wildflowers and spot active wrens, robins, chickadees, and finches.
Barnwell State Park is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, alligators, osprey, and foxes. Birding enthusiasts may see pine warblers, tufted titmice, pileated woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and Carolina wrens.
There are 17 standard RV sites with water and electricity and an additional eight with full hookups. Rates start at $12 per campsite for up to 10 people. The sites have fire rings and picnic tables, and restrooms are nearby.
Reservations aren't mandatory, but they can be made up to 6 months in advance, and you can do so online. Full payment for the site is due at the time of reservation. If you want to a spot the same day you expect to arrive, you should contact the park directly.
Pets are welcome at Barnwell State Park. They are allowed in the campground and on the trails, but you can not take them to the swimming area or inside buildings. The park expects you to clean up after your pet and that they are on a leash at all times.