Chester State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, Chester State Park in South Carolina is a 523-acre natural area with a 160-acre lake named Lake View, which offers some fantastic views. Some of the structures that the CCC built, such as the boathouse, picnic shelter, and spillway, still stand in the park today. The spillway is designed to create a waterfall effect, popular among nature enthusiasts. A picnic area near the lakeshore provides a scenic view and a bridge spanning the lake gives you a walkway to either side. The park has two playgrounds for the little kids to blow off some steam and boat rentals to keep you active during your visit. Nestled in the pine forest is the campground with a group outdoor living area and a fishing pier. Make sure to remember your Ultimate Outsider stamp, which is located at the park kiosk near the Ranger Station.
Nearby cities:
Chester, SC
Columbia, SC
Charlotte, NC
Greenville, SC
Spring 65-81 F
Summer 87-90 F
Fall 64-83 F
Winter 52-55 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chester State Park
Campground Accommodations
Chester State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup:
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 33 feet
Other amenities: Fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, hot showers, dump station, fishing pier
Chester State Park Campgrounds
If you don't want to leave the beauty of Chester State Park, you can easily rent a campground for the duration of your vacation. All the RV sites are packed with gravel, and there are individual water and electric hookups. Every site includes a fire ring, picnic pad, lantern holder, and picnic tables. Some of the sites can accommodate rigs up to 33 feet in length. However, most spots can fit a vehicle up to 28 feet in length. At Chester State Park, there are only three sites that are designated as pull-through. The camping loops also include a few modern conveniences, such as hot showers and restrooms.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: secluded location
Oak Grove Plantation
You can stay at the RV campground of the historic Oak Grove Plantation. This home was built around 1800 by the relatives of Doc Holliday, and the campground is conveniently located off Interstate 77. This spot has plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing ponds and hiking trails. A lake surrounds the property, and it's the perfect spot to kick back and relax. The RV sites all offer full hookups, and they all have gravel pads and can accommodate rigs of all sizes. If you need to stay for a longer period, this campground has special rates for your trip. There are also cabins available for rent.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: historic location
Crown Cove RV Park
Crown Cove RV Park is located on the border of North and South Carolina. This campground has been serving the local community for over 35 years. There are 126 sites that are surrounded by mature trees and green grass. The park even offers a centrally located laundromat and bathhouse. Pet owners will be glad to learn that there's a dog run for your furry friend. The rate includes electricity, water, sewage, cable television, and Wi-Fi. You can expect to pay $60 per night.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Good Sam discounts
What to Do at
Chester State Park
If you are looking to stay active during your visit, consider joining one of the many disc golf tournaments that happen throughout the year. An 18-hole course and a nine-hole course sit on the land at the park. Fishing tournaments are also popular. For a more relaxing time, settle in among the pine trees at the campground or take a stroll to Lakeview Overlook for a spectacular view of the surrounding nature. If you're looking for a place to hold a larger event, Lakeview Hall has an indoor facility at the park designed for weddings, family reunions, and corporate events.
Rent a boat or kayak at the park and get out on the lake for a day full of fishing. Or, Take a stroll down the nature trail or pack a picnic and just enjoy the view.
Inside Chester State Park
Since its opening in the 1930s, Chester State Park has been an outdoor lover's dream. This state park offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The Caney Fork Creek Nature Trail winds along the shore of the lake. For some water-based fun, you can also fish or boat on the water.
Fishing
Cast your line to catch bass, bream, catfish, and crappie in Lake View. Fishing is allowed from a boat, shore, or one of the three fishing piers in the park. Artificial and live bait is allowed for fishing in the lake.
Geocaching
Several geocaches can be found hidden within the park. Grab your GPS and venture out to find them all. You can sign the logbook and take a prize from the cache containers. Remember to leave a family-friendly item for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
Benches along the shores of the lake make a wonderful spot to watch birds. Alternatively, hikers can spot numerous animals along the trails.
Stargazing
If you can get out from under the tall pines, you'll see a spectacular display of stars on a clear night.
Flora and Fauna
A pine forest makes up the 523-acre park. Small mammals such as squirrels, raccoons, and opossums are found here. Deer, coyotes, black bears, and bobcats are some of the larger species. Dozens of birds nest in the trees, so be sure to bring your binoculars.
Hiking
The Caney Fork Creek Nature Trail is an easy trek that loops around the park for 1.3 miles.
Boating
Electric trolling motors are allowed on Lake View. Boats, canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, or stand-up paddle boards are available for rent in the park. A boat launch is situated on the lake and is close to a parking area.
How to Get to
Chester State Park
From the city of Chester, take Highway 72 southwest out of town until you reach the main entrance of the park. There are multiple places for parking around the area, including at the boat launch. There is extra parking for campground guests in the campground.
Entering Chester State Park
Entry fees for the park are required. The fees are $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors, and $1 for children. Children aged five and under are admitted for free.
Chester State Park Per Adult : $3.0
Chester State Park Per Child : $1.0
Chester State Park Per Senior : $1.5
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester State Park
Summer offers warm temperatures perfect for enjoying boating at Chester State Park. During fall and spring, the temperatures are more comfortable for activities like hiking and fishing. If you visit in autumn, you can enjoy the fall colors of South Carolina.
Many mammals inhabit the park, including raccoons, opossums, deer, coyotes, black bears, and bobcats. Bald eagles and dozens of bird species fly overhead. Keep an eye out for the skunks and wild hogs occasionally running through the area.
Chester State Park campground hosts 25 campsites tucked into the pine forest. All camping spots are equipped with electric and water hookups. They also have fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restrooms.
Reservations for Chester State Park can be made online or over the phone 13 months ahead of your visit. There is a two-night minimum stay for reservations. For reservations made less than one day in advance, you must go to the park office. The nightly cost for a camping spot is $26 to $40.
You are welcome to bring your pet to Chester State Park. Your pet must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and be supervised at all times. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas but must be kept quiet and not annoy other pets, people, or wildlife. You are also expected to clean up after your four-legged family members.