A Quick Getaway Trip to Poinsett State Park, SC
We had a quick, but relaxing trip to Poinsett State Park in South Carolina to start Spring Break. This was the perfect way to unwind and take in the unspoiled beauty of nature.
Poinsett State Park
Poinsett State Park is named after South Carolina native Joel Roberts Poinsett. He was the first ambassador to Mexico and an amateur botanist. Mexico is where he found the now popular poinsettia flowering plant which is named after him.
The park encompasses the ruins of a pre-revolutionary mill and damn system. Definitely check out this picturesque spot located just behind the ranger station.
Poinsett State Park opened in 1936 and is one of several Civilian Conservation Corp projects that operated during the Great Depression. Their work can still be seen today throughout the park.
Cabins
We stayed at cabin #5 during our stay at Poinsett. We normally stay in our camper when we visit state parks, so this way out of the norm for us, but we loved it. This was a spacious cabin for just the three of us, since the eighteen year old decided not to join us. My twelve year old had his own room to stay in and couldn’t believe he had a choice in where to sleep, top bunk or bottom bed. He absolutely loved it.
Our cabin kitchen was fully equipped and very clean. It came with everything we needed to enjoy our few days of relaxing.
Just don’t leave your food behind, like I did, because the closest grocery store is about 30 minutes away.
This cabin sleeps up to seven people and is the biggest one at the park. The other four cabins are located a little farther away and sleep two to four people depending on which cabin you rent. They are just as cute as the one we rented
There are campsites available for campers. From what we could see most sites had electric and water. There was a dump station nearby. Also a couple of bath house were located in the camping area. Rustic tent camping, no water or electric, is also available.
Hiking
There are over just 25 miles of biking and hiking trail at Poinsett. Make sure to grab a map at the ranger station and get out there and explore these trails. We hiked the Coquina trail, with the Hilltop as a side trip. Part of the Coquina trail is currently closed from maker 19, so we did do a bit of back tracking. It was a beautiful hike close to the lake with amazing views. This was really a workout going up down the hills, but well worth it.
Old Levi Mill Lake
Take the time to enjoy the lake. Canoe rentals are available at the ranger’s station. This is a great way to explore the park up close. We were able to view a juvenile alligator hiding close to the shoreline.
The park also offers kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats for rent to enjoy the lake. A Jon Boat is also available. Fishing is allowed with a valid South Carolina fishing license.
There are chairs located on the shore of the lake to relax in and take in the scenery. This is the perfect spot to relax and reflect. It also a great location to view the aircraft from the nearby Air Force base as they doing training runs.
Before You Go
Visit Poinsett State Park for more information on the park and to make reservations. This is a great resource site to plan your visit and to become acquainted with the park.
Please note that this park is a bit far from any nearby towns. This is fantastic if you want to truly get away from it all, but keep in mind that you will be traveling a small distance for supplies you may have forgotten.
The staff at this park is incredible and extremely helpful. We asked so many questions and all were answered with genuine thoughtfulness and knowledge. They really know their park and care about its maintenance and preservation. This hidden gem was a joy to explore and a beautiful place to make lasting memories.
