Aiken State Park

I am only reviewing the park trial and visiting center. My review does not include details of camp site, canoe drop site, fishing spots, or playground. When I arrived I went to the visitors center first. It was a small room, but staff was quick and polite. The road at the park is a one way circle. I enjoyed the drive around, it was a winding relaxing drive. They had a children's pond and then another pond with a swimming area. No pets are allowed in or around the swimming area. The campsite seemed well kept as I drove by. Now for the trial. This trail left much to be desired. Many parts of the trail were in the beginning stages of being overgrown. The trail also frequently waxed and weaned between narrow and wide. There was an occasional downed tree, but that can be overseen due to the recent weather. They were both dead trees. The website advices to bring insect repellent. I advise to reach into your grandpa's atic and find that 1960s deet. The mosquitos were no joke. If you walk the trial alone, don't worry you'll be accompanied by the constant buzz of insect the entire trail. Only my hands and face was exposed. Just rubbing my hands together, id kill at least one mosquito. If that wasn't enough there was about 1000ft of the marked trail that was ankle deep in flowing water. Pictures attached. Also once you reach the canoe drop site it's difficult to identify how to finish the loop. I ended up just walking the road back after back tracking a bit. The most enjoyable part of the trail was the artisan will at the canoe drop site. The water was crisp and cold. It was extremely soothing to my mosquito assaulted skin. It provided much relief compared to the rest of the hike. Overall I'll give this park a 3 out of 5 because there where many other amenities there to hold your attention. Unfortunately the trail just wasn't one of them

Another enjoyable CCC park. The loop drive is one way and returns you back outside the admissions both. The park office building was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It has bathrooms, a sitting area the looks over the main pond and play area, and a picnic table. 2 ponds for swimming Memorial Day-Labor Day. Playground has a climbing frame, a single slide and a couple swings. The jungle nature trail was an enjoyable hike but the boardwalk trail is closed. Only the north side of the trail is barred off. The South side, coming from the rest of the park, does not reflect as closed except part of the boardwalk is removed. No signs are posted noting this. The artesian well near the kayak ramp is still cold, clean and refreshing. The Fish Lake Shelter is a cool CCC structure in which we found a nest of baby birds. The campground looks nice and clean. All in all an enjoyable couple hours.

This place is incredible and perfect for family gatherings of all types. From camping and day trips to kayaking, hikes and fishing there's literally something here for everybody that enjoys the outdoors. The site also hosts significant architectural and landscape contributions from the African-American Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s. My favorite part of the location are the many artesian wells that feed clean freshwater to the several ponds that are open for swimming and fishing. The South prong of the Edisto River also flows through this area which is excellent for kayaking. The entire location is well-maintained and clean.

Aiken State Park is fun for a day visit or overnight camping. Bring a kayak/canoe or rent one to take the kayak trail down the Edisto River. The cypress trees are beautiful. Enjoy fresh water from an artisan spring near the kayak launch. Hike a trail or two and then cool off in the small swimming area. No beach but some trees provide shade on the shore. I would recommend water shoes. There is a nice large porch near the park office with lounging chairs and checkers.

An awesome out of the way state park. Pictures of the park online do not do this place justice. Great campground with plenty of room in between campsites. Camp host does a fabulous job, keeping the park clean and the bathhouse immaculate. Will definitely come back to this place again. One of my favorite South Carolina state parks. Now. Only has one Hiking trail, but it is very beautiful.