By:
Submission
In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.
The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting, and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins.
From I-95: Take exit 119 (Manning exit) onto Hwy 261 towards Columbia until you see signs for Poinsett. From Columbia: Take Hwy 378/76 toward Sumter. After crossing over the Wateree River proceed to the top of the hill and turn right onto Hwy 261 toward Wedgefield. Continue on Hwy 261 until you see signs for Poinsett. Park will be on the right. From I-20: Take exit 98 (Camden exit) onto Hwy 521 South toward Sumter. Go 2 mi on Hwy 521 to Hwy 261, bear right and follow the road for approximately 35 miles.
Wow. This place was awesome. Very attentive camp hosts. Clean restrooms and great hiking and biking trails throughout the park. Rich in History. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Beautiful and peaceful. Miles and miles of trails, brand new playground for the kids. Friendly staff. I love these old Civilian Conservation Corps sites. A wonderful place with awesome history.
Beautiful spot to visit. Nice paved trails and beautiful views. Ponds with a nice bridge crossing. You don’t get cellular service out there so be warned. It’s a no fishing zone. Wasn’t very crowded and not much garbage laying around. It’s feels like a safe environment for the whole family. They have things for adults and children. Large play ground and thing of that sort. Picnic tables with tree cover to keep the sun from burning you up. Restrooms are not the best. They do have a water fountain for drinking water. I also like that animals are allowed on the trails.
The park's lake is small, but the site provides paddle boats and fishing; the pathways offer a variety of lengths for both the beginner and advanced hiker, and the on-site store has the basic plus the "absolute minimum" of hiking and tourism items. A very positive experience all the way around!
Busy on the weekends, quite during the week days (campground). Trails are nice and interconnecting allowing for new hikes daily. Mountain biking is also pretty quality. The first few spots at the campground are the "difficult" sites to get into due to angles, trees, and space. If you have anything bigger than a travel trailer look for a bigger spot/higher numbered spot. Mine is site 2 and is pinned between two entry trees and a tree at site 3 making it difficult to get into. 22 foot trailer.
