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Table Rock State Park is known for being a perfect glimpse into the scenic bliss that South Carolina's Highway 11 is known for. Most prominent to the park is the towering mountain Table Rock, where the park earns its name. This also serves as a backdrop for the 3,000 acre park, and its numerous camping facilities. Below this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can enjoy Table Rock State Park's cabins and campground, as well as lakes and various hiking trails located within.
The Table Rock State Park hiking trails weave through mountain streams, babbling brooks, and rushing waterfalls to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains. The views here showcase the entirety of the region, and shouldn’t be skipped if you’re planning on visiting. That said, while the park is well known for its natural features, Table Rock also has its place in history.
For example, the park’s hiking trails host the access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail, one of the most famous in the Midwest. Hikers often use this trail to travel through the extensive network of SC state parks. These trails date all the way back to the Pioneers who would use them as trade routes and for homesteading. In fact, many of the Table Rock State Park cabins and other structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps remain standing and are on the National Register of Historic Places.
This park is unique in that it is one of only 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Moreover, there is even a historic CCC-built Lodge available for weddings, receptions, meetings and other special occasions. Additionally, the park features 2 park lakes: the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy.
94 standard campsites for tent or RV camping, plus 14 renovated cabins provide ample accommodation to visitors. Aside from the larger lakes, there is also an old-fashioned swimming hole complete with a high-dive that is open during the summer season. Take your family out and use one of the 4 picnic shelters available to rent for group gatherings, for a day of fun, music, and recreation. And for those wanting an event to check out, the Music on the Mountain bluegrass jam takes place each month at the Table Rock Lodge–perfect for anyone wanting to escape the outdoors for a minute.
Gorgeous trail, gorgeous time of year. Well maintained. Lots of traffic and doggos, as to be expected. Would like to see people leave less trash- no one wants to look at dog poop bags (especially when you’re less than a mile from the trailhead!).
Great state park. Super friendly staff and Rangers. We met Ranger Adam and he was so cool to chat with. The staff at the Nature Center and general stores were so friendly. Can't say enough. The guys who work at the concession store and boat ramp were super helpful. Lots of parking at the beach. 2 playgrounds near the beach; for little ones and older kids. The visitor center is at the opposite side of the road to the East side entrance and there is also a West side entrance. If you have little ones, I would recommend if you are hiking with them to plan on hiking Carrick Creek...Easy/Moderate that an older toddler 4/5+ can do. We camped in a tent in loop B. Would recommend if you are camping in a tent to have a little padding for the base of your tent. We also tried the paddle boat and that was easy for us to do. Hoping to try kayaking next time. I liked that all hikers had to register at the Nature Center. Highly recommended.
Great time of year to visit and see the fall foliage. We made it up table rock!! Great views!! Very friendly staff. Bathrooms were clean and well kept. Parking can be difficult on the weekends, be prepared, bring water and a light lunch.
Very beautiful state park. There is a daily admission fee so be prepared for that. We hiked the Carrick Creek Trail to see the waterfalls. It is a 2 mile trail marked as moderate, but there are some pretty steep climbs up and down throughout the trail. There was also a nice sized place to swim if hiking isn't your thing. There are also several other trails that I would love to go on without my kids. Overall it was a nice park.
This is a great park. I've hiked many miles there, and we have stayed overnight in the cabin areas. The trails are beautiful, and the views from Bald Rock and Table Rock are worth the long hikes to reach them.
