South Carolina was the first state where we visited every National Park Service property. We visited each site over the two years we lived in Augusta (the second time). If you are local or are just looking to stop in while on vacation, I grouped the sites by general area in the state. Here’s my guide to explore the South Carolina national parks.
Upstate
You can easily visit Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefield in the same day. These key battlefields during the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution are about a 30 minute drive apart on I-85. They would be a good stop if you’re driving between Atlanta and Charlotte.
Central / I-20 corridor
Congaree National Park, South Carolina’s national park, sits just outside Columbia. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours or the day if you’re visiting the state capitol. Be sure to pack bug spray. Ninety Six National Historic Site is a bit off the beaten path from I-20 near the Georgia border, but it’s worth a stop. Ninety-Six was the site of the longest siege during the American Revolution.
Bonus stamp: Visit Camden National Battlefield for a stamp that isn’t listed on the National Park Service website.
Lowcountry
Any trip to Charleston and South Carolina’s lowcountry has to include Fort Sumter National Historic Site. You can find Fort Sumter stamps at either Liberty Point (in Charleston) or across the harbor at Patriots’ Point (in Mount Pleasant). After Fort Sumter, continue on to the Charles Pinckney National Historic Site. His farm is located near the famous lowcountry plantations about 15 minutes from Charleston, so you can easily squeeze it in.
Bonus stamps: Swing by Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island (across the harbor from Fort Sumter). Fort Moultrie is part of Sumter, but it does have its own stamp. While on Sullivan’s Island, be sure to visit the Charleston Light for another unlisted NPS stamp.
The newest addition to the South Carolina national parks family is the Reconstruction Era National Monument. Created in 2017, this site in Beaufort sits between Charleston and Savannah. The National Park Service visitors’ center is still under construction, but you can find the stamp in the Beaufort History Museum across the street.
