5 Parks to Explore This Spring in the Pee Dee Region
There has never been a better time to get outside in the Pee Dee. Spring is here, the rivers are calling, and South Carolina just added a BRAND NEW state park to the map right in our backyard. Whether you are planning a solo paddle, a family day trip, or a full weekend in nature, here are five parks to put on your list this season.
1. Black River State Park (NEW) – Be Among the First
This is the one everyone is talking about. Black River State Park is South Carolina’s newest state park, and it officially opened on March 22, 2025, right here in Williamsburg County. That means this spring, you have the rare chance to be among the very first visitors to explore it.
The park sits along the Black River, one of South Carolina’s most beautiful blackwater rivers, known for its dark, tea-colored water, towering cypress trees, and incredible wildlife. Activities include kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching, with a boat launch and picnic areas on site.
2. Little Pee Dee State Park – Peaceful Paddling and Quiet Waters
If slowing down is on your spring agenda, Little Pee Dee State Park is your spot. Nestled along the blackwater Little Pee Dee State Park, the park centers around the quiet 54-acre Lake Norton, where you can fish, kayak, or simply sit and take in the sounds of the woods. Spring brings birdsong, wildflowers, and that easy, unhurried energy that makes this park a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Best for: Paddling, fishing, and peaceful nature walks.
3. Woods Bay State Park – Boardwalks and Big Wildlife Energy
Woods Bay is one of the most visually stunning parks in the Pee Dee, and spring is the best time to see it. A 1,150-foot boardwalk winds through a cypress-tupelo swamp where turtles, wading birds, and the occasional alligator make their home. For paddlers, a one-mile canoe trail offers one of the most immersive nature experiences in South Carolina. Photographers and birdwatchers, this one is for you.
Best for: Birdwatching, photography, and paddling.
4. Lee State Park – History, Horses, and Hardwood Forests
Lee State Park stands out for one reason most parks cannot match: equestrian trails. Located along the scenic Lynches River in Bishopville, the park offers horseback riding alongside hiking, kayaking, fishing, and boardwalk trails through bottomland hardwood forest. It is a full outdoor experience with a distinctly Southern character.
Before you leave, make time for the South Carolina Cotton Museum in Bishopville. Together, they make for one of the most memorable afternoons in the entire region.
Best for: Horseback riding, kayaking, and a complete county day trip.
5. Lynches River County Park – Family Fun Done Right
Lynches River County Park is the Pee Dee’s most well-rounded family destination. A canopy walk, nature trails, a splash pad, river access for kayaking and fishing, and an on-site Environmental Discovery Center make this park a full day’s worth of adventure. It is accessible, welcoming, and endlessly fun for all ages.
Pair your visit with lunch at one of Florence’s downtown restaurants and you have the perfect spring day trip.
Best for: Families, first-time park visitors, and easy river access.
Spring Is Here. The Parks Are Ready.
From the brand-new Black River State Park to the family-friendly trails of Lynches River County Park, the Pee Dee is one of South Carolina’s most underrated outdoor destinations, and spring is its finest season. Plan your visit and follow us on social media for events and inspiration all season long.
