Do you know there are several programs at area South Carolina Parks where your family can earn prizes, like the Ultimate Outsider Program at South Carolina State Parks? Visits to SC State parks could include everything from swimming in Hunting Island’s coastal waters to hiking and exploring Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Park’s waterfalls.
On top of the obvious fun and benefits from a visit to one of the SC State Parks, there are a few perks and incentives available to guests that you may not be aware exist! We will guide you through the fun extras you and your family can get like the Ultimate Outsider program, the SC State Park Passport, Kids in Parks, and more!
Don’t miss our guide to all 47 South Carolina State Parks, where you can find details to plan your visit to any SC State Park.
The Ultimate Outsider Program
People who have purchased a South Carolina State Park Guide Book have an incentive program for those who visit all 47 parks. Once you have the book in hand, you can start your journey to each of the parks. While you’re there, find the park’s information board and the unique location rubber stamp enclosed in a box. Find the page for the park you are currently at, and stamp away!
Make sure to take lots of photos and when you post them to social media, use the hashtags #UltimateOutsider and #StateParks to share your photos with other state park enthusiasts.
Once you’ve collected a stamp at all 47 of the South Carolina State Parks, you’ll complete the verification form and confirm your completion of the book with a park ranger.
The ranger will then submit your name, and you will receive a commemorative “Ultimate Outsider” t-shirt in the mail to tell the world about your accomplishment. Books are only $1 apiece, so be sure to grab one for each family member to participate.
The SC State Park Passport: Admission to all parks for one year
If you are committed to accomplishing this task in a year – The SC State Park Passport is the way to go. Two different passport options are available.
The All Park Passport offers unlimited admittance for your family to all of the SC State Parks, plus several other state park-managed attractions and festivals. The pass is currently $99.
The Select Park Passport offers unlimited admittance for your family to 35 of the 47 SC State Parks. The parks not included in the pass are – Hunting Island State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Devils Fork State Park, Table Rock State Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Givhans Ferry State Park, Jones Gap State Park and Landsford Canal State Park. This pass is currently $75.
For more info, check out The Ultimate Guide to All 47 South Carolina State Parks
The Junior Ranger Program For Kids
Each South Carolina State Park is unique and has a ton to teach kids! With that in mind, the SC State Park system offers a Jr. Ranger Program at 26 of its locations. Kids receive a workbook to complete while visiting to receive an honorary State Park Ranger badge and some other goodies. The program is geared to children ages 6-9, but anyone who wants to participate is welcome. The Jr Ranger program is a perfect activity to complete if you have the Park Passport.
South Carolina State Parks That Participate in The Junior Ranger Program
- Andrew Jackson State Park
- Barnwell State Park
- Calhoun Falls State Park
- Cheraw State Park
- Chester State Park
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Kidding Around Review – Charles Towne Landing State Park - Colleton State Park
- Dreher Island State Park
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Hamilton Branch State Park
- Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
- Hickory Knob State Resort Park
- Hunting Island State Park
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Kings Mountain State Park
Kidding Around Review – Kings Mountain State & National Park - Lake Greenwood State Park
- Lake Hartwell State Park
- Lake Warren State Park
- Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Kidding Around Review – Musgrove Mills State Historic Site - Myrtle Beach State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
Kidding Around Review – Paris Mountain State Park - Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
- Sadlers Creek State Park
Kidding Around Review – Sadlers Creek State Park - Santee State Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
Kidding Around review – Sesquicentennial State Park - Table Rock State Park
Kidding Around Review – Hiking Table Rock With Kids
The Junior Ranger program offers kids activities to get excited for their visit with printable activities.
Becoming A South Carolina State Park Junior Ranger
Junior Ranger level 1 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 1, which will have your name and a ranger’s signature
- Official South Carolina State Parks Junior Ranger badge, and a Mini flashlight
Junior Ranger level 2 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 2, which will have your name and a ranger’s signature
- A Junior Ranger notebook and pen
Junior Ranger level 3 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 3, which will have your name and the signature of the Director of the State Park Service, and an award ceremony for completing the program
- A choice of a Junior Ranger hat or a Junior Ranger backpack
One of the final requirements for becoming a Junior Ranger is to invite a friend to become one! Kids can invite their friends with this pre-written form letter provided by the park service.
Kids In Parks
Another fun incentive program that includes South Carolina State Parks is the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s “Kids In Parks”. You can learn all about the Kid’s in Parks Program.
The program recently expanded to South Carolina with the addition of these state parks:
- Musgrove Mill State Park is a beautiful outdoor destination filled with history.
- Sesquicentennial State Park is an easy day trip from the Upstate and offers so many things to do.
- Landsford Canal State Park Enjoy picnicking, nature watching, and studying the canal structures.
- Table Rock State Park is one of our area’s premier hiking destinations.
How long do you think it would take your family to visit all 47 South Carolina State Parks?