8 South Carolina State Parks That Offer Old-Fashioned Swimming Holes

Did your grandparents ever tell you about the summers they spent cooling off in the ol' swimming hole? You too can experience the simple pleasures of a refreshing dip in a pond at eight of South Carolina's state parks.

With these small lakes scattered about the state, it's easy to work a side trip into your weeklong vacation. Pack a picnic lunch and a Frisbee and you have a full day of family fun. 

No lifeguards are posted at most of the parks, but the swimming areas - marked off by buoys and ropes - are shallow enough to allow adults to wade in the water.

Eight state parks offering lake swimming include:

1. Aiken State Park

The designated swimming area in the 14-acre spring-fed Main Pond at Aiken State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

2. Barnwell State Park

The swimming area in the 18-acre Lower Lake at Barnwell State Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

3. Cheraw State Park

The swimming area in the 360-acre Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

4. Lee State Park

The artesian spring-fed lake at Lee State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

5. Oconee State Park

The swimming area in the 20-acre lake at Oconee State Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

6. Paris Mountain State Park

The swimming area in the 15-acre Lake Placid at Paris Mountain State Park is open seasonally from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Swimming is only allowed in the roped-off swimming area. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

7. Poinsett State Park

7. The swimming area in 10-acre Levis Mill Lake at Poinsett State Park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Swimming is free with admission to the park.

8. Table Rock State Park

The swimming area in the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake at Table Rock State Park features a sandy beach. Swimming is at your own risk but lifeguards are on duty seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Swimming is free with park admission.