Poinsett State Park

Poinsett State Park covers about 1000 acres of diverse terrain from mountains to low country areas. The park is located in Sumter County, South Carolina, is surrounded by the Manchester State Forest, and has close proximity to Wedgefield, an unincorporated community in the High Hills of the Santee area in western Sumter County. The main entrance to the park can be found near Wedgefield, off the SC 261 which is close to the north-central area of the state.

When you get to the park, you will find what has been described as ‘weird and beautiful features’ all around you. For example, within the park, you can find unique plant species intertwined with botanical species found in xeric Sandhills, Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, the Atlantic coastal plain, and Piedmont of Upstate South Carolina.

Besides the natural beauty of the park, there are other amenities that will make your visit to the park a pleasant one. Some of the amenities you will find include 25.6 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, and running; 10 acres on Levi Mill Lake to swim, fish, or boat; and 50 campsites (24 with power and 26 without power). There are also some facilities available for rent including five rustic cabins, five stand-up paddleboards, one john boat, one pedal boat, eight kayaks, and three canoes.

You are also allowed to bring your dog along into the park for recreational activities. Generally, you can take your dog to most outdoor areas of the park as is the case in all other South Carolina State Parks. There are however some exceptions and some rules that you should be familiar with. Some rules to be aware of include the following. 

First, you should avoid going into park buildings and areas surrounding park buildings with your pooch. You should also keep your dog confined securely or on a leash that is no longer than six feet long. Furthermore, you should keep your dog from getting too noisy or from harassing or exhibiting dangerous behavior towards other wildlife in the park.