Chester State Park RV & Campground Guide
South Carolina
Located between Columbia and Charlotte, Chester State Park features a 160-acre lake and a nature trail that winds through a pine forest. Like most state parks in South Carolina, Chester State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. If you're traveling to this spot, you should be aware of the weather. Chester State Park has hot weather in the summer, but the temperatures stay mild for the winter.
Spring 39-65 F
Summer 68-90 F
Fall 49-74 F
Winter 30-54 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Chester State Park
If you want to camp under the stars, you should consider an RV rental for your next trip. These vehicles are the perfect way to enjoy your vacation on your own schedule. RVshare is here to help you have the trip of a lifetime by allowing you to find the perfect RV rental that will meet your travel needs and budget.
Chester State Park Campgrounds
If you don't want to leave the beauty of Chester State Park, you can easily rent a campground for the duration of your vacation. All the RV sites are packed with gravel, and there are individual water and electric hookups. Every site includes a fire ring, picnic pad, lantern holder, and picnic tables. Some of the sites can accommodate rigs up to 33 feet in length. However, most spots can fit a vehicle up to 28 feet in length. At Chester State Park, there are only three sites that are designated as pull-through. The camping loops also include a few modern conveniences, such as hot showers and restrooms.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: secluded location
Oak Grove Plantation
You can stay at the RV campground of the historic Oak Grove Plantation. This home was built around 1800 by the relatives of Doc Holliday, and the campground is conveniently located off Interstate 77. This spot has plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing ponds and hiking trails. A lake surrounds the property, and it's the perfect spot to kick back and relax. The RV sites all offer full hookups, and they all have gravel pads and can accommodate rigs of all sizes. If you need to stay for a longer period, this campground has special rates for your trip. There are also cabins available for rent.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: historic location
Crown Cove RV Park
Crown Cove RV Park is located on the border of North and South Carolina. This campground has been serving the local community for over 35 years. There are 126 sites that are surrounded by mature trees and green grass. The park even offers a centrally located laundromat and bathhouse. Pet owners will be glad to learn that there's a dog run for your furry friend. The rate includes electricity, water, sewage, cable television, and Wi-Fi. You can expect to pay $60 per night.
- Water hookup: Yes
- Electrical hookup: Yes
- Sewer hookup: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
- Other amenities: Good Sam discounts
What to Do at
Chester State Park
Inside Chester State Park
Since its opening in the 1930s, Chester State Park has been an outdoor lover's dream. This state park offers plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The Caney Fork Creek Nature Trail winds along the shore of the lake. For some water-based fun, you can also fish or boat on the water.
Outside Chester State Park
Chester State Park is located outside of Chester, South Carolina. This small rural town is a great place to enjoy a home-cooked meal or grab a few supplies for your rig. Along with exploring the state parks, you might even want to visit some of the local attractions.
Restaurants
Buttermilk's Barbecue
If you want to taste some great flavors of the state, then you need to grab a plate of slow-cooked barbecue. Buttermilk's Barbecue offers a wide range of smoked meats, including baby back ribs, chicken wings, and pulled pork. You will not want to miss out on trying a few side dishes, such as mac and cheese, baked beans, fried cabbage, and fried okra. The dessert menu features buttermilk pie, key lime pie, and cheesecake.
Type: Barbecue
Location: 1748 J A Cochran Bypass, Chester, SC 29706
Cyclone Restaurant
You can enjoy a home-cooked meal at the Cyclone Restaurant, an eatery that serves up burgers, sandwiches, and salads. You'll find a little bit of everything on the menu. Breakfast provides the perfect chance to enjoy eggs or pancakes. If you want an option for dinner, the menu offers country fried steak, fried pork chops, and chicken strips.
Type: American
Location: 249 Columbia Street, Chester, SC 29706
Diane's Kitchen
While in town, stop at this restaurant specializing in southern dishes. Diane's Kitchen is the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can order some eggs for breakfast, and all the breakfast entrees have an optional side of salmon, shrimp, or country ham. If you want lunch or dinner, make sure to try the country fried steak, grilled pork chops, or chicken strips. There are also lighter options, such as salads and sandwiches.
Type: American
Location: 101 Ashford Street, Chester, SC 29706
Shopping
KJ's Market
If you need to get a few supplies for your trip, then you may want to visit KJ's Market. You can find a wide selection of products, including produce, meats, dairy, and household goods. The bakery and deli are great spots to pick up some grab-and-go items. This store also features an extensive beer and wine selection.
Location: 599 Lancaster Highway, Chester, SC 29706
Walmart
During your vacation, you may need to grab more than a few basic items. Walmart is located in Chester, and it has the largest selection of products. You can get great deals on produce, meats, canned goods, frozen foods, and household goods. The bakery and deli are perfect places to gather supplies for a picnic in the park. This store also has a pharmacy and photo center.
Location: 1691 J A Cochran Bypass, Chester, SC 29706
Dollar General
You can stock up and save at the local Dollar General. This discount chain features many products, including household items, groceries, pet supplies, and beauty products. You can even pick up a few toys and games for the kids. If you want to spruce up your table setting, Dollar General is the perfect spot to grab a few decorative pieces.
Location: 129 Cestrian Drive, Chester, SC 29706
Sightseeing
Chester Transportation Museum
The Chester Transportation Museum is located in a former railroad depot. The depot was constructed in 1888, and it was a stop on the Seaboard Airline Railroad. Near the museum, there's a railroad track that's still in use. The museum also has a collection of early vehicles, including a 1916 Ford Model T, motorized buggies, and antique bicycles. The museum is open to the public from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Location: 157 Wylie Street, Chester, South Carolina 29706
Chester Reservoir
While Chester State Park is a great place to fish, you may want to try your luck at the Chester Reservoir. This lake is a few miles from the center of town, and it covers over 110 acres. You can try to catch various fish, including bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and bullhead.
Location: Chester County, SC 29706
Chester County Historical Society
The Chester County Historical Society is housed in the 1914 Chester County Jail. Its collection contains many Chester County artifacts, including Catawba pottery, 80 long rifles, and historical documents. While you're there, you may want to check out the Aaron Burr bench, Coca-Cola bottle collection, and the Samuel McAliley parlor. This museum is the perfect place to learn about the history of Chester and the surrounding communities.
Location: 107 McAliley Street, Chester, SC 29706
How to Get to
Chester State Park
Chester State Park is conveniently located near Interstate 77. From Interstate 77, you need to take Highway 97 to the center of Chester. You'll want to take Highway 72 and head west from the town. Chester State Park is just 2 miles from the downtown area. Once you're on Highway 72, you can follow the signs into the park.
Entering Chester State Park
Chester State Park is open from sunrise to sunset. During daylight savings time, the park hours are extended. This park does require an entrance fee. However, South Carolina seniors and children can receive discounted rates.
Per adult : $3
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Chester State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.