State parks are the most overlooked source of fun in South Carolina and that fact absolutely amazes me considering that most of them are free or very low cost to enter. Not only are they budget friendly, a lot of them have hands-on facilities or learning facilities as well as recreational areas such that you find at Lynches River State Park in Florence, SC, which has a treetop or canopy walk. With so much beauty in the Palmetto State and right at your fingertips, there is no reason why you shouldn't pack up the family, pack up a lunch, and pack them all the in the car for a day or even a weekend of fun! Here are the best state parks in South Carolina to do exactly that:

1. Table Rock State Park, Pickens County, SC

Nestled at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will find over 3,000 acres of natural beauty, waterfalls, rare views off of Pinnacle Mountain, hiking, camping, as well as a nature center that offers educational programs. Learn more here.

2. Caesars Head State Park, Greenville County, SC

Covering over 7,000 acres, 5 waterfalls, hiking trails, fishing, and camping, Caesars Head State Park is absolutely breathtaking. Learn more here.

3. Hunting Island State Park, Beaufort Co., SC

This is the most visited state park in South Carolina and is part of the ACE basin. This beautiful park is also home to a lighthouse, loggerhead turtles, and many species of wildlife. It is truly a birdwatcher's paradise. Learn more here.

4. Lynches River County Park, Florence Co., SC

This gorgeous county park features hiking trails, splash pads, parks for the children, as well as a teaching center and canopy walk. And, admittance to this park is absolutely free! Learn more here.

5. Sesquicentennial State park, Columbia, SC

Almost 1500 acres in the middle of Columbia! What a great way to step right out of the hustle and bustle and into the sereness that only nature can offer. They have beautiful walking trails and as you can see, they have reenactments there too! Learn more here.

6. Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville, SC

1500 acres of absolute eye candy. Walking and hiking trails, biking, fishing, as well as a huge lake for canoeing and swimming. Learn more here.

7. Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster, SC

A small state park by other standards, but nonetheless beautiful. There is a museum that shows what colonial living was like as well as an amphitheatre, a mock classroom, along with all the amenities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, and picnicking. Learn more here.

8. Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Cross Anchor, SC

This is the site of the Battle of Musgrove Mill in the Revolutionary War. Besides the usual things that a state park offers, this park offers a visitor's center with interpretive exhibits. Learn more here.

9. Huntington Beach State Park, Georgetown Co, SC

This state park features the beautiful, epic, and much talked about Atalaya Castle. If you have never been here, you really should take a trip to the coast and visit this state park. It is absolutely amazing. Learn more here.

10. Kings Mountain State Park, Blacksburg, SC

This park includes a living history farm. There is a barn, cotton gin, blacksmith, and carpenter shop. Learn more here.

11. Jones Gap State Park, near Marietta, SC

What all this park holds? The list is too long! Suffice it to say that it goes up to 3,000 ft. in elevation for amazing views and please, take your camera or binoculars. Birdwatchers love this place! Learn more here.

12. Poinsett State Park, Sumter Co., SC

Just a little over 1,000 acres, this park boasts some big bird populations. There are also hiking trails and biking as well. Learn more here.

13. Lake Hartwell State Park, Fair Play, SC

This is a fisherman's delight. Although this park does have a park and hiking trails, this park focuses more on the fisherman. If someone in your life loves to fish... this might be a really nice weekend place that's perfect for them. Learn more here.

14. Landsford Canal State Park, Chester, SC

This 448 acre park holds the ruins of the Landsford Canal. An interpretive museum. But, the most beautiful of all, between mid-May and mid-June you can see the largest remaining stands of the Shoal's Spider Lily. Learn more here.

15. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, Charleston, SC

This place is special in that it preserves the site of the first permanent English settlement in the Carolinas. It features a natural habitat zoo, a replica ship, cannons that still can be fired, and loads of hiking trails! Learn more here.

All told there are 30 state parks, 15 state historic sites, 1 state resort park, and 1 state recreational area covering approximately 80,000 acres of our state and all of it is available for you to enjoy. All they ask is that you leave it as you found it. Make your footprints soft ones at the best state parks in South Carolina.