From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, the South Carolina State Parks system boasts 47 state parks and historic sites. That's a lot and can be overwhelming when trying to decide which parks to explore first. But we have narrowed it down to the top state parks to visit in South Carolina ASAP.

While all of the state parks are phenomenal, these five each offer something a little special that's usually under the radar. For instance, we have at least one state park with a swimming pool. Do you know which one it is? At another South Carolina State Park, you can actually sleep on top of the water. Take a look at these five under-appreciated state parks and the cool amenities and attractions they offer.

1. Hickory Knob State Resort Park - McCormick

Hickory Knob State Parkis the first on our list of state parks to visit in South Carolina and it just might be THE BEST kept secret in the state parks system.

This little-known park/resort has a lot to offer Palmetto State residents and visitors alike.

In addition to a lodge that accommodates 70 guests and has a full-service restaurant, there are 16 cabins/villas at Hickory Knob. And this park has some hidden secrets too.

Like skeet shooting...

You won't find that at most South Carolina State Parks, right? It's available by appointment. Check the South Carolina Parks' website for the current costs to go skeet shooting. This activity isn't bad for an afternoon face-off with your buddies.

You can also practice archery at this park which provides a wide variety of things to do outside in South Carolina.

Another thing this state park offers to guests of the lodge and cabins is use of the swimming pool.

Other state parks offer lake and ocean swimming, but an actual pool is a rare amenity in the parks. If you're staying at the park's campground or you're just a day guest of the park then you can always swim in Lake Thurmond, but it's swimming at your own risk.

And finally, Hickory Knob has a championship golf course that winds through the pine forest and along Lake Thurmond.

From campsites to a full-blown lodge with a swimming pool and amenities like skeet shooting and golf, Hickory Knob State Park is one of the best state parks in South Carolina. Find out more at this link. It's located at 1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC, 29835.

2. Goodale State Park - Camden

Located just six miles northeast of Camden, Goodale State Park is a nature lover's dream offering numerous things to do outside in South Carolina.

The park's 140-acre lake is a prime spot for catching bass and catfish.

You can even rent a small non-motorized fishing boat for a nominal fee for the day.

Goodale is most notable for the stand of water-bogged Cypress in the park's lake.

Prepare to take more than your average share of photos of the stunning spectacle.

If you're itching to get on the water but not interested in fishing from one of their flat-bottom fishing boats, you can also rent canoes and kayaks here.

The park has a 3-mile canoe trail perfect for getting up close to the gorgeous cypress trees. After paddling through, you'll probably think that Goodale is one of the most spectacular state parks to visit in South Carolina.

At just 763 acres, this junior state park packs a lot of punch for its small size.

Photographers, fishing enthusiasts, and canoe/kayakers will love this small oasis just outside Camden. Find out more at this link. It's located at 650 Park Road, Camden, SC, 29020.

3. Croft State Park - Spartanburg

At more than 7,000 acres, Croft State Park is one of the largest state parks to visit in South Carolina. Visitors can now enjoy the brand new pier that just opened for fishing or admiring views of Lake Craig. You can't swim in Lake Craig, but there's a better option anyway.

You can get your feet wet in the creek that flows under the footbridge.

Fairforest Creek is a popular spot for wading and cooling off in the summer time.

And the bridge is pretty cool too.

There's a picnic table located along the shore -- shown at right in the above photo. Watch your footing on the rocks as they can be slippery and the state park doesn't provide lifeguards for wading here.

If you're looking for spectacular hiking trails in South Carolina, Croft State Park has 50 miles of trails that include access for horses, bikes, and hikers.

It's one of the few state parks in South Carolina catering to horse lovers. In addition to the horse riding trails, the park offers full equestrian facilities including stables and a show ring.

If horses aren't your thing, no worries. There's a ghost town up on the ridge that's just waiting to be explored.

Whitestone Springs Resort was a remote luxury hotel built in 1901 next to the healing waters of Whitestone Spring. Follow along the Whitestone Springs spur trail in this park and you'll find some interesting ruins.

Croft State Park is an underrated state park that has much to offer.

From a ghost town to a bonafide watering hole and horseback riding trails, Croft State Park definitely belongs on this list as one of the state's best-kept secrets. Find out more at this link. It's located at 450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC, 29302.

4. Landsford Canal State Park - Catawba

Landsford Canal State Park is named for the former working canal, now sitting in ruins, that used to divert the raging waters of the Catawba River.

The compact park is only 448 acres and most of the notable trails and sites are located along the river.

Freely wander among the ruins of the old canal. You'll be in awe of the sheer size of it. You can also explore the ruins of the former lock keeper's house, looming like a skeleton just inviting you in to snoop around. This is one of the most fascinating state parks to visit in South Carolina.

The rocky shoals of the Catawba River are a beautiful sight any time of year.

However, each year in May and June they transform into a lilly wonderland as the largest stand of Rocky Shoal Spider Lillies in the nation erupts, blanketing the river in an explosion of green and white. Watch the video below from the South Carolina State Parks to see this transformation firsthand.Landsford Canal State Park is fun to explore all year, but if you visit during the spider lilly explosion then it's a stunning spectacle you'll never forget. Find out more at this link. It's located at 2051 Park Dr, Catawba, SC, 29704.

5. Santee State Park - Santee

Located on the western side of the 110,000-acre Lake Marion, Santee State Park offers breathtaking views of the big drink.

Motorboats and hand-powered vessels alike make exploring Lake Marion a blast.

There's even a mostly underwater ghost town named Ferguson in this lake. You can explore it, if you're lucky enough to locate it.

Santee State Park not only offers access to the lake...

It also dishes up the opportunity for you to eat, sleep, and play in one of their "pier" cabins located right on top of the lake. This is the best way to experience one of the best state parks in South Carolina.

Rig up the poles and sit back and wait...

...in no time you'll be reeling in dinner from your own front porch of one of these great cabins.

The park offers day visitors boat ramp access and a fishing pier.

Several over-the-water cabins make Santee State Park one-of-a-kind in the Palmetto State. If you're more of a landlubber, they also have lakeside cabins and campsites. Find out more at this link. It's located at 251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC, 29142.

From exploring the ancient ruins of a long-gone resort hotel to sleeping in a cabin over the lake, these five state parks all offer little-known amenities and are perfect to add to your bucket list. You'll absolutely love these top state parks to visit in South Carolina.

BONUS Under-appreciated state park: This Magical Waterfall Campground In South Carolina Is Unforgettable.