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 By land or by
water, Givhans Ferry State Park has been a favored destination since the
Civilian Conservation Corps built it among the limestone bluffs along the Edisto
River in the 1930s.
The Edisto is the longest free-flowing blackwater river on the continent, and
Givhans Ferry State Park is on the 56-mile stretch known as the Edisto River
Canoe and Kayak Trail. It’s at the end of a popular 21-mile paddle from Colleton
State Park upstream.
Overland travelers used a ferry at the site to go to and from Charleston and the
inland in the area’s early days, while the 988-acre park – with its cabins,
camping, fishing, scenic beauty and diverse wildlife – attracts local residents
and visitors from far afield year round to this day.
The park’s riverbanks are protected as a Heritage Trust site because of several
species of rare plants that live there. The park also is in the National
Heritage corridor that extends more than 240 miles through the state.
GENERAL
- River Location: Yes
- Designation: Givhans Ferry State Park was
developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal Program
created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The program was designed to
provide employment during the Great Depression while addressing national
needs in conservation and recreation.
The CCC was instrumental in the development of many of South Carolina's
state parks. A number of buildings built by the CCC in the 1930's are
still in use at this park.
The park's riverbanks are protected as a Heritage Trust Site.
- Counties: Colleton and Dorchester
- Acreage: 988
- When & How PRT Acquired: Donated in 1934 by
the City of Charleston
- Pets: Pets are not allowed in the cabins or
the cabin areas. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided
they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six
feet.
- Significant Natural Features: The park’s
riverbanks are protected as a Heritage Trust site because of several
species of rare plants that live there.
The park also is in the National Heritage corridor that extends more
than 240 miles through the state.
HOURS
- Admissions: $2 adults; $1.25 SC seniors;
age 15 & younger free
- Office Hours: 11a.-noon & 4pm-5pm
- Days and Hours of Operation: M-Su 9am-6pm
(extended to 9pm during Daylight Savings Time)
LOCATION
- Driving Directions:
From I-95: Canadys exit. Turn left and drive 17 mi. Cross the
Edisto River and take the first left onto Givhans Ferry Rd.
From I-26: Take exit 187 onto Hwy 27 towards Ridgeville and go 1
mile to Hwy 78. Take a left and go approximately ¼ of a mile and take a
right on Hwy 27. Stay on Hwy 27 for 7 miles to Hwy 61. Take a right on
Hwy 61 for 3 miles to Givhans Ferry Road. Turn rt and park entrance is ¼
mile on the left.
- Miles to Nearest Hospital: 18
- Miles to Nearest Town: 15
- Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 1
- Pay Phone on Site: Yes
MILES TO:
- Charleston, SC: 35
- Columbia, SC: 80
- Florence, SC: 100
- Greenville, SC: 185
- Charlotte, NC: 160
- Raleigh, NC: 235
- Atlanta, GA: 251
- Augusta, GA: 100
- Savannah, GA: 69
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