Edisto Beach State Park - disappointing

[VE3ESN]

We last visited Edisto Beach SP about seven years ago, and the roads had some potholes, the washrooms were old and in need of an update, but being right on the ocean and with reasonable rates, we were very pleased with the time we spent there.

Several weeks ago, we visited EBSP once again. The roads had deteriorated further, the washrooms were still the in the same state, but not nearly as clean, and the rates had skyrocketed to about $42.00.

We decided not to stay at Edisto. The proximity to the ocean was not enough of a draw. Instead, we went to James Island County Park in Charleston, which is less expensive and has many more amenities. The washrooms are much nicer, the roads are paved, and the proximity to Charleston is a major plus.

After leaving JICP, we went into NC, and found state parks for $15 (no hookups) which were in much better shape than Edisto. We're not sure what's happening in SC, but if EBSP is typical, then what used to be a good park system is slipping badly, especially in light of the increased fees.

Just our 2 cents worth.

[edm3rd]

Not just the campground at Edisto - rented a beach house, "city" water was horrible, so we drove to the municipal complex for drinking and cooking water every day.

[VE3ESN]

Krease wrote:
Edisto was our least favorite of a dozen SC state parks last year. So much so, that even though it's 1.5hrs from our house, we didn't plan another visit this year. The roads are horrendous, the water is undrinkable, and the only large sites are right in the sun.

We muchly prefer Huntington or Hunting island for our beach trips!

Not that we would return to Edisto, but for those who don't know where to get water that is drinkable, just drive to the "municipal complex" near the water tower and fire station. At this location you can get five gallons of excellent reverse-osmosive drinking water per day. The water at the campground is the most foul-tasting stuff. You can't even make coffee with it.

[VE3ESN]

NCBounder wrote:
We spent the last week of March this year at Edisto and loved it. Still the same park as it was yeas ago, sand roads and right on the beach. For us, the attraction is being so near the beach, not so much the amenities. The beach on one side and the marsh on the other is a great location.

We live in NC and almost never camp in any NC state parks. Most of the NC parks we know of are extremely outdated and have no hookups. I'd be interested in knowing where you found an NC state park located near a beach area. To my knowledge the only descent NC state parks are the 2 or 3 located near the state capitol..the same place all the good highways are located for some strange reason 😞

We weren't comparing Edisto Beach SP to any NC SP on the ocean, as you are correct - there aren't any (except for Carolina Beach SP - no hookups - and you have to drive several miles to the beach). But the fee is a reasonable $15.00 per night for ANY senior. SC gives the senior discount to SC residents only.

Our return trip home took us not far from Stone Mountain SP in NC. I know you can't compare this location to one that's right on the ocean, but for camping fees less than half of Edisto, washrooms that don't require you to wipe your feet on the way out, paved roads and pads, landscaped grounds, water and electrical hookups, etc., our experience with NC parks was more positive than at Edisto. BTW, we thought that NC highways were in generally good shape. I-40 from Wilmington to I-77 was excellent.

[Krease]

Edisto was our least favorite of a dozen SC state parks last year. So much so, that even though it's 1.5hrs from our house, we didn't plan another visit this year. The roads are horrendous, the water is undrinkable, and the only large sites are right in the sun.

We muchly prefer Huntington or Hunting island for our beach trips!

[dyb]

The pot holes are built in speed bumps. Alot of folks drive way too fast in CG areas.

[NCBounder]

We spent the last week of March this year at Edisto and loved it. Still the same park as it was yeas ago, sand roads and right on the beach. For us, the attraction is being so near the beach, not so much the amenities. The beach on one side and the marsh on the other is a great location.

We live in NC and almost never camp in any NC state parks. Most of the NC parks we know of are extremely outdated and have no hookups. I'd be interested in knowing where you found an NC state park located near a beach area. To my knowledge the only descent NC state parks are the 2 or 3 located near the state capitol..the same place all the good highways are located for some strange reason 😞

[wildtoad]

Sorry to hear about your experience with Edisto. It's been a number of years since I've stayed there. They did not then appear to be putting money back into the park as they should as I suspect it makes a lot of money. I think they have to share their revenue with other less popular parks. I guess I go back to Huntington Beach State Park as it seems to be better maintained. And if you come down I-77 a good place to stay is Lake Wateree State Park.

And I agree with your assessment on JICP. Very nice and convenient.