Top Five SC State Parks for Picnics
Picnic at one of the most beautiful spots in the entire state park system along the 
Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap. The park is home to several thousand different plant and animal species, and harbors the unforgettable peace and repose of a deep mountain cove. You'll feel a little closer to heaven as you picnic in this unbelievable place.
In the country, but not too far from Columbia, you'll find a great picnic spot at Dreher Island State Recreation Area. Picnic along the shores of Lake Murray with your small group or bring the entire family and hold a reunion at one of our 13 picnic shelters. There are playgrounds, trails and of course, Lake Murray to enjoy. Dreher Island was made for a picnic!
This park’s proximity to downtown Columbia and interstate highways attracts both 
local residents and travelers, and makes it one of the best picnic parks in the system. The picnic shelters and tables are positioned among the shade of the tall pines near the park lake and close to many recreational opportunities at the park. After you picnic, rent a canoe, hike a trail, or let the kiddos play on the playground. You will love an afternoon picnic at Sesquicentennial State Park.
Now a haven in downtown Greenville amongst the hustle and bustle of the city, Paris Mountain State Park is the perfect retreat for downtown residents and visitors alike. With awesome CCC-built picnic shelters for large groups or just a small picnic table by the lake, you'll enjoy this park no matter the size of your picnic! The park also has a plethra of recreational opportunities ranging from a swimming area at Lake Placid, to hiking and biking trails galore.
For a picnic at the Grand Strand -- there's no question where you should go -- Myrtle Beach State Park. Seven picnic shelters are available just steps from the mighty Atlantic for you and your picnic party. Or just bring your beach umbrella and cooler and just have a relaxing picnic on the beach. After you have enjoyed your meal, look for seashells by the seashore, fish from the pier, take a stroll through the maritime forest or just bask in the warm SC sunshine. It will be a picnic on the beach that you won't soon forget!