Our latest update on Paris Mountain State Park, a beloved natural retreat in South Carolina, shares important news and highlights about this cherished outdoor destination. As summer heats up, we’re excited to provide you with everything you need to know about the park’s current offerings, facilities, and policies to ensure a memorable experience among the rolling hills and scenic lakes.
Paris Mountain State Park: Balancing Growth and Natural Beauty
Paris Mountain State Park continues to develop new amenities and seasonal attractions while maintaining its commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes it a special place. Read on to discover why Paris Mountain remains one of South Carolina’s most valued state parks and how you can make the most of your next visit.
Seasonal Swimming and Boat Rentals
The swimming area at Paris Mountain State Park is now officially open for the season, offering visitors a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Boat rentals are available Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4:30 pm, perfect for exploring the park’s picturesque lake. Visitors should note that due to ongoing road repairs, the Shelter 6 parking lot is temporarily closed, and there may be intermittent delays when accessing the upper portion of the mountain. Park management apologizes for any inconvenience these necessary improvements may cause.
New Eco-Friendly Water Station
In exciting news, Paris Mountain State Park has recently installed a new water bottle filling station, generously donated by Duke Energy Carolinas. This eco-friendly addition is now fully operational, providing visitors with convenient access to cool, refreshing water during their park adventures. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Paris Mountain State Park encompasses over 1,500 acres just minutes from downtown Greenville. The park features serene lakes, lush forests, and miles of hiking trails that showcase the diverse ecosystem of the region, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers of all ages.
Paris Mountain State Park welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing ample time to enjoy the park’s natural beauty throughout the day. The park office operates on a varied schedule, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Visitors seeking information, permits, or assistance can stop by during these hours to speak with knowledgeable park staff who can enhance your park experience with local insights and recommendations.
Affordable Admission and Modern Amenities
Admission to the park is affordably priced at $6 for adults, with discounted rates available for South Carolina seniors (age 65 and older) at $3.75 and children ages 6-15 at $3.50. Children 5 and younger enjoy free admission. These fees include access to the designated swimming area during its operational season. For visitors planning to stay connected during their outdoor adventure, Paris Mountain offers WiFi access in designated areas. Additionally, the park has embraced green transportation by installing EV charging stations, making it accessible for electric vehicle owners who want to enjoy nature while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Paris Mountain State Park offers 39 well-maintained paved campsites for overnight visitors, with 13 sites featuring specialized tent pads for a more traditional camping experience. Each site comes equipped with individual water and electrical hookups, providing modern conveniences while still allowing guests to feel connected to nature. The campground’s thoughtful design accommodates various camping styles, with some sites able to host RVs up to 40 feet in length, while others can handle vehicles up to 35 feet. All campers have convenient access to clean restroom facilities with hot showers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Camping Options for Every Style
For those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience, Paris Mountain also offers five trailside camping sites positioned around the North Lake Trail Loop. Each of these secluded sites can accommodate up to two small tents and five people, perfect for hikers looking to extend their trail adventure. These specialized sites must be reserved directly through the park by calling 864-244-5565 between 11am and 5pm. All camping reservations typically require a minimum two-night stay, and campers should note that they are required to have a vehicle on-site throughout their stay, along with appropriate camping equipment such as a tent or camper vehicle.
Paris Mountain State Park offers an impressive variety of recreational activities for visitors of all interests and ability levels. The park features multiple hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain paths, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Water enthusiasts can enjoy swimming in the designated area or rent boats to explore the park’s pristine lakes. Picnic areas, playgrounds, and open spaces are available throughout the park, making it an ideal destination for family outings, fitness enthusiasts, nature photographers, and birdwatchers alike.
