Chester State Park - sign for Chester State Park, managed by the South Carolina State Park Service. The sign is black with white lettering and features the South Carolina State Park Service logo on the top left corner, which includes an image of a palmetto tree and crescent. It is mounted on a stone structure with green trees and grass in the background under a clear sky.

Chester State Park

For details on our visit check out our Chester State Park Field Report

Not far outside the little rural town of Chester SC, you’ll find one of South Carolina’s lesser known state parks. Although Chester State Park isn’t as well known it boasts some of the nicest day use amenities in the region including a most interesting signature feature.

Day Use Area

Chester State Park Lake - lakeside scene, where the lush green lawn in the foreground is home to a family of geese. Three adult geese and two goslings are seen leisurely grazing, embodying the peaceful coexistence of wildlife. The calm lake in the background mirrors the clear sky, adding to the tranquility of the scene. An empty bench sits in solitude
A family of Canada Geese enjoy their own picnic at Chester State Park

Chester State Park is centered around the 160 acre lake named simply Park Lake that takes up a good bit of it’s 523 total acreage. The day use area is right along the shore line and makes great use of the lake.

Picnicking at Chester State Park

Chester State Park Picnicking - a wooden pavilion with a gabled roof and picnic tables, located by a calm body of water reflecting the surrounding trees. The foreground is a well-maintained grassy area with patches of sunlight, and the background is a dense forest under a partly cloudy sky.
CCC Picnic shelter sits isolated from the rest of the day use side of the park

You’ve got more places at Chester State Park to picnic than at parks twice the size. The first picnic spot is on the right hand side of the road after you enter the park. Picnic Shelter #1 is like a nice little oasis seemingly far away from the main part of the park. It sits alone on a gentle peninsula bending into the lake. With woods on two sides it offers a bit of privacy, but a short walk down to the lake shore reveals that it is right between the main day use area and the camp ground. There’s also a restroom located near the parking pull in.

Chester State Park Picnicking - a wooden pavilion with a gabled roof, open on all sides and supported by several columns. Inside the pavilion, there are additional picnic tables for visitors. Adjacent to the pavilion is a grill, ready for use. A chimney protrudes from the pavilion, suggesting the presence of a cozy fireplace. The pavilion is surrounded by tall pine trees providing dappled shade. A calm lake is partially visible in the background
If you’re looking for something in the canter of the action, Chester State Park’s Picnic Shelter #2 is the perfect choice.

There are two more large picnic shelters at the main day use area of the park. Picnic Shelter #2 is centrally located between the main parking area and the lake. It’s close to the lake and much closer to the playground if you’re picnicking with kids. Picnic Shelter #3 is a little further up along the lake shore along the tree line at the northern most edge of the day use zone.

Chester State Park - playground surrounded by towering pine trees under a clear blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The playground boasts multiple slides, including a large tube slide, and climbing structures, all set on a bed of wood chips. A wooden picnic table is situated on the grassy foreground, inviting visitors for a leisurely meal. The tranquil scene is bordered by a reflective body of water in the background
There are 2 playgrounds right next to each other with one being noticeably larger.

Three smaller picnic shelters with two tables each are available for use as well as lots of individual picnic tables scattered around the area. For folks just wanting to enjoy the lake, there area a few benches along the shore.

Fishing at Chester State Park

Chester State Park Fishing - an informational sign titled ‘Common Fish of Chester State Park.’ It features illustrations of seven different fish species, listed from top to bottom as Redear Sunfish, Bluegill, Warmouth, Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Largemouth Bass. Each fish is depicted with a detailed illustration to help park visitors identify them. Below the illustrations, there’s a ruler measuring up to 32 inches, providing a handy tool for anglers to measure their catch.
A variety of fish can be found in Park Lake at Chester State Park

Known as a great fishing Chester State Park Lake is not only brimming with bream but bass, catfish, and crappy as well.

Chester State Park Day Use Area - lakeside scene under a bright blue sky speckled with fluffy white clouds. A dense cluster of verdant trees lines the distant shore, their reflections shimmering on the water’s surface. To the left, a rustic wooden boathouse with two sloping roofs nestles at the water’s edge, partially hidden by surrounding foliage.
Rented boats can be picked up at the boathouse and there’s a launch nearby for your own boat. Two fishing platforms flank the boathouse.

Boats area allowed on the lake as long as they only have electric trolling motors or ore powered. You’re welcome to bring your own boat and use the launch near the boat house or rent a boat. Jon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats are available for rent by the day or half day.

Chester State Park Camping Area - lakeside view with a wooden pier extending into the water. Tall green trees line the far shore under a partly cloudy blue sky. In the foreground, tall grasses are visible at the bottom of the image, and a gentle ripple can be seen on the surface of the lake’s brownish water, suggesting a light breeze. A park area with benches and a walking path is nestled among the trees to the left.
The pier at the camping area is a great place to throw in a line

If you don’t want to get out on the water, feel free to cast your line from the shore, so you can still catch dinner while keeping your feet on dry land. There’s a fishing pier located in the camping area near the cabins and the boathouse in the day use area is flanked by a pair of platforms each with a bench where you can sit and fish to your hearts content.

But wait, I haven’t mentioned Chester State Park’s signature feature…

470 Foot Pier Across Park Lake

Chester State Park Lake - a bridge extending across a section of a lake under a partly cloudy sky. A seating area is subtly visible in the middle of the bridge, providing a spot for visitors to pause and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. In the foreground, a solitary black bench is nestled in a lush green grassy area
Chester State Park’s signature feature, a footbridge across the lake

Perfect for fishing or strolling out to enjoy the lake and natural surroundings. Contrary to what some people think about the bridge before seeing it, it doesn’t split the lake in half. Instead it crosses over a cove in the lake leaving the main body of Park Lake open for boaters. In the middle of the bridge there are a couple benches where you can relax as you fish or just take a load off.

Chester State Park Bridge - a wooden boardwalk extending straight into the distance, leading towards a dense treeline across a calm body of water. The sky above is a vibrant blue with minimal cloud cover. Sunlight casts shadows on the boardwalk, enhancing its texture and the pattern of the railing. To the left of the boardwalk, tall green reeds are visible at the water’s edge

Other Activities

There is a single hiking trail at Chester State Park. The Caney Fork Creek Nature Trail starts near the boat house and runs along the lake shore past Picnic Shelter #1, past the camping area, finally ending at the spillway. It’s around 1.3 miles long and the only hiking trail in the park. It’s best use is a way for campers to get to the day use section.

Chester State Park - a narrow dirt path winding through a dense forest. The sunlight is streaming through the foliage above, casting a dappled pattern of light and shadow on the path and the surrounding vegetation.
Caney Fork Creek Nature Trail runs alongside the lake, but the view is obscured along some of the trail.

The park also boasts both an 18 hole as well as a 9 hole disk golf coarse. Both located to the north of Picnic Shelter #3 near the group camp area.

Camping at Chester State Park

The main campground has 25 spaces with water and power hookups suitable for tents or RVs up to 33 feet. Those looking for a more unique experience may enjoy one of the rustic cabins available for rent. Each cabin is furnished with bunk beds and a porch facing the lake. The cabins have power but no running water. Cooking inside is prohibited, but there’s a convenient grill just outside and a fire ring. While pets are allowed in the park, they are prohibited in and near the cabins.

Chester State Park Group Camp - a wooden picnic table in the foreground, surrounded by a vibrant green grassy area. The background is filled with a dense collection of tall trees with lush foliage under a bright blue sky scattered with wispy white clouds. An open-air pavilion with a dark roof is partially visible on the right
The organized group camping area is located right in the heart of most of the parks amenities

The primitive group camping zone is located near the day use area. Organized groups of up to 50 people. The group is mainly an open area with three fire rings perfect for sitting around telling ghost stories and few nearby picnic tables.

Chester State Park History

Chester State Park began its life during the Great Depression. Like 15 other State Parks in South Carolina, it was designed and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1935, the lake and surrounding land were purchased from the Lake View Corporation and the CCC got down to work.

Chester State Park History - an old, detailed map that represents the plans for a state park. The geographical features include landmasses with contour lines indicating elevation, a lake, and marked plots of land. The map also contains annotations and labels, possibly denoting place names or data related to the geography. A compass rose is present in one corner, providing orientation. The map appears aged with some discoloration and creases visible on the paper.
The original plans for Chester State Park drawn up by the CCC (note: Public Domain Image)

Their first priority was to shore up the earthen dam retaining the lake, and the spillway they built is still holding the waters at bay. In fact the park today looks much as it did in the original plans drawn up in 1936 by the US Department of Interior. The main entrance from the highway has moved north, but other than that the park road remains faithful to the original design.

Comparing the 1936 plans with today’s park, the camping area was once a picnic shelter, but Picnic Shelter #1 remains where it has from the beginning. Comparing a photo taken in 1956 as well as the original 1936 plans with a photo from 2024 and it looks exactly the same. Even the trash can looks identical to the one at the shelter today and it’s in the same place as well.

Chester State Park CCC Plans - a collection of architectural drawings and blueprints for a building. The image includes various elevations, floor plans, and cross-sections, along with detailed construction notes and measurements. The drawings are meticulously organized,
Original Plans for Picnic Shelter #1 (note: Public Domain Image)
Chester State Park in Past - a group of people seated at picnic tables under a large, open wooden shelter in a park. The shelter is surrounded by trees, creating a serene and natural backdrop. The individuals appear to be engaged in conversation or enjoying a meal together, contributing to a relaxed and communal atmosphere. Trash receptacles near the tables suggest an organized and well-maintained environment.
Picnic Shelter #1 in 1956 (note: Public Domain Image)
Chester State Park Picnicking - a wooden pavilion with a gabled roof and picnic tables, located by a calm body of water reflecting the surrounding trees. The foreground is a well-maintained grassy area with patches of sunlight, and the background is a dense forest under a partly cloudy sky.
Picnic Shelter #1 Today

Picnic Shelter #2 looks very much like the CCC style from the mid 30’s, but no plans for it exist and it’s not in the same place as shelter 2 in the original park layout. Today, it’s located close to what was called the concession building in 1936. However the current Picnic Shelter #2 appears in a photo dated from July 1951, so it’s at least that old. But plans can change between conception to implementation. The boat house isn’t on this plan, but it appears on other plans and still stands today.

Chester State Park in Past - black and white image of a forested area with numerous pine trees. At the center, there’s an open pavilion with a gabled roof, supported by wooden pillars. The pavilion seems to be a gathering place or shelter, with picnic tables visible under its roof. In the background, more trees are visible, along with what appears to be another structure or building partially hidden by the forest.
Picnic Shelter #2 in July, 1951 (note: Public Domain Image)
Chester State Park Picnicking - a large wooden picnic shelter with a spacious covered area located in a forested setting. The shelter, supported by sturdy pillars, has a dark brown roof. It features an open front with visible railings and steps leading up to the shelter. Tall pine trees surround the shelter, and a clear blue sky is visible above. The ground is covered with grass, and sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the shelter and the surrounding area.
Picnic Shelter #2 Today

One more thing that doesn’t exist today, either having never been built or having fallen to time is the picnic shelter on the point opposite the current day use area. The interesting thing about this picnic shelter is that it is near the end of the park’s 470 foot bridge across the cove. The bridge as well as the rental cabins, the disk golf course, playground equipment, and numerous other improvements to the park were made possible by grants from the Lutz Foundation. Almost a 100 years after the first CCC workers arrived in Chester, this foundation is continuing their work.

Final Thoughts About Chester State Park

One of the first things I noticed about Chester State Park was that it feels kind of small. I was under the impression that it’s smaller than some other nearby State Parks. For example, I made a followup visit to Landsford Canal the same day I visited Chester, and came away with the impression that Chester is smaller. Not so. Chester State Park is around 75 acres larger.

The discrepancy is based on a few factors. One is the obvious Park Lake that takes up 160 acres of the park. But that’s not the full story – even Andrew Jackson State Park feels bigger but it’s much smaller and has a lake too. No, I think the big thing that makes Chester feel small is that much of the parks acreage is undeveloped for recreation.

Chester State Park - lakeside view under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. The calm lake has a slight ripple on the water’s surface, reflecting the dense green trees lining the opposite shore. In the foreground, a solitary wooden bench faces the lake, inviting quiet contemplation. The grassy bank is interspersed with tall green reeds
Chester State Park is a great place to simply relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature

There is only one hiking trail that serves to connect the campground to the day use area of the park. Other hiking trails running around the lake and maybe even primitive camping options could make good use of that area. That way it could be opened up while at the same time preserving the natural area.

Chester State Park Picnicking - a wooden picnic shelter with a dark grey metal roof, situated on the grassy shore of a calm lake. The shelter is flanked by lush green trees on either side, and the lake stretches out towards the horizon under a partly cloudy sky.
Smaller groups might consider renting one of the three small picnic shelters.

It does appear that a lot of work and money has been invested in the park in recent years. The day use area has been developed into an amazing recreational area that really should be used more by the local community. It has one of the largest playgrounds that I’ve seen at a state park and it’s right in the middle of the day use area surrounded by picnic tables and in full view of the lake. This should be a major attraction for families in the area, but when I visited, there were not a lot of people enjoying this resource. (but I try and time my visits when the crowds are low)

Chester State Park Day Use - lakeside view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The muddy brown lake reflects the clear sky above. A dense cluster of tall green trees stretches across the far side of the lake. A small wooden gazebo is nestled among the trees on the left, and a dock extends into the water from the right.

I’d say that if you live in the area or even as far away as Lockhart or Union County – take an afternoon and visit Chester State Park you won’t regret the short drive. And if you live in Chester, you definitely owe it to yourself to check out this hidden gem in your own backyard.

What’s Nearby

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Landsford Canal State Park
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Rose Hill Plantation
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Andrew Jackson State Park thumbnail
Andrew Jackson State Park
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Buford’s Massacre Site
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Fast Facts About Chester State Park

Type:State Park with large day use area
Admission:$3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
Location:788 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706
Website:https://southcarolinaparks.com/chester
Phone(803) 385-2680
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Things to do: Camping, Picnicking, Fishing, Disk Golf

Map to Chester State Park