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Lee State Park

SC PICTURE PROJECT 1 Comment

SC Picture Project / Lee County / Lee State Park

Like many South Carolina state parks, Lee State Park in Bishopville was built in the 1930s as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The park stretches across nearly 3,000 acres and sits along the scenic Lynches River. Construction on the park began around 1935 and continued for the following four years. Among the CCC’s first projects within the park were the building of picnic shelters and creating Loop Road, the park’s main thoroughfare.

Lee State Park Stone Bridge

Donna Edgeworth of Scranton, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Between 1935 and 1937, three cabins similar to the one seen below were added to the site. The below cabin was the fourth one erected in the park, in 1939, and called Cabin #4. Today, it is the only remaining cabin within the park and is located near the primitive campsites. The cabin is not available for overnight stays; however, there are 25 standard campsites and 23 equestrian campsites at Lee State Park. Horse lovers can also enjoy an equestrian center complete with stables and seven miles of equestrian trails.

Lee State Park Cabin Front

Donna Edgeworth of Scranton, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Visitors can spend the day at Lee State Park kayaking and canoeing, and designated fishing and swimming areas provide enjoyment of the park’s Artesian Lake. The lake is named for the artesian wells created by the CCC workers. The park’s first superintendent, W.C. Lee, taught the CCC men how to drill the wells; today two such wells, including the one seen below, flow in the park 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lee State Park Well

Donna Edgeworth of Scranton, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Camping is available to all visitors year round, and water and electrical hook-up are provided. The park is home to 119 bird species, and the park’s bird guide can help visitors identify the many feathered friends who inhabit the area. Walking trails, including the boardwalk seen below, allow people to explore the natural communities that comprise Lee State Park.

Lee State Park

Laura Kirk of Bishopville, 2008 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Reflections on Lee State Park


Contributor Laura Kirk shares, “Lee State Park’s wetland boardwalk was built in 2007. I remember a storm getting ready to come into the park, dark skies and rumbles of thunder in the distance. The dark skies created a beautiful backdrop, highlighting the bright green color of the gum tree leaves.”

Add your own reflections here.

Plan Your Trip: Lee State Park

Where is Lee State Park located?
Address: 487 Loop Road, Bishopville, SC 29010
GPS Coordinates: 34.209935,-80.204619
Website: http://southcarolinaparks.com/lee/introduction.aspx
What else should I see?
Bishopville High School 3.7 miles
The Manor 3.8 miles
Doc Blanchard Memorial 4 miles
English Cooper 4 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Bishopville Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Forests and Nature Preserves
  • See other South Carolina Parks
    Lee State Park Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ron Caldwell says

      June 20, 2015 at 6:52 AM

      My father(G.C.Caldwell) worked with the Civil Conservation Corp at Lee State Park. My grandfather was the first park superintendent. This is how my mother and father met. They corresponded during WWII and were married afterward.

      Reply

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