Sesquicentennial State Park
Midlands
John Wells
Park Manager
Welcome to Sesqui! I’m John Wells, park manager. Ever since my first campout in the backyard with my dad, I have
loved being outdoors. Camping trips with family and more with scouting, partnered with a healthy dose of Yogi
Bear on Saturday mornings, made me realize as a kid that I would love to work in the woods helping
people—so that’s what I do!
My favorite spot at on the park is what our staff calls the “FEMA bridge” on the Loop Trail. It is a
100-foot long aluminum bridge that we installed over Jackson Creek to repair a washout from the floods of 2015.
It spans a misty, marsh area with babbling brook sounds; something rarely heard in the midlands of South
Carolina.
Everyone, and especially a first-time visitor to the park, should walk the two-mile Sandhills Trail. It is
mostly flat, mostly paved and circles around the park lake. This trail takes you through the open day-use area,
beside the CCC spillway system that resembles waterfalls and through the forest dotted with boardwalks safely
above the swampy areas. This trail shows a bit of everything at Sesqui!
**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located just outside the entrance to the park office.
Sesquicentennial State Park, affectionately known to locals as "Sesqui," is a spacious, green getaway in the heart of the Sandhills region. Once you're immersed in the 1,400 acres of pines, camping sites, and nature trails you forget just how close you are to bustling, downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Camping sites are available to overnight guests. The park provides kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, two nature trails and a 6-mile bicycle loop for day-use recreation.
BY THE NUMBERS
1
of 16 SC State Parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
78
standard campsites with electric and water for RVs or tents, 9 of which are full service
5
primitive camping areas for up to 50 people per site
1
dog park where your furry friend can come and unwind - don't forget your permit
26
sprayers on our splash pad, the only one in the South Carolina State Park System!
30
acre park lake for paddling around and fishing
12
miles of hiking and biking trails where you can stretch your legs
3
perfect picnic shelters and 4 picnic pads for your next family reunion or group outing
1419
acres of parkland for you to enjoy in otherwise urban Columbia, SC