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Givhans Ferry State Park

Givhans Ferry State Park

Givhans Ferry State Park
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  • Diane L
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nicely maintained campground
    Great campground! Small in size but the sites are spacious. The campground hosts maintain the sites and the bathrooms well. Bathrooms were very clean, well stocked with toilet paper and hot showers. Easy walk to the camp store & small beach on the Edisto River. We spent 6 nights here. Only con was that the noise from the main road outside the state park could be heard especially in the morning. I would recommend this campground. Travel into Charleston takes almost an hour with traffic.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 23 October 2023
  • travelwriter52
    Clinton, South Carolina3,638 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    People come from miles away to tube down the river
    We rented cabin 2. We were going down the river from Colleton to Ghivans in a canoe. Considering how old the cabin is, it is in remarkable shape. The internet was spotty which was a disappointment. There were some cracked tiles in the bathroom. And there was no view even though it was it was advertised as being on a bluff over the river. But the experience was positive even so. The only negative was it was such a long walk from the river to the street but the ranger gave us permission to drive down. I had trouble finding the instructions for cleaning the cabin. It was on the refrigerator and we honestly were not looking for it. Might have been nice if they told us to look there for instructions. Surprising how hard it was to find parking near the river because so many people were tubing.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 16 June 2024
  • Robert R
    Cottageville, South Carolina65 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Givhans Ferry State Park
    Welcome to Givhans Ferry State Park just off of highway 61. This park named after a ferry master from the late 1700's named Philip Givhans. He ran a ferry down the Edisto river from Charleston to Augusta Georgia. The original site has been preserved within the park. This is a relaxing and tranquil place to unwind and shed the burden of city life. They offer a park, tent and RV camping spots as well as a few cabins. In the spring and fall they offer weekend music festivals,and they also offer the Edisto River Adventures which offer a full service tubing experience down the Edisto river from May through fall. This place is a must visit great for singles or families.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 24 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles78 reviews
Excellent
29
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29
Average
14
Poor
2
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4

daearz77
Charleston, SC526 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Family
We have the SC State Parks Pass and enjoy getting to experience new areas in the state. This has been our least favorite park thus far. The views of the river are pretty, but they are pretty limited. We completed the nature bluff trail, which really only shows the river for a few minutes. A large bulk of the trail is walking beside a road that you can see and hear through the trees. Our daughter loves hiking, and even she admitted it was her least favorite one we had been to.
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelwriter52
Clinton, SC3,638 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2024 • Friends
We rented cabin 2. We were going down the river from Colleton to Ghivans in a canoe. Considering how old the cabin is, it is in remarkable shape. The internet was spotty which was a disappointment. There were some cracked tiles in the bathroom. And there was no view even though it was it was advertised as being on a bluff over the river. But the experience was positive even so. The only negative was it was such a long walk from the river to the street but the ranger gave us permission to drive down. I had trouble finding the instructions for cleaning the cabin. It was on the refrigerator and we honestly were not looking for it. Might have been nice if they told us to look there for instructions. Surprising how hard it was to find parking near the river because so many people were tubing.
Written 16 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert R
Cottageville, SC65 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Friends
Welcome to Givhans Ferry State Park just off of highway 61. This park named after a ferry master from the late 1700's named Philip Givhans. He ran a ferry down the Edisto river from Charleston to Augusta Georgia. The original site has been preserved within the park. This is a relaxing and tranquil place to unwind and shed the burden of city life. They offer a park, tent and RV camping spots as well as a few cabins. In the spring and fall they offer weekend music festivals,and they also offer the Edisto River Adventures which offer a full service tubing experience down the Edisto river from May through fall. This place is a must visit great for singles or families.
Written 24 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

doctorjr
Jackson, MO313 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We recently visited the coast area, but didn't want to stay in the cities. When we were visiting Charleston, we stayed at the Givhans Ferry State Park, which was about 35 miles outside of Charleston. It was a great value. We rented a 2 bedroom cabin for $48, and it included everything we needed, such as bed linens, towels, and a kitchen with basic cooking utensils. There was a screened in back porch with 2 rocking chairs that overlooked a scenic river, and a grill in the backyard that we used for steaks. The TV only had 4 channels, but we were more interested in enjoying the scenery and exploring the area, so it wasn't a big deal. It was nice to fix our own breakfast before we headed into Charleston, and the drive into the city took us past the historic plantations. This was a great alternative to a crowded, noisy hotel. I think the cabins book early, though, so reservations need to be made plenty in advance.
Written 1 June 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lovelycotinga
Nashville, TN116 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Couples
We just returned from Givhan's Ferry State Park. We were told it was a nice and very reasonable place to stay. This was true. The 2 bedroom cabin was very clean and had everything you needed for a fun stay near Charleston. We visited Magnolia and Middleton Gardens. It was 28 miles from Charleston. The cost was $70 a night. Wow a bargain!!! The bedrooms have a double bed in one bedroom and bunk beds in the other. That may be a problem for seniors. The screened deck was lovely and over looked the Edisto River. It is not close to any restaurants, so bring your food to cook. We purchased delicious fresh Shrimp in Charleston and had several feasts at the cabin. The kitchen is equipped with everything you need to cook. We had a great time there. We will go back.
We would return to this little treasure in the woods.
Written 2 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fanslergang
Clemmons NC7 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Found this little state campground aproximately an hour away from Historic Charleston and 45 minutes from Folly Beach. Very small quiet and along the Edisto River. The cabins were a great place to stop with a large family (4 kids) and very reasonably priced. I definitely would stop here again! Two bedrooms, fully equipted kitchen, rocking chairs, basic tv, firepits / picnic area, pull out futon. Great alternative to tent camping or Holiday Inn... Please see photos.
Written 2 October 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mtngrl05
East Tennessee42 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2011 • Couples
Rented a cabin here since wanted a cheaper vacation this year but still wanted a day at the beach. Stayed in cabin 5, which is on the end with nothing beside it so very private. You could barely even see the one next to it. I thought it was adorable. Remember this is a state park not the Hilton, so don't expect luxury. It's basic and small. I personally thought it was a perfect size. The central air worked great, maybe too great, glad I brought a throw! There are also ceiling fans in all rooms and the screened porch. It is rustic, all wood throughout, and what looked like laminate wood floors. Some of the floors were a little uneven. The bathroom has no tub but at least a nice and very clean shower with a hand held shower. Limited river view due to all the trees. Bring DVD's...the tv has Dish network and basically only got the Food and weather channel. Loved the park itself. There is a beach area where you can access the river to swim or put a canoe in or something. Also a nice playground area. One thing I was disappointed in was the one hiking trail there....its called river bluff or something but you are only by the river a very short while then it parallels a road. Then it comes out where you have to walk all the back on the park road. You have to drive to Summerville for grocery stores or restaurants, but it's not far. We went to Isle of Palms for the day which took maybe an hour or less. I would go back and would rent the same cabin. PS I tried to book it online but it wouln't let me book weekdays....it said weekend days only...I called 2 different number and finally got the ok that it can be booked through the week.
Written 16 July 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

carolinawren444
South Carolina6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We recently stayed in at Givhan's Ferry State Park in cabin #4. The cabin was clean, linens were provided, and the cabin had excellent air conditioning. The only problem that we had was bats in the chimney....and by the end of the week we knew their schedule...out by 8:00ish p.m. and in by 6:00 a.m. This was kind of creepy at night to hear the bats, but we pushed the fire screen over the fireplace and felt pretty safe. The kids thought the bat sounds were kind of neat....mommy didn't. This was a great getaway for a little R&R; however, we didn't realize it would take approximately an hour to get to downtown Charleston. Summerville was relatively close and offered several restaurants and grocery stores. Givhan's Ferry was pretty neat. Being on the Edisto River was quite enjoyable. The cypress trees and Spanish moss were beautiful, very southern and charming.
Written 8 August 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FloridaGator40
Florida27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I stayed in a cabin at Givhans Ferry for three nights. It was absolutely lovely. It was so peaceful (even over Labor Day weekend)! We had a great view of the Edisto River while sitting in our rocking chairs on our screened porch. They provide you with all the bedding and towels you need. The cabins are air-conditioned, have full-size refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and coffee makers. They have TVs, but they get absolutely no reception of any sort. They do provide a DVD/VHS player, so you can bring your own movies. The park is not that far from Charleston and the cabins are a really good deal. I highly recommend it!
Written 9 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rhonda H
Jupiter, United States58 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2016 • Family
We love camping in Eastern South Carolina and love kayaking. Givhan's Ferry is all over the Internet as Colleton SP's sister park for kayakers.

You know how they say sisters can be opposites? Colleton is a smaller park, but run very well under the supervision of a very efficient ranger.

Givhan's Ferry is a very large property with beautiful historic building as a centerpiece. There are many picnic tables and rec areas.

There are two camping areas: a full hook-up loop and a primitive camping area. The primitive sites are very nice (and look fairly new.) The full hook-up loop is kind of small, 25 sites to be exact.

Honestly, I hate to write unkind things about any place we go...but our troubles started at check in. We made our reservations through Reserve America and selected a site through research and recommendations. When we went to check out the site prior to check in, there was a camper in the site. Upon speaking with the ranger, we were told "if someone is in the site, there is nothing I can do" (??!!) The ranger did put us into another satisfactory site, but what state park is run like that? As a matter of fact, the 'squatters' were in our site the whole week!

Meanwhile, once settled, we observed quite the musical chairs of site occupants. It was nothing to see campers move from one site to another from day to day...another unusual thing at an efficiently run state park area. It was like 'musical sites' on some evenings.

Generally the park was very clean. The second ranger (came on duty the next day) was SUPER nice and very efficient.

On day three of our visit, though, apparently the water had to be disconnected resulting in undrinkable water for the camping area. As it was a holiday week, the campground was almost full. When I say the toilets contained something resembling broth, I am not exaggerating. Of course that meant we had to go buy water for cooking, etc.

Firewood was closest available 15 miles away--on a December week, that was certainly an inconvenience. Ice was close by, so that wasn't too bad...a small general store. A shame they didn't sell firewood.

Cell service?? No way...neither AT&T nor Verizon had anything but a passing 3G signal. WiFi was very strong at the ranger office, but nowhere else in the park. We had to go up to the park office to check email each day.

We never found a grocery store within 10 miles of the campground, so come prepared!

In the end, the good was the accessibility to the Edisto River and the clean park.
Written 1 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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