A quiet oasis in a sleepy town. There's a nice artesian well down the stone steps near the creek,…read morea shady picnic shelter, azaleas in spring and camellias in the winter.

There are many units of the NWR, so be sure if you are using GPS, you choose the one you want. That…read morebeing said, a GPS accident took us to the Cuddo unit, which ended up being fantastic!! You have a scenic drive through the unit that really gives you a feel for the nature in the area. Complete with an alligator alley that probably sees a fair share when it's warm and sunny, there are many things to do! Hiking trails, picturesque overlooks, and all from your vehicle! The main unit (Bluff I think but not sure!) has Fort Watson, which was a British fort, or the remains of it anyway, and an ancient Indian Burial Mound, with a platform and stairs with an amazing lake view from the top. There's also birding opportunities and a visitor center with more lake overlooks and selfie opportunities if you are into that sort of thing. It's not a terribly long drive from town, either, so if you're like me and just need "nature breaks" once a month to get out of the grind, the Santee Cooper area has plenty to offer!

The State of SC established the Santee National Wildlife Refuge in 1941 to compensate for the…read morehabitat destruction caused by the creation and flooding of the Santee Cooper Lakes. The refuge includes over 15,000 acres (4,448 owned by the US Fish and Wildlife Service) and the rest in coordination with the South Carolina Public Service Authority. Visitors can enjoy 39 miles of shoreline along Lake Marion, SC's largest lake. Birders can enjoy migratory ducks and geese in winter, in addition to song birds, raptors, marsh birds, and wetlands wildlife in multiple migratory bird sanctuaries. The refuge includes four units with diverse which offer wildlife observation, education, interpretation, photography, hunting and fishing opportunities. There is a Visitors Center and 7.5-mile wildlife drive (Caddo unit), a canoe trail, observation towers, miles of hiking/biking trails, elevated boardwalks, towers and some of the best bird watching in America. The Santee Christmas Bird Count is touted as one of the best, if not the best, inland CBC east of the Mississippi and north of Florida. You can't miss visiting the thousand year old Indian Mound, built by the matrilineal Santee tribe. During the Revolutionary War, it became Fort Watson, a British battlement overtaken by General Francis Marion-- the "Swamp Fox." This story also introduced the word "mayhem" into the English language. The fighting here proved Marion's tactical skill and makes this one of the most pivotal victories of the American struggle for independence.

This park is so much bigger than I anticipated! It was well maintained as well…read more I went to Limestone trail and parked along the road so I could sit by the water. There were a few families fishing. I walked to the campground area and that seemed really nice as well. The park is pet friendly. We did not see any alligators, but we were warned they had a lot so I kept my dogs away from the water. I would definitely make sure you have bug spray when you visit!

Conveniently located 10 minutes off I-95 so great ease of use! You don't feel near I-95. Easy…read morehiking trails at the campgrounds. Lake views and nice restrooms! Enjoyed local restaurants and history nearby.

We played this week on Monday....and it was a Miserable pace. Backed up as we started on 1st tee…read morewith 2 foursomes teeing off at and after our tee time. No ranger, very slow play. we Left after 12 holes is misery and 4 hours devoted to waiting on the course. Met guys in front of us, guys behind us as we waited. When I left and asked guy in club house if he was aware of the slow pace of play he said yes, he had been sending alerts to all carts to speed up. How did he really think that was helpful to anyone but the slow group other than to increase frustration. Course needs ranger and better management. Will never return. Other courses full of players can manage it much better! Not worth the frustration as course is not exceptional.

We like it up here. Found my SO's parents a lovely house within the resort a couple years ago. It's…read morea great escape far enough inland from Charleston to flee threatening weather. Usually. The trees are plentiful and frame the golf course well. It's a family friendly, all levels welcome Par 3 course. Lots of the residents, including his parents, love driving their cats around to neighbors houses and the clubhouse- cute community. Lots of retirees are here, but everyone appears to be having a blast. The pace is definitely leisurely and slow. It's also nestled right up on Lake Marion, lesser known but actually quite ideal for boaters. We enjoy bringing folks out for holiday boating, and witnessed the nothing short of miracle-like full lunar eclipse here on the lake. Peaceful, tranquil. Santee Resort is about a mile and a half down the main stretch of road off of the crazy busy 1-95 pit stop of an exit. It's a popular place for drivers coming from North going to FL to take a break from the road. Evidence lays not only in Smith's existence, but the Tesla charging station at Clark's Inn. That surrounding area doesn't contain much activity, but all the necessities are there. Multiple fast and sit down dining options, as well as a couple grocery stores, CVS, liquor store. Land and property pricing at the moment here makes it a total buyers' market.

The staff was friendly and we got lucky and it wasn't busy at all. My kids did the soft play area…read moreand trampoline. We decided not to do mini golf since there was no shade.

My family showed up today at 6:43 PM to have a fun family night and jump. Hours of operation says…read morethey're open until 8 PM. However, the doors are locked. The lights are off and nobody is here. We drove 40 minutes to get here. My children are very upset. Please update your hours if this is not correct because it's very misleading.

I highly recommend Jefferson bicycle rental. We rented bikes on Isle of Palms for a family reunion…read moreover New Years. The bikes were in good working condition and we're of excellent quality. Moreover the price for rental was the best in the lowcountry. I will definitely use Damien and Jefferson Rental in the future. He provides honorable dependable and respectful service!

Great price for a decent 9 hole golf course. Very quiet and peaceful. The greens and fairways need…read moresome work, but it has potential.

This is a great golf course, nothing crazy just good ole fashioned quality course, the price is…read morefair and worth it. The amenities are good, friendly staff, awesome small town golf course!! It's my go to course

I love this course. I bring a group of twelve and we've played this course every year since 2020…read more We played November 9th this year. It seems to get a little better every year. This year was notable for the beginning of a much-needed tree removal. Hopefully the removal continues and the stumps get ground down. The course looks much better with the excess trees gone and it will dry much faster as well. The greens were in excellent shape. It's just a fun and interesting course to play. The staff is always first rate.

Exceptional value for a well groomed golf course. New electric carts. Well managed and groomed…read morefairways. Greens good. Beer and wine at bar. Good selection of merchandise in clubhouse. Friendly staff! Variety of holes keep you interested.