This is the Santee Rest Area along I-95 North at mile marker 99 in Santee, which is in Orangeburg County, SC. This isn't a big rest area, but it gets the job done. It is located just south of the Lake Marion Bridge on I-95. Upon entry, trucks will go to the right (back) while cars go to the left (front) of the rest area. The rest area is open 24 hours daily. My visit to this rest area was on August 27, 2022.
As I noted in the intro, this is not an overly large rest area. This may be due to how close it is to Lake Marion. Even though it isn't overly big, there is still enough room to get things done. Restrooms and vending are available inside the rest area building. The restrooms were in working order and could tell that they are regularly maintained.
After taking care of business inside, I went outside for a bit to see the sights around the rest area. There is still a good amount of open space to walk around, stretch the legs, and more. There are covered and uncovered picnic tables available here too. There are plenty of trash cans, and they also have a pet waste station, where you can get a bag to clean up any mess your pet may make during the visit. There is a trash can right there for you to throw it away too.
This rest area also has another spot here called the Liberty Garden. It was dedicated exactly one year after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. There is a fountain in the middle. There is a quote rounding the inside of the garden, and the different presidents are also listed on the ground too. It was dedicated by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. Even though it doesn't say directly, I do believe it is a dedication to those who were affected in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Overall, this is a very nice rest area. Even though some can think it may be unassuming, there is actually more to this rest area than you think. If your travels take you this way and need a break, it is totally worth making that stop before moving on with your travels. read more