Our Beautiful Edisto Beach State Park

​I was contacted by a camper at our Edisto Beach State Park, Lynne Branham, for some fossil identification, but she also kindly shared some of her beautiful photographs with me. I thought it would be great to share her pictures as well as include a write-up from Lynne about why Edisto is so special to her. See below for her wonderful write-up and photographs!

​Edisto State Park thru the Years

In my 25 plus years of hiking, biking, and camping the state parks of South Carolina, in which I am proud to say that I have visited all of them, Edisto State Park has become the most special to me.

Making the drive down Hwy 174 to Edisto gives me a sense of calmness just knowing that in a few shorts minutes down the road awaits a place like none other for me. I tell people I can just breathe better in Edisto. Its a simple place with just the necessities, so I can relax and enjoy nature. Whether my campsite is at Live Oak or a beach site, makes no matter to me. During the day, I find a quiet place overlooking the marsh, and await any sign of wildlife to photograph. Herons, wood storks, pelicans, and small shore birds are some of my favorites. I also have started taking photos of my favorite shells laying on the beach, and leaving them for others to enjoy as well. The sun never sets my days at Edisto without a quiet walk on the beach to Jeremy Inlet and back. At night, in the darkness of the campground at Live Oak, you can still here the waves rolling in on the beach, and feel the ocean breeze coming across the marsh. My only complaint is that the days seem to go too quickly, and before I know it I am hooking up my camper for the drive back home, but never without a last minute walk on the beach. 

My trips to Edisto started when I was in my twenties. Now at 53 years of age, I appreciate my time there even more. The state park staff, volunteers, and residents of Edisto are some of the nicest folks you will ever meet, and I will continue to make the drive down Hwy 174 as long as I am still able. It is for me a piece of heaven on earth, and a place to be cherished.

- Lynne Branham

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