On April 2, 2026, The Meadows at Black River State Park officially opened to the public, becoming the 50th park in the South Carolina State Park Service. Located in Williamsburg County along one of the state’s most scenic blackwater rivers, The Meadows offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty, wildlife, and peaceful landscapes that make the Black River so special.
More than just a new park, The Meadows represents the first public gateway to a much larger vision—creating South Carolina’s first riverine network of state parks and paddle launches spanning nearly 70 miles of the Black River. As additional properties are added over time, Black River State Park will grow to encompass more than 9,000 acres, making it one of the largest parks in the state park system.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
State and local leaders, conservation partners, and community members gathered to celebrate the park’s opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director Duane Parrish, leaders from the Open Space Institute (OSI), and State Senator Ronnie Sabb.
“Our state parks play an essential role in protecting South Carolina’s natural heritage and ensuring these lands and waters are preserved long into the future,” Governor McMaster said. “The Meadows at Black River State Park will provide more opportunities for families and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty that defines our way of life.”
The opening marks the culmination of years of collaboration through the Open Space Institute’s Black River Initiative, a partnership dedicated to protecting the river’s natural resources while expanding public access and supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region.
What You’ll Find at The Meadows
Created from approximately 2,000 acres of permanently protected land, The Meadows serves as the central hub for the future Black River State Park network. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon outdoors or planning a paddling adventure, the park offers plenty to explore.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Four miles of Black River frontage perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, birding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
- A new paddle launch for both day trips and longer excursions along the Black River Water Trail.
- The half-mile River Birch Nature Trail, winding through the riverside landscape.
- A picnic pavilion, visitor orientation kiosk, and restrooms.
- Scenic overlooks featuring sandy river beaches, towering bluffs, cypress and tupelo forests, and abundant wildlife.
The Meadows showcases one of the most ecologically significant stretches of the Black River, offering visitors an opportunity to experience one of South Carolina’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Looking Toward the Future
The Meadows is only the beginning.
Future improvements include a riverside boardwalk with interpretive exhibits, a second paddle launch farther downriver, and additional visitor amenities designed to make exploring the park even easier for families, school groups, and paddlers.
Planning for the park has also been shaped by a cultural and historical plant study completed in 2025. The findings continue to guide trail design, gathering spaces, and interpretive experiences that celebrate the region’s natural ecology, cultural history, and traditional knowledge.
A Partnership Years in the Making
The Meadows is the result of a collaborative effort involving the Open Space Institute, South Carolina State Parks, state and federal agencies, conservation organizations, private foundations, and generous donors.
Since launching the Black River Initiative in 2021, OSI has helped conserve nearly 9,200 acres for the Black River State Park and Water Trail Network, while partner organizations have protected an additional 15,800 acres throughout the watershed. Together, these efforts are preserving critical wildlife habitat, improving water quality, expanding outdoor recreation, and ensuring future generations can enjoy one of South Carolina’s most treasured rivers.
Plan Your Visit
The Meadows at Black River State Park is located at 6252 U.S. Highway 521, Salters, SC.
The park is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the soft opening scheduled through September 30, 2026.
Admission is:
- Adults: $3
- South Carolina seniors (65+): $1.50
- Children ages 6–15: $1
- Children 5 and under: Free
Whether you’re hiking beneath towering cypress trees, launching a kayak onto the Black River, or simply enjoying the quiet beauty of the landscape, The Meadows offers a new way to experience one of South Carolina’s most extraordinary natural treasures—and the beginning of an exciting new era for South Carolina State Parks.