Parsons Mountain Lake Campground
Campground
0.2 mi
4.3 (59)
Abbeville, SC 29620
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Man-Made Lake Recreation AreaSC
Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Parsons Mountain lake recreation near Abbeville with vehicle-based day fees, camping details, water-supply warnings and current access checks.
Swimming restriction
Use only authorized water access. Do not treat site-open status as a water-quality clearance or permission to enter every shore location.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Man-Made Lake Recreation Area
Access
Informal
Fee
Published day use: $3 per vehicle; camping: $7 per campsite per night. Confirm current charges before travel.
Best season
Day-use pass information gives dawn-to-dusk operation. Confirm current on-site hours rather than using conflicting trail-profile hours
Nearby towns
Abbeville
Water body
Parsons Mountain Lake
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Abbeville
Access location not verified
34.0973, -82.3564
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Parsons Mountain: a lake visit with separate day-use and camping plans
Near Abbeville, this forest recreation area offers lake scenery without requiring a summit hike. Our former spring-fed-pool description and 'all facilities' promise were not reliable planning advice.
Check current conditions first
The Forest Service page lists the site open but warns about hurricane damage. Its current contact is 803-624-9471. Ask about the specific swimming approach rather than treating an open gate as a water-safety guarantee.
Understand the fee unit
Published day use is $3 per vehicle, not per swimmer, and camping is $7 per campsite per night. The day-use pass description separates vehicle access from overnight fees. Confirm terms before paying.
Bring water and confirm facilities
The operator says potable water is unavailable and names toilets in its general-information section. Do not rely on the separate trail profile's drinking-water claim. Ask whether facilities needed for your visit are operating.
Separate trails, towers and swimming
A wooded footbridge and lake views appear in our reviewed gallery. They are recreation-area context, not proof of a safe water entry. One withheld historical tower photo shows a no-trespassing barrier; it is not evidence of a lake-wide closure or permission to climb.
Arrive at the recreation area
Follow the operator's Parsons Mountain Road directions and current signs. The district office and OHV staging area are not interchangeable with the lake entrance. The retained historical pin is not independently verified.
Getting There
Operator route from Abbeville follows Hwy 28 toward its Hwy 72 junction, then continues 2.1 miles on Hwy 28 to Parsons Mountain Road (S 1-251). Follow that road 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right. Confirm signs and current road conditions. Do not use the district office as the lake entrance; retained pin is unverified.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Operator lists the site open but warns of remaining hurricane-damage hazards. Check notices and ask the district about today's swimming access.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Use only authorized water access. Do not treat site-open status as a water-quality clearance or permission to enter every shore location. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Parsons Mountain OHV Trail
Off roading area
1.4 mi
4.6 (99)
Tower Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620
Pete Smith Complex
Park
5.1 mi
4.7 (20)
62 Pete Smith Complex Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620
Baseball fieldHas a tennis courtPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Public Works
Paving contractor
5.9 mi
4 (6)
706 Branch St, Abbeville, SC 29620
Abbeville Recreation Department
Park
6 mi
4.2 (35)
404 N Main St, Abbeville, SC 29620
Public restroom
Midway Seasonal Hunt Camp
Campground
7.3 mi
1.7 (3)
444 Beulah Church Rd, Abbeville, SC 29620
US Forest Service, Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District
National forest
49.7 mi
4.5 (766)
20 Work Center Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178
370,000-acre forest with hiking, mountain biking, white-water rafting on the Chattooga River & more.
Restroom
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Parsons Mountain Recreation Area
Is the day-use fee per swimmer?
No. The published $3 fee is per vehicle. Confirm current terms before travel.
Should I bring drinking water?
Yes. The current operator page says potable water is unavailable, despite a conflicting trail-profile claim.
Does a day-use pass include camping?
No. Overnight stays require separate arrangements and charges.
Does site-open status confirm safe swimming today?
No. Ask the district about the designated area and current conditions; remaining hurricane hazards are noted.
Is the tower photo a reason to climb it?
No. A historical photo shows a no-trespassing barrier. Respect all posted restrictions.
Highlights
Vehicle-based fee clarified
Current district contact
Drinking-water warning
Reviewed lake and trail photos
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Bring drinking water, supervise children, and do not assume lifeguard service
- Avoid damaged structures and never cross a posted no-trespassing barrier
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
A managed forest recreation lake, not an independently verified natural spring-fed pool.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Lake shore, wooded footbridge, autumn trees and sunset in the saved campground collection. Exact camera positions and swimming entrances are not independently located.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect barriers, damaged structures and posted restrictions. No tower-climbing recommendation is made from historical photos.
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Check water quality before swimming
Use this safety guide before entering any natural water.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Day-use pass information gives dawn-to-dusk operation. Confirm current on-site hours rather than using conflicting trail-profile hours.
Difficulty Level
Water-entry accessibility has not been verified. Nearby hiking trails are not a guarantee of an accessible swimming approach.
Fee
Published day use: $3 per vehicle; camping: $7 per campsite per night. Confirm current charges before travel.
Facilities
The general-information section names toilets while its structured restroom field is blank; confirm availability rather than promising full services or a swim-side bathhouse.
Activities
Lake recreation, hiking and picnicking. Separate boating, fishing and camping requirements apply; review the operator's linked alerts.
Phone
803-624-9471 (current operator-listed Long Cane Ranger District contact)
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
First-come campsites with a published 14-day stay limit. A day-use pass does not include camping; confirm available sites separately.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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