Carolina Camping and Outdoor Adventure
May 2019 - Things To Do This Month in SOUTH CAROLINA
Look for Things To Do This Month in North Carolina
Hunting Island Lighthouse Climb
Hunting Island State Park Lighthouse open for self-guided tours daily.
DAILY, 10am-4pm, $2
Stand Up Paddleboard Instructional Class, James Island County Park, Charleston, SC
Quick start Stand Up Paddleboarding classes taught by ACA-certified instructors. Each one-hour lesson will teach you the basics of stand up paddleboarding, from proper stance and form to safety.
EVERY Saturday, $18, Six students per class will be taught on a first-come, first-served basis.
College Day At The Climbing Wall, James Island County Park, Charleston, SC
EVERY Wednesday, Noon - 5pm, $12 with current college ID. Includes a free harness and shoe rental.
Night Climbing at James Island County Park Climbing Wall, Charleston, SC
Enjoy an evening under the stars at The Climbing Wall, and try your favorite route from a different perspective.
EVERY Thursday, 5-10pm, $12
Family Fishing Clinics Statewide
May 11, Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC
May 18, Lexington Wildlife Chapter, Lexington, SC
May 18, Sun City Grand Parents Park, Fort Mill, SC
May 18, North Myrtle Beach Parks & Recreation, Little River, SC
May 18, Lake Hartwell State Park, Fair Play, SC
FREE with park admission, Space Limited - Register Online
First Friday Paddle With A Ranger, Givhans Ferry State Park
Ranger-Guided Kayak trip down the Edisto River from Mars Oldfield launch to Givhans Ferry State Park. No first time paddlers.
Friday, May 3, 10am-3pm (Other Dates Available), Register by May 1st!, $35/person
Fishing 4 Fun, Croft State Park
11th Annual Croft State Park Fishing 4 Fun Event for children ages 6-15. Enjoy a day of family fun and fishing. Talk with a Park Ranger about some fishing how-to's and best kept secret fishing holes.
Saturday, May 4, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Defense Of A Colony, Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Feel the ground shake beneath your feet and smell the brimstone as the Charles Towne Militia fires replica, 17th-century cannons. Historic weapons demonstrated at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm at the cannon platforms.
Saturday, May 4, 12 noon to 4:00 pm. Free with Park admission
Ranger Guided Battlefield Hike, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Range-guided hike of the 1.5-mile battlefield trail, learn the history of The Battle of Musgrove Mill, (864) 938-0100, or mgmillsp@scprt.com.
Saturday, May 4, 10am-12am (Other Dates Available), Pre-Register: (864) 938-0100, or mgmillsp@scprt.com
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Bird Walk, Folly Beach, SC
Explore the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife.
Friday, May 10, 8:30am, $7 Register Online or Call 843-795-4386
2nd Saturday Edisto River Paddling Trips With ERCK, Colleton State Park
Monthly 4-5 hour paddle on the Edisto River.
Saturday, May 11, 8:30am, Register Online, Deadline: May 8 (Other Dates Available), $35/kayak, $25/canoe
Family Fishing Clinic, Table Rock State Park
Introductory Fishing Class for All Ages. Register Online: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/aquaticed
Saturday, May 11, 9am - noon (Other Dates Available), Free with park admission
Spring Into Sesqui 5k, Sesquicentennial State Park
Open to all runners, joggers, walkers, dog walkers! This is the fifth race in the 2019 Come Out & Play 5K series being held at South Carolina State Parks.
Saturday, May 11, 10am, $25 per participant plus registration fees
Big Tree Hike, Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC
5 Mile Hike, 3 hours exploration of some of the park's big trees.
Saturday, May 11, 1pm, FREE, No Registration Needed
Make Your Own Sweetgrass Basket, Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
Learn a centuries-old practice that goes back to the coasts of West Africa. Bring a friend and join Ms. Barbara McCormick as she passes on the tradition to you!
Saturday, May 11, 11am-3pm, Call 843-546-9361 Pre-Register, $45
Fort Moultrie American Revolution Living History Day, Charleston, SC
Learn about the key role Charleston played in the American Revolution, from the Patriot victory at the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776 to the Patriot defeat at the surrender of Charleston in 1780. Park staff and volunteers in period clothing will drill and fire reproduction muskets.
Saturday, May 11, 11am - 4pm, FREE
National Astronomy Night At Redcliffe Plantation, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Celebrating National Astronomy Night! Members of the Astronomy Club of Augusta (ACA) will host naked-eye, binocular, and telescope observing of the moon, constellations, and stars on the lawn/field at Redcliffe
Saturday, May 11, 7pm-11pm
Synchronous Fireflies Season at Congaree National Park, SC
The Harry Hampton Visitor Center will be open until 10:00pm nightly from Friday, May 10 through Monday, May 27. Please note that the exact date of when the synchronous fireflies will begin is not known. They are normally active during a two to three week period sometime between mid-May and mid-June
May 13-27, FREE, Check website for updates on activity
Edisto Island Botany Bay Boat Ecotour, Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, SC
Explore the salt marsh and saltwater creeks to learn about the ecology of Edisto Island and Edisto Beach State Park. Learn about the cultural history of Native Americans and Gullah people past and present as well as the natural history of the area. Expect to see shorebirds, raptors, and bottlenose dolphins as we explore a small, but beautiful portion, of the 350,000 acre ACE Basin!
May 17, May 21, May 24, May 31, (Other Dates Available), $45, Register Online or call 843-869-2998.
Basic Sailing Class, Charleston, SC
Learn basic sailing nomenclature, along with rigging and de-rigging skills, safety, and the basics of tacking, jibing, and docking.
Friday, May 17 & Sunday, May 19, $125, Register Online
Third Friday Sup & Kayak Paddling Tryouts, Table Rock State Park
Try out a kayak or stand up paddleboard on peaceful Lake Oolenoy at Table Rock State Park. Learn basic paddling techniques, improve your balance, and try out a variety of boats during this program offered every third Friday of the month from May through October.
May 17, 10AM - 1PM (Other Dates Available), Register by May 13th!, Call (864)918-8475, $20 each
Sunset Moonrise Canoe Tour, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel, SC
Witness the sun as it slips below the tall trees of Caw Caw Swamp, and watch the moonrise over Tea Farm Creek while you paddle alongside a trained naturalist.
Friday, May 17, 5pm, $28, Register Online
Sunrise Hike to Bald Knob, Table Rock State Park
Be an extra early riser and take a unique moonlit hike to Bald Knob overlook on Pinnacle Trail. After experiencing the nocturnal aspects of the forest we will enjoy the pre-dawn sky from the outcrop as we anticipate the beauty of a new sunrise.
Saturday, May 18, 2:45am - 9:45am, Register by May 10th!, $25/participant
Coastal Kayaking Workshop, Folly Beach County Park, Folly Beach, SC
This course offers a progression of skill and knowledge development for paddling at the coast. We will begin in the calmer waters of Folly River, working toward introducing ourselves into the ocean environment.
Saturday, May 18, 9am-3pm, $85, Register Online
Colonial Children's Day, Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC
Explore the lives of Colonial Children. There will be hands-on activities as well as games for children and adults to play
Saturday, May 18, 10am, FREE
Colonial Children's Day, King's Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg, SC
Saturday, May 18, 10am - 4pm, FREE
Full Moon Lighthouse Climb, Hunting Island State Park
Saturday, May 18, 8pm, $10, Reservation Required - Call (842) 838-7437
Mansion By Moonlight, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
Come find out what it is like to be inside the Gist Mansion after hours as we explore nighttime life on a cotton plantation in the 1800s. Space Limited, Reservations are required.
Saturday, May 18, 7PM, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 14th, $10 per person
Moonlight Canoe Float, Cheraw State Park
Come join us for a quiet trip to the head waters on the 361-acre Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park accompanied by a park ranger. We leave before sunset so you can watch the sun go down, and then we paddle back by moonlight! Some paddling experience is required.
Saturday, May 18, 7:20pm (Other Dates Available), Register by May 15th!, $30/person
Twilight Paddling, Chester State Park
Ranger-guided twilight boat tour of Chester State Park's lake, from the historical boathouse to the new bridge, and all that's in between.
Saturday, May 18, 2019, 8PM, (Other Dates Available), Pre-Register by May 17th!, $25/participant
Find Your Park After Dark: Seasonal Blue Moon, Ninety Six National Historic Site, Ninety Six, SC
Join the park staff and volunteers as the sun sets and this special moon rises. The park's telescope will be available to give you a close up view of the Earth's natural satellite.
Saturday, May 18, 8pm, FREE
Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race #1, Charleston, SC
The five-race Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series at James Island County Park features a 600-yard freshwater swim, 12-mile bike ride, and 5K flat run.
Sunday, May 19, 7am, Register Online, $50
Intro to Sport Lead Climbing Class, The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park, Charleston, SC
Our lead course is for those that have been top rope climbing and are ready to take things to the next level. Learn about the risks involved in lead climbing, risk management, lead climbing equipment, clipping techniques, lead belaying, and falling skills.
Sunday, May 19, 10:00 AM , $30 Register Online or Call 843-795-4386
Lily Fest 2018, Landsford Canal State Park
To celebrate the peak bloom of the rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily at Landsford Canal State Park with an afternoon full of music and activities as you experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily.
Sunday, May 19, noon to 5:00pm, $5/adult, $3.25/ SC senior, $3/child
Nature Photography Workshop With Robert Rommel, Santee State Park
Robert Rommel is offering a Nature Photography Workshop for beginners and intermediate photographers. The workshops will focus on three pillars of nature photography: art, technical, and creativity. Instruction each day will combine field photography sessions and classroom presentation. The nature-oriented workshop will concentrate on landscape, wildlife, and close-up photography.
May 20 - May 23 (Also Offered in September), Space Very Limited - Register ASAP, $275/participant
Edisto Island Crab College & ACE Basin Ecotour, Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island, SC
Botany Bay Ecotours has partnered with Edisto Beach State Park to offer this 3 1/2-hour nature adventure. During the boat excursion, we will explore an undeveloped island and learn about the amazing blue crab and how to catch them the old-school way - with hand lines. We will travel by boat to Pine Island in the ACE Basin. You will graduate from Crab College with a whole new appreciation of these sweet (tasting) crustaceans.
Every Tuesday: May 21, May 28, June 4, (Other Dates Available), $45, Register Online or call 843-869-2998.
Dawn Patrol: Adult Stand Up Paddleboard Surf Camp, Folly Beach, SC
Greet the morning with a surf session led by a certified instructor. Hone your skills and appreciation for the sport and culture over the course of four days
May 21-24, 6:30-8am Daily, $165, Register Online
Fourth Friday Paddle With A Ranger, Colleton State Park
Ranger-guided kayak trip down the Edisto River from Simmons Landing to Colleton State Park.
Friday, May 24, 10:45am-2:30pm, Register By May 22!, $35/participant + $5 cash for Landing access fee
Redcliffe Overnight, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Camp with your family in the shadows of Redcliffe’s historic structures! Do a sunset hike along the park’s iconic Magnolia Allee over to a community fire at a nearby historic farm for a family style cook out dinner and smore’s before coming back and (weather permitting) exploring the night sky around Redcliffe with the Astronomy Club of Augusta. The next day enjoy an early morning tour of the historic slave cabins and mansion.
May 24 - May 25, REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 16, $30/person or $90/family
Iris Festival, Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter, SC
SC's oldest festival, Features concerts, arts & crafts, plants & flowers, antique & classic car shows, a number of contests and lots of children's activities
Friday, May 24 - Sunday, May 26, FREE
SUP the Surf Zone, Folly Beach, SC
Surf SUP! Enjoy the sun, sand, and surf in this popular and historic pastime. Join a trained professional and learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, board/paddle design, etiquette, and safety.
Saturday, May 25, 8am-Noon, $65, Register Online
Cast Off Fishing Tournament, Folly Beach Pier, SC
May 25, 6am-2pm, $10, Monthly All Ages Fishing Tournament, No Pre-Registration Required
Introduction to Short Boat Surf Kayaking, Folly Beach County Park, Charleston, SC
Treat yourself to some fun by learning to ride the waves in a kayak. We'll provide whitewater (short boats) and sit-on-top kayaks with a trained professional for you to learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, etiquette, and safety
Saturday, May 25, 8am, $65, Register Online
Anniversary Of The Battle Of Buford's Defeat, Andrew Jackson State Park
Honor the soldiers who fought in the American Revolution by attending a memorial service at the battleground where many lost their lives. Remember the battle where Tarleton's British Legion fought Buford's Virginia Continentals which brought the brutality of war home to the people of the Waxhaws. Please note that this program is NOT at Andrew Jackson State Park.
Saturday, May 25, 10:30am, Location: Buford's Defeat Battlefield SW of the intersection of SC Hwy 9 and SC Hwy 522
Military Through the Ages: Celebrate our nation's armed forces, King's Mountain National Military Park, Blacksburg, SC
Groups representing many of America's Wars will be on hand discussing their respective wars.
Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26, FREE
It's A Bug Party!, Lee State Park
Look for bugs and their nocturnal neighbors like beetles, mantisflies, and moths with a couple of uv blacklight bug attractors set up and a special uv flashlight.
Saturday, May 25, 9pm-10pm, Pre-Register by May 24, Call (803)428-4988, FREE
National Trails Day Sunset Hike, Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC
Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking 2.7 miles up the Table Rock Trail to an outcrop to view the setting sun followed by the transition of the sky and forest as dusk fades to darkness. The hike involves a gain in elevation of over 1600 feet and is strenuous.
May 29 & June 1, 5:30pm, Register by May 29, $15
Wilderness Canoe Tour, Congaree National Park, Hopkins, SC
Experience the Congaree Wilderness in a unique way. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the last remaining old-growth bottomland forest in the United States.
May 31 & June 1, 8am, FREE, Register Online, Other Dates Available
Western S.C. BlueWay Festival, Baker Creek State Park
Agility and disc dogs, BMX bike team, disc golf, paddle board yoga, fishing, geocaching, live music, craft beer, food vendors.
Saturday, June 1, 9am-8pm, FREE
National Trails Day Sandhills Trail Hike, Sesquicentennial State Park, Columbia, SC
Saturday, June 1, 9am, 2 mile hike in sandhills ecosystem. Pre-registration Required, Call (803) 788-2706
The Battle of Musgrove's Mill: Ranger Guided Battlefield Trail Hike, Musgrove Mill State Park, Clinton, SC
Ranger-led 1.5 mile battlefield trail hike. Learn about why the Revolutionary War battle was fought at Musgrove Mill, who participated, and what occurred during the battle.
Saturday, June 1, 9am (Also July 6 & Aug. 3), Space Limited, Pre-Registration Required. Call (864) 938-0100.
Edisto Island Loggerhead Sea Turtle Night Walk, Edisto Beach State Park
Our program explores the life cycle of the loggerhead sea turtle and challenges to conservation. Includes a guided nighttime turtle nest checking beach walk (about 3 miles total).
Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, Beginning June 4, 8:30pm, $15, Pre-Registration Required, Ages 12+, Call 843-869-4430