Chester State Park opens new camping experience

Chester, S.C. - Today Chester State Park celebrated the opening of five new hike-in campsites that were generously funded by a $40,000 grant from the Lutz Foundation.

For campers looking to get closer to nature, hike-in, or trailside camping, is a great option. As the name suggests, campers park in a designated area and then walk along a trail with their tent and camping gear to access their campsites. The new hike-in sites offer picturesque lake views and are equipped with a campfire ring, lantern holder, and picnic table. They have convenient access to a vault-style restroom.

"We are thrilled and grateful to the Lutz Foundation for helping us bring this unique camping experience to the Chester community for locals and visitors to enjoy," said park manager, Zach Setzer. "These hike-in sites allow campers of all levels to get a little deeper into the forest to enjoy their natural surroundings, and the peace and tranquility they'll find when they journey a little further off the beaten path."

In addition to the five new hike-in campsites, Chester also offers 25 packed gravel sites on their campground, all with water and 50-amp electrical hookups. Two double camper cabins are available to reserve for those looking for a getaway that requires less gear. The new hike-in sites are available to reserve online at reserve.southcarolinaparks.com.

"Chester State Park continues to grow and evolve with the community thanks to the Lutz Foundation," said SCPRT director, Duane Parrish. "Over the past decade, their support has allowed us to expand and enhance our offerings so visitors from near and far can enjoy this special place. We are enormously grateful for all of the ways the Chester community and South Carolina State Parks have benefited from the Lutz Foundation's generous support."

The Lutz Foundation is a community-based organization founded in memory of Clarence Herbert Lutz and Anna Elizabeth Lutz in 1995. The local nonprofit has dedicated almost 30 years to improving education, health, welfare, and community programs in Chester County and neighboring areas through grants that total over $8,000,000 since its establishment.

This is the tenth grant Chester State Park has received from the nonprofit. Lutz Foundation has funded the park's upscale picnic pads, two camper cabins, renovations to Lakeview Hall, 27 holes of disc golf, a 472-foot boardwalk, campground upgrades, and more.

Chester State Park opened in the 1930s and is one of the original 16 South Carolina State Parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. From hiking on trails, playing a round of disc golf, or fishing on the pier, there is something for everyone in this park conveniently located between Columbia and Charlotte. Sneak away from the city for a serene, tranquil setting in the Piedmont Region of South Carolina.

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View and download images from the ribbon cutting and of the new hike-in campsites here: https://scprt.widencollective.com/c/zf1hk0by