James Island County Park

I really like the James Island County Park. I’ve visited for a few events, a wedding reception, and the Festival of Lights each Christmas. The park costs $ 2 for admission into the gate, but around Christmas, you can purchase a parks pass to waive that fee. If you plan to go a lot, this will definitely save you money. My friends with dogs go often as they have a dog park.
There are tons of walking and running trails and paths within the park, but make sure you have a map because it’s very easy to get lost on them– I have. I also suggest joining the Charleston County Parks email list because they have tons of events going on at the park, from climbing lessons to yoga classes and other fun stuff.

Awesome park. They have lots of events which are always well done. Tons of stuff to do even when no events are happening. I’m not a fan of the dog park here but I know everyone else loves it. It’s really just too big and I can’t keep an eye on my dog.

Very nice park. Has a nice play area for kids, camping, disc golf, splash park, and plenty of paths for biking, skating, and walking.

We went to the park today specifically to play in the lake. Kayak rentals are only $ 3.50 per half hour or $ 5.50 per hour. A $ 5 deposit is also required and will be kept if the boat is not returned on time. The guy at the office was very helpful and called someone to assist down at the dock. He clarified that they did not rent them for multiple hours, but if I did not get back after an hour, he would just keep my deposit. We ended up being out for over two hours for only a $ 10.50 fee. It was perfect.
The Festival of Lights is going on now, so the road near the office is closed to vehicular traffic. When coming through the main gate, go to the right and around to avoid the closure and diversion.
The entrance fee is now $ 2 per person, but a Charleaton County Gold pass will get you unlimited access for a year. The pass includes special events, so it is definitely worth the money.
There is a very active dog park, fishing dock, climbing wall, campground and cabins for rent. A little something for anyone! Kids love the water park during warm months, and the Festival of Lights in the cold months. It’s situated in the heart of James Island off of the Stono River.

This park is huge and has solo much to offer.
My daughter has gone with a friend to the spray park several times and loves it. We went to the lights festival last Christmas and were genuinely impressed with everything there.
My daughter is on her second season of rock climbing. First she was on the Little Monkey team (noncompetitive) and now she is starting the junior team. I absolutely love this program. The coaches are fantastic and the sport just has so much to offer in physical and mental growth.

So many furry friends! I love coming here to see all the dogs (and hope to bring my own some day when I get one). Have not come to see the lights here yet, but I have seen the UBER long lines of those waiting to get in, so I assume it must be worth waiting for. It’s $ 2 per person to get in the park.

Pretty wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Love this place. I only go for the dog park but it is huuuuge! All fenced in, dog poop bags provided, and 3 little beaches. Totally worth the drive to get here

Hands down the best dog park in the area. Holiday light show is great. This county park has a lot to do; climbing wall, splash zone, camping, etc.

I took my granddaughter there on a Tuesday, water park. I went on all the water rides with her. She had a great time… I got sick. Next day, I broke out in Hives really bad. Large blisters that almost popped. I had a t-​shirt on, all the blisters were under the t-​shirt and my swim suit. They were on me all day.
I had residual effects for a few days after that. Why, maybe they don’t clean the water, maybe too.
Many children, thus diaper issues, I don’t know, but I really got something. Could it be from something else, no I had done nothing after that that might have caused it. Maybe cause I’m older, or something, but I will never go back.
Frank G

A great place to go and chill out! If you have children or grandchildren there is a splash pad that is free and a really sweet playground area. There is also splash zone. yes its a little pricey but it has lots to do there. Jam up picnic ares and shelters are available. This is the place the festival of lights are held. You just have to go for that. Plus they do have some great festivals here. I recommend you go with that special some with a picnic lunch and have a relaxing time!

I had to update my review from last year. I went here this past weekend with family that was visiting. Everyone LOVED the splash park, and enjoy the overall park, in general. Of all the county parks in the Charleston area, this one has the best waterpark of them all, it is accommodating for all ages…
HOWEVER…the reason for such a low star rating is because of the after effects. For the 3^rd time, nearly everyone in the family who was at the park has gotten REALLY sick 1 – 2 days afterwards. The first few times it happened (see my review for Mt. Pleasant park), we thought it might just be a coincidence. But, now I’m convinced… it has to be the water.
The waterpark is awesome and fun… but, whatever you do… DO NOT DRINK THE WATER!!!
I’m positive when assuming we aren’t the only ones that have gotten sick afterwards, but just be warned… I don’t think they filter/​clean the pools very well, or very often for that matter.
If you choose to ignore the warning and decide to brave the park anyway, be prepared for a few days of:
— Intense intestinal pain
— Fever/​chills
— Cold sweats
— Diarrhea
— Vomiting

Went to the splash zone today to hang with some visiting relatives and was blown away. For a total investment of $ 13 per person (1 at park entrance and 12 at splash zone), we spent the day in the best maintained water park I have visited. The park was clean, in good repair, and well staffed. Even the bathrooms were surprisingly clean and well stocked for a water park.
Given the number of kids, it’s not surprising the chlorine content was high in the water so I won’t comment on that. I will comment on the level of professionalism and southern courtesy I witnessed with the life guards and staff. From staff members starting up friendly conversation while I was waiting in line to the lifeguards going out of their way to save sunglasses from being lost in the filters. Couldn’t have asked for a better visit.
The only thing to caution some about is this park is geared to younger kids. There are two slides, a nice lazy river (with some added features), a small zero entry swimming pool (max depth 4 ½ feet) and a children’s splash pad area with baby slides and features. There is not the thrill level to entertain teenagers for long, but it was perfect for my group and a welcome escape from the summer heat.

For locals… I’ve discovered that paying a yearly pass ranging from 60 – 70 dollars for the year will cover the Festival of Lights, Cajun Festival, unlimited visits to the dog parks, and visits to beach parks (Folly/​Kiawah). The usual cost of visiting the beach parks on the weekend averages $ 10 so it can add up! If you’re an avid park goer, this will save you some cash. I frequent Kiawah often, and it’s already paid for itself!

So far this review is limited to the dog park alone since that is as far as weave it. Was planning to bring my girl to the beach this morning but remembered someone had told me about a dog park on James Island. Alas it has been found.
Coming from DC, when someone says dog park what inevitably comes to mind is a fenced in lot maybe with grass but more likely artificial grass or your run of the mill sand lot. Well this dog park alone is bigger than all the dog runs and parks we found in our whole year in DC combined.
The park overall is large and the guy at the gate says my girl can go anywhere on a leash, of course no leash required at the fenced dog park itself. The area is huge, grassy, bordered by water (in which there «might» be alligators. There are sections for big and small dogs, picnic benches for the humans and a community board for posting events. Doggie bags are provided and there are plenty of trash cans around plus a human and dog water fountain plus a hose for washing your baby down.
Glad weave the decision to stop here this morning. The only thing I will say is there is not much shade. The sun comes up over the water and directly shines on the park, but the Parkin lot (which has ample and abundant spaces) is shades on the morning. In the afternoon the lot will likely cook but you’ll find some shade from the tree line.
All in all a fantastic dog playyard. The wiser park has camping (RV & campsites) fishing and a clubhouse tea where they do throw concerts and community events. A fily pass will get you into the park unlimited times free otherwise it is a$ 1.00 to enter, and the park is open at 8:00 am for visitors and the gates close at 7:30 pm. Good way to great the day on James island if your not up for the long trek to Folly Beach.

My absolute favorite of the county parks. So many nice spots to have picnics and trails to run. But my favorite part about the James Island park is definitely the dog park. Everyone comes down here because its huge and they have a great area to swim in as well. Jupiter loves it!

I’m going to echo what has already been said on here. AWESOME! We’ve been to some nice parks and RV campgrounds around the Carolinas, but this one takes the cake!
The mossy trees, trails, lake, playground, water park, splash zone and more. It’s pristine and I’ve pretty much told my husband I want this to be a Mother’s Day tradition from here on out.
Our favorite part is that it’s only a few miles down the road from Folly Beach where you can soak your toes in the sand, have a few cocktails and cuisine on the main strip.
James Island County Park is at the top of our list now!

Before I began to frequent the dog park portion of James Island County Park, I’d heard folks speak of it quite fondly within different circles of friends. Needless to say that after gladly forking over the $ 1.00 enterance fee I knew I was to remain a permanent fixture along with my faithful companion. So expansive is the dog park area, my hyper social pup could play for an hour and not sniff the same dog twice. I long for the day to come when my new dog can enjoy this special place. It’s a calming area to my system, quite serene for both human and cainine alike.
The dogs are not limited to the fenced in portion of the dog run and are free to roam the majority of the parks areas while leashed.
Coushy hard foam sits beneath the kiddy playground area creating a unspoken calmness for those with daring little ones.
Continue to the open fields to toss a football around to work up an appetite and/​or thurst. One can continue on to the picnic area to set up camp for some home brought snacks.
Renting a cycle boat is great fun as you and your crew mates make your way to open water as you head upstream within a beautiful natural stream. Viewing the dog park from the middle of the lake upon arrival feels like a modest success if your the only peddler asvwas the case. Just reserve enough in your energy tank to leg cycle it back to base, hop out and take the short walk back to the spacious parking area.
Everything within the James Island Park is so well run and extremely clean, to the tune of never coming across as much as a randomly strewn wrapper gum wrapper.

JICP should probably get 6 stars, but that’s not possible here so we’ll have to settle for an old fiver!
Seriously, what more could you ask for from your county park? Miles of paved trails for running/​biking/​walking/​dog walking, beautiful marsh views, a dock for crabbing/​fishing, a rock climbing wall, the most epic dog park you’ve ever seen (it goes into a pond for crying out loud!), a campsite and cabins, huge grassy meadows for ultimate frisbee/​flag football/​running around like a maniac, grills for your dining enjoyment, a water park, and a sand volleyball court… all of that and more is held within the confines of James Island County Park. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Oh, did I mention they hold regular events like the Festival for Lights (which is so big it regularly causes traffic jams on all of Riverland/​Camp/​Folly Roads and has its own sign on Folly), the Lowcountry Cajun Festival, Reggae Nights, Yappy Hour, sprint triathlons, local 5K’s, and a Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival? Well, the park most certainly does!
Top it off with the friendliest employees imaginable and you’ve got yourself a true gem of a county park.
Keep in mind that there is a $ 1 (cash) entrance fee unless of course you have a County Park Gold Pass in which case admission is free!

Festival of Lights
Jogging trails
10 Rock Climbing walls
Dog Park and Yappy Hours
Green Festival
and so much more.
James Island Country Park offers so much from kayaking to dog walking to jogging to picnics.
This is such a diverse county park with so many options.
For $ 12.00 you can rock climb until the sun goes down.
It is $ 1.00 a person unless you have an annual pass.
This is truly a county park that has it going on.
Big fan.