Play in the sand and sun at Lake Keowee for just $5

If you need a fun day trip to a little park on the shores of Lake Keowee, Mile Creek Park in Pickens, SC is a great option. If you’re looking for a simple little park with a small beach and access to crystal-clear water on a super hot day. That’s what Mile Creek Park is like. Kidding Around’s Kristina reviews it for us.

Check out our list of 23+ awesome sandy mountain beaches near Greenville, SC to explore with your family while enjoying gorgeous views, cool mountain water, and some fun in the sun!

Perfect Location + Things to Do at Mile Creek County Park

I see parents asking for fun places to swim with their kids in the Upstate and this is a fantastic option. Located on the shores of Lake Keowee, a huge man-made lake that spans several small towns in the Upstate, it has lots of amenities that make it easy for families to spend a day out there.

Watch! Here’s What Mile Creek County Park Looks Like

Swimming Area and Playground

The sandy beach is small and easily manageable with kids. The swimming area is warm and shallow. There’s a playground with slides and swings right next to the beach if your kids need something else to do besides play in the water.

There is a big shelter up the hill from the beach plus charcoal grills scattered around the park. Clean bathrooms are a short walk from the playground and thankfully have a spout outside to clean the sand off your shoes, feet, and water toys.

Boating and Fishing

If you’ve got a boat, there are three boat ramps available at Mile Creek. You will see fishermen fishing off boats not too far from shore.

I have a couple of inflatable kayaks we used the day we went and put in right at the beach. We paddled to the island directly across from Mile Creek Park and down the small coves on either side of the park. It was awesome.

We saw plenty of people fishing from their boats as well if that’s something you enjoy doing with your kids. Be sure to have your South Carolina fishing license.

Sand Volleyball and Basketball Courts

The park also has a volleyball sand court and basketball court that you can play at before or after a swim. The basketball court is covered, so it’s a great way to get out of the sun for a little while.

Camping & Cabins

If you love to camp, there are plenty of tent sites available. Camping near water is such a fun family activity in warmer weather since entertainment is right outside your tent. Of course, this can be a source of anxiety if your kids can’t swim yet so consider that before making reservations.

The website for the park states that kayak rentals are available for cabin and campground users but you’ll have to contact the park to make those arrangements.

There are also 10 lake-front rental cabins with boat ramp access. There is a tiny beach on the lake by the cabins as well. And 69 campsites are at the park as well with both waterfront and non-waterfront locations. These campsites are for RV camping, boat in camping, and there are two tent camping spots with electric. The campsite has 3 bathhouses serving overnight campers, so you will have bathroom access.

Cabins can fit up to four people, with some cabins being able to hold an additional four children. Cabins start around $115 per night. Campsites start at $20 per night. See available campsites at Mile Creek Park at this link.

Fees + Our Tips for Visiting Mile Creek Park

Seems like everyone wants to be outside nowadays and are taking to parks, lakes, and campsites to fulfill their outdoorsy dreams. This is great. However, it means that you can’t get to an awesome park at Noon or 1 pm on a weekend and expect to get in and find parking. Get here early! It will ensure you are able to enter the park and spend a great day there.

Arrive Early!

On my most recent trip, I got to Mile Creek Park at 9 am on a Sunday and had the place to ourselves besides a few boaters getting in the water. By Noon, it looked like all the parking lots were full. I think there are at least three parking lots at Mile Creek. It’s not a huge place so it can fill quickly, especially on those brutally hot summer days.

Bring $5 for Parking

There isn’t admission cost per se but there is a parking fee of $5 per car. If you plan to visit more frequently or live close by, we recommend purchasing the annual pass for $35 per car. The booth wasn’t manned the day we were there and thankfully I had $5 cash to put in the envelope and drop it in the box. Be prepared with exact change just in case.

Plan Ahead and Bring a Picnic

You can also rent the picnic shelter for $55 for the entire day, perfect for a family gathering!

I highly recommend this fun park and being that it’s only an hour from Greenville, it makes for an easy and fun day trip. We brought lunch, blow-up tubes, water, towels, and our inflatable kayaks and spent all day there!

Have you been to Mile Creek Park in Pickens, SC?

Mile Creek County Park
757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SC