Best Things To Do In Barnwell, South Carolina

1. Play a round of golf at Sweetwater Country Club

Sweetwater Country Club, one of Barnwell’s premier country clubs, offers beautiful golfing greens. It’s known as one of the oldest and most challenging courses, so it’s a favorite of experienced golfers (though it still offers courses appropriate for beginners.) According to the Sweetwater Country Club, “the course’s front nine is similar to other low-country courses with an abundance of wetlands, while the back nine has sufficient rolling elevation to remind one of the up-country portions of our beautiful state.”

After a round of golf, stop by the Clubhouse to grab a bite to eat. Offering classic appetizers such as wings, nachos, and quesadillas, the restaurant also offers sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, and hand-tossed pizzas.

Sweetwater Country Club

Address: 571 Johnny George Ln, Barnwell, SC 29812

Price: from 40 USD

Opening Hours: 8am - 7pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Accessible by car. Located within Barnwell.

Contact: +1 803 2595004

Nearby Food: Lakeside Grille.

Website: Sweetwater Country Club

2. Rent a cabin at Barnwell State Park

South Carolina’s beautiful landscape attract nature-loving tourists, and one of the best places to explore the outdoors in Barnwell is Barnwell State Park. Hiking, camping, and picnicking are all popular activities in the park. Campers have reported sightings of deer, wild turkey, and even alligators!

Fishing is also a popular activity at Barnwell State Park - you can expect to see largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. You can also rent a fishing boat for 15 USD a day or 5 USD an hour and cruise the lake while fishing.

You can pitch a tent at Barnwell State Park for only 14 USD a night, but many guests prefer the park’s cabins - fully furnished, heated, and air-conditioned, you can camp in style in these cabins. With a nightly rate starting at only 60 USD, it’s also an incredible deal. You’ll be provided with a full kitchen where you can cook your own meals - or have dinner at one of the local eateries such as Anthony’s Restaurant & Lounge or the Country Cupboard of Barnwell.

Barnwell State Park

Address: 223 State Park Rd, Blackville, South Carolina 29817

Price: from 60 USD for a night stay

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Accessible by a thirteen-minute drive from Barnwell to Blackville.

Contact: +1 803 2842212

Nearby Food: Country Cupboard of Barnwell

Website: Barnwell State Park

3. Visit the Barnwell County Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

While you’re visiting Barnwell, learn about the area by visiting the Barnwell County Museum. It’s only open from 3-5:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but it’s well worth a visit.

Documenting the history of the area, you’ll learn about Barnwell’s namesake, John Barnwell, a militia leader in South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. The Barnwell County Museum is full of pictures, artifacts and stories of the town from the Revolutionary War. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a way to spend the afternoon, be sure to stop by.

Barnwell County Museum

Address: 617 Hagood Ave, Barnwell, SC 29812

Price: from 5 USD

Opening Hours: 3pm - 5:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Accessible by car. Located within Barnwell.

Contact: +1 803 2591916

Nearby Food: Whitney’s

Website: Barnwell Museum

4. Learn about the legend of the Healing Springs

Located in Blackville, just a thirteen-minute drive away from Barnwell is a spring known as “God’s Acre Healing Springs.” The area is known as God’s Acre because it was deeded to God in 1944 by its former owner, Lute Boylston. The spring is located behind Healing Spring Baptist Church.

Legend says that Healing Springs was responsible for healing two soldiers who were fatally wounded during a battle at Windy Hill Creek during the Revolutionary War. According to the legend, Native Americans took the wounded men to their sacred springs, and six months later the men were able to return to battle.

According to scientific analysis, the crystal-clear waters of the spring contain a variety of minerals that have an exceptional impact on health. Many locals still believe the legend that the spring has miraculous healing power. Some people even bring their own jugs to bring the spring water back home with them. Whether you believe the legend or not, stop by and see the spring for yourself.

God's Acre Healing Springs

Address: Springs Court, Blackville, SC, 29817

Opening Hours: Daylight hours.

Duration: around 1 hour required.

Access: Accessible by a thirteen minute drive to Blackville from Barnwell.

Nearby Food: Miller’s Bread Basket

Website: God’s Acre Healing Springs

5. Shop at the Salkahatchie Arts Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Salkehatchie Arts Center is a shopping center for art enthusiasts. All of the pieces are crafted by local artists living in the Salkehatchie region of South Carolina. The Salkehatchie region is a five-county region of southern South Carolina and includes the Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties.

Take a 20-minute drive down US-278 E from Barnwell to Allendale to get to the arts center. Visitors have described it as having “one of everything.” From paintings and traditional art pieces to handmade items such as pottery, jewelry, and even homemade jam, the art center is a treat to browse.

Salkehatchie Arts Center

Address: 939 Main St N, Allendale, South Carolina

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 10am - 4pm, and Saturday from 10am - 2pm.

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Access: Accessible by a 20-minute drive down US-278 E from Barnwell to Allendale.

Contact: +1 803 5846084

Near by Food: Allen’s Fresh Seafood

Facebook: Salkehatchie Arts Center

Art & nature characterize Barnwell

While you’re visiting, be sure to support local artists, learn about the history of Barnwell, and spend some time in nature in Barnwell State Park. Barnwell attracts visitors for its friendly, southern spirit -just don’t forget to watch out for alligators!