Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site wilderness guide
State Historic Site · SC

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site offers a glimpse into the origins of colonial South Carolina with its rich history and lush natural surroundings.

State Historic Site6632+ Trails

Designation

State Historic Site

Total Wilderness Area

663

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site offers a glimpse into the origins of colonial South Carolina with its rich history and lush natural surroundings.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is located on a marshy peninsula in Charleston, South Carolina, where English settlers established one of the first permanent European settlements in the Carolinas in 1670. The site spans over 660 acres, preserving the history of early colonial America while offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the site's unique combination of formal gardens, reconstructed 17th-century structures, and scenic trails. The natural environment features a mix of maritime forests and marshlands, home to diverse wildlife such as deer and wild turkey. Educational exhibits, a replica settlement, and an Animal Forest zoo provide insight into colonial life and regional ecology, making it a destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Field Guide · State Historic Site
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Adventure, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century trading vessel✦ The Animal Forest, featuring animals native to the area during the 1600s✦ Earthen Palisade, a reconstructed defensive wall representing early colonial fortifications✦ Visitors Center, with exhibits showcasing artifacts and interactive history displays
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees are required; annual passes are available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

North Charleston, South Carolina
⌖ 2.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

North Charleston, South Carolina

North Charleston offers coastal adventure with kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking amid tidal marshes and forest trails. Palmetto Islands is a must-visit for outdoor lovers wanting a blend of water and woods close to the city.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Charleston, South Carolina
⌖ 3.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, SC, offers outdoor enthusiasts a unique mix of coastal activities and historic escapades. Paddle through calm waterways, bike scenic paths, and explore beaches for a relaxing escape.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
⌖ 7.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Mount Pleasant, a charming coastal town near Charleston, offers an array of outdoor activities from kayaking and biking to wildlife viewing and fishing. Enjoy the Southern hospitality and natural beauty.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Hanahan, South Carolina
⌖ 7.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hanahan, South Carolina

Hanahan, South Carolina, offers a peaceful outdoor escape close to Charleston with kayaking, birding, fishing, biking, and trail running through scenic marshlands and green spaces.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Johns Island, South Carolina
⌖ 7.51 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johns Island, South Carolina

Johns Island offers outdoor enthusiasts gentle hiking, biking, and paddling amid coastal forests, marshes, and historic sites. Visit the iconic Angel Oak, explore the Charleston Tea Garden, and enjoy peaceful wildlife viewing on South Carolina’s largest island.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Sullivan's Island, South Carolina
⌖ 9.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sullivan's Island, South Carolina

Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, is a quiet coastal town perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, and biking. With historic sites, gentle shorelines, and rich birdlife, it’s an ideal spot for outdoor lovers seeking relaxed seaside adventure.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

A Day at Middleton Place: Walking America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens
ADVEXPEDITION
Charleston, South Carolina
Bus TourADV Bookable

A Day at Middleton Place: Walking America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens

An immersive 4-hour, 45-minute excursion through Middleton Place’s gardens, house museum, stableyards and freedman’s dwelling with a Low Country meal—this guide distills what to expect and how to make the most of the visit.

Bus TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Charleston at Dusk: A Private Sunset Cruise Meant for Groups
ADVEXPEDITION
Charleston, South Carolina
PrivateADV Bookable

Charleston at Dusk: A Private Sunset Cruise Meant for Groups

A two-hour private sunset tour in Charleston that delivers sweeping evening light and is structured for groups up to 32 people—this guide helps you plan timing, costs, and who the experience suits.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sunset on the Friki Tiki: BYOB Harbor Vibes in Charleston
ADVEXPEDITION
Charleston, South Carolina
Boat TourADV Bookable

Sunset on the Friki Tiki: BYOB Harbor Vibes in Charleston

A 2-hour, BYOB sunset cruise aboard the Friki Tiki that pairs golden-hour Charleston Harbor panoramas with live tropical music — this guide explains what to expect, where to meet, and what to bring.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Lowcountry Day: Boat, Farm and Oysters in Green Pond
ADVEXPEDITION
Green Pond, South Carolina
Guided TourADV Bookable

A Lowcountry Day: Boat, Farm and Oysters in Green Pond

A guided group tour with Lowcountry Oyster Co. that takes up to 20 guests by boat into the ACE Basin to tour farm facilities, visit oyster plots and sample fresh oysters—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip