Little Pee Dee

Michelle Cunningham

Park Manager

My name is Michelle Cunningham, and I am the park manager at Little Pee Dee State Park. Growing up I had access to many parks, open country and the Shawnee National Forest. I spent a lot of time in nature but never dreamed being able to work in a park was a possibility. In 2017 I sold everything I owned, bought a camper and gave myself a year to travel the US. I became a park host and realized I could work in a park. It’s been a wonderful decision and experience.

One of my favorite things about Little Pee Dee is the variety of wildlife! Seeing our resident great blue herons or osprey dive for a fish, hearing the great horned owl, seeing the fox squirrels, catching a glimpse of the otters, beavers, wild turkeys, red foxes or listening to the chuck-will’s-widow at night all bring me tremendous joy.

A first-time visitor to the park should visit 54-acre Lake Norton and the spillway! Whether you kayak, canoe, fish or simply walk along the dam, it is one the most beautiful places in the park. Nature abounds and you won’t be disappointed.

**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located at the kiosk by the park office. 

Located in the South Carolina Sandhills region and named after the blackwater Little Pee Dee River, Little Pee Dee State Park is a subdued setting for those who want to enjoy the park’s natural features or fish the still waters of 54-acre Lake Norton for bream, bass and catfish. With its easy access to Interstate 95, and picnicking and camping amenities, Little Pee Dee is popular with coastal travelers and locals alike.

Visitors can explore the Little Pee Dee River swamp, examine features of the South Carolina Sandhills region and admire the Carolina Bay, a mysterious geological depression unique to the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

You can find more Carolina Bays in the coastal plain region at Woods Bay State Park.