Kirby Brady Rodriguez
Park Manager
Hello. I am Kirby Brady Rodriguez, manager of Santee State Park. People often ask why I wanted to be a park ranger. I realized I wanted to be a park ranger as a senior in college. I did internships with Walt Disney World and The Masters. I always thought I wanted to be a cruise ship director or resort manager. It wasn’t until my final internship at Dreher Island State Park, that I realized being a park ranger was my passion.
My favorite spot at Santee State Park is the fishing pier at sunrise. It is truly breath-taking and something you simply cannot describe in words. It is a place on the park that will remain in my memory for a life time, and I encourage guests to come experience this natural masterpiece as well.
As a first-time visitor to the park, I recommend hiking some, or all, of the 10+ miles of unique trails. My favorite is the Sink Hole Trail. It’s not too strenuous and at the beginning of the trail is a sink hole, a natural phenomenon. It makes Santee State Park unique, not something you will get to see just anywhere.
**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located just outside the Visitor Center to the left of the door.
Located in South Carolina’s well-known Santee Cooper Country, Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion. South Carolina locals know the lake for its abundant population of large catfish. Santee State Park camping is offered on the lake, but for guests who prefer to spend the night indoors, rondette cabins, 10 of which sit on piers over the lake, are available and have been attracting families for years.
Other amenities and activities found in the park include the Village Round, a community meeting building with a large, screened-in grilling facility, biking and hiking trails and pontoon boat tours of the flooded cypress forest on Lake Marion. South Carolina natives and out-of-towners alike can find something fun to do in Santee State Park-camping, fishing, boating and a whole lot more. Start planning your trip now!
Find more great opportunities to catch South Carolina catfish at Colleton State Park and find more state park cabin rental locations.
Dashing Through