Hampton County

The Hampton County Area is steeped in history, festivals, and the great outdoors. 

Evidence of the area’s first residents, the native Americans, can still be seen through such fascinating river names as the Salkehatchie, the Combahee and the Coosawhatchie. Hunting for Indian artifacts is a popular pastime. Stop by the Hampton Museum and Visitor’s Center to see a great collection of native American artifacts. 

Welcoming towns throughout the county offer unique and sometimes unusual attractions. In Brunson, stop by the world’s only stilted, octagonal town hall. In Hampton, visit the Hampton County Courthouse and local museums. Marvel at the 1946 Art Deco-influenced Palmetto Theater. A walk around Varnville will remind you of “Forrest Gump”; scenes from the movie were filmed here.

We love to party with friends old and new! Celebrate the sweet goodness at the Hampton County Watermelon Festival, the state’s oldest continuing festival, dating back to 1939. In Yemassee, the annual Shrimp Festival honors our favorite crustacean.

Connect with nature at Lake Warren State Park for fishing and boating on the 200-acre Lake Warren or enjoy a walk on a nature trail or a relaxing picnic. Pets are welcome in most of the outdoor areas as long as owners keep them on a leash, pick up after them and do not allow them to disturb the wildlife.

Head over to Webb Wildlife Management Area to enjoy the local flora and fauna. Or if you are an avid hunter and fisherman you can enjoy the state’s longest hunting season and fish the many rivers, ponds, and lakes.