The Life and Times of lake Darpo

Starting in the 1930s, the evolution of Lake Darpo, through both the ups and downs, has been a beautiful story in the making. The 25-acre lake in the Society Hill area is known as a gathering place for those who love the outdoors, whether it’s camping, hiking, fishing, swimming or paddling. We’ll take you through Lake Darpo’s life story:

1930s

Lake Darpo was created on land first owned by Fuller Jackson, who then sold his land that totaled nearly 68 acres in 1941.

1940s

Incidentally, Fuller Jackson, grandfather of current Darlington County Parks and Recreation director Ken McRae, sold the land, along with 67 ½ acres he owned along Buckholtz Creek, for $3,400. The property is said to have been sold a few more times in the years to follow.

1950s

In the early 1950s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the dam, the actual lake, and the surrounding park on the land. Because it was maintained by the Darlington Police Association, the lake officially took on the name of Lake Darpo. The ’50s were the lake’s heyday, featuring a swimming area, concession stand and Friday night youth dances in one of the covered pavilions.

1960s and 1970s

Park shelters and a clubhouse were built.

1970s

By the end of this decade, the management torch of the lake and park was passed to Darlington County.

1980s/early 1990s

Unfortunately, it was during this era that Lake Darpo and the park fell into disrepair because of lack of public interest.

1996

McRae began working as director of the county’s rec department with big plans to renovate and restore the lake and surrounding grounds, starting with the replacement of the old plumbing and electrical, plus support beams, on the picnic shelters.

2000s

More improvements continued to Lake Darpo over the years, such as a dredging project to remove invasive aquatic plants and stocking the lake with carp to maintain the vegetation. Additional beautification projects included landscaping improvements, and the addition of a floating dock and handicap-accessible fishing pier.

Today

Today’s Lake Darpo is completely revived, complete with an RV campsite area with five sites (all sites have water and electricity; two have sewer hookups), picnic shelters, fishing spots and revitalized, screened-in clubhouse (with restrooms and kitchen) that’s popular to rent out for weddings, reunions and other events. The building is also used as a classroom for concealed weapons classes, which takes advantage of a shooting range that is also part of the park. The park area also features a playground, a bathhouse equipped with restrooms and showers, an Adirondack-style camping shelter, and outdoor basketball court and tennis court. A boat ramp was also installed for those who wish to fish off-shore (trolling boat motors only). Pedal boats are now available to the public!

Future plans

McRae and Darlington County still have more goals, both short-term and long-term, to improve Lake Darpo:

Paving the entrance road, basketball and tennis courts, and parking area
Expanding the swimming area
Building new trails for hikers, runners and parents walking with strollers
Creation of a wilderness camping area with rental cabins, paving and possibly more RV sites
Construction of a new bathhouse and park community center

More information on Lake Darpo & Park:

Park hours: Open 10 minutes before sunrise and 10 minutes after sundown March through November. November through March, the park is open from 10 minutes before sunrise until 7 p.m.

Pedal boats: Open 1 p.m. until 30 minutes before sundown Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Wednesday open from 1-5 p.m. and closed Sunday. Rates vary based on the age and number of people per boat.

Facility rental: Contact the Darlington County Parks and Recreation Department at 843-398-4700. Web site: http://www.darcosc.com/departments/recreation/lake_darpo.php

Address: Darlington County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Department, 300 Sanders Street
Darlington