About Saluda Shoals Park

Park Map

Trails Map

Saluda Shoals Park

5605 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC  29212, 803-772-1228

Saluda Shoals Park East

6071 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC  29212, 803-772-1228

Park Hours

Saluda Shoals Park hours of operation

Monday-Sunday 

  • March-October - 7:00 a.m.-sunset  
  • November-February - 7:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 
  • Please Note: The Park will close at 5:00 p.m. from December 16-31 to allow patrons to safely exit the park and staff to prepare for Holiday Lights on the River. 
  • Saluda Shoals Park is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Saluda Shoals Park is a premier, natural, environmentally sensitive riverfront park that invites visitors to experience the treasures of the Saluda River through exceptional educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Located along the banks of the beautiful Saluda River, this 480 acre regional park offers the following amenities–

  • Environmental Education Center and Exhibit Hall
  • River Center Conference Facility
  • Administrative Offices for the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission
  • The Courts Tennis Complex
  • The Fields Tournament Complex
  • Barking Lot Dog Park (membership required)
  • Low Ropes Challenge Course
  • 18-hole Disc Golf Course
  • Saluda Shoals Wetland Preserve
  • Ten Miles of Paved/unpaved trails 
  • River Observation Deck
  • Two Boat Ramps/Canoe/Kayak Launch
  • Eight Picnic Shelters
  • Saluda Splash and Playground
  • Leo's Landing Inclusive Playground

Daily Admission

Car or minivan/$5; 12+ passenger van/$7; Bus/$11

Saluda Splash

Saluda Splash is the coolest place to be on a hot summer day! This interactive, zero-depth water playground is a place your children are sure to enjoy. Hours of operation are:

Apr. 23–Jun. 2 (during school)

  • Sat.: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Sun.: 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.

Jun. 3–Aug. 15 (school’s out)

  • Mon.-Fri.: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Tues./ Thurs.: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
  • Sat.:  10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Sun.:  12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.

Aug. 16–Sept. 5 (during school)

  • Sat.: 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Sun.: 12:00 noon–5:00 p.m.

Wristbands are $3 per person or you can purchase a 15-visit Splash Pass for $40.  The Splash Pass is valid at both Saluda Splash and Melvin Park Splash in Chapin.  A $5 daily parking fee applies at Saluda Shoals Park. 

Group reservations are available $40/two hours (up to 15 people). Call 803-772-1228 for reservations. 

Saluda Shoals Park Passes

Pass Purchase Process
All pass purchases will be done at the admin. building.  Passes can be renewed or purchased at the park of by calling 803-772-1228. 

Saluda Shoals Park Annual Parking Pass
This 12-month pass entitles the bearer access to Saluda Shoals Park during regular park hours.
Fee: $55 per year. Additional hang tag (limit one) is $25 per household. Your vehicle's make, model, and tag number are required for each hang tag.

Barking Lot Pass
Saluda Shoals Park is home to the Barking Lot Dog Park. Owners of well-mannered canines have access to a fenced, off-leash area for their pets. All dogs must be current on required shots and spayed/neutered. Other policies apply. The Barking Lot is open during normal park hours.
Fee: $40 per year. Each hang tag is good for up to two dogs in the household. Additional dogs require a second pass. Parking Fees also apply. Annual Parking Pass: $55 per year or Daily Parking Fee: $5

Fisherman’s Pass
This 12-month pass entitles the bearer 24-hour access to Saluda Shoals Park using a coded entry system.
Fee: $75 per year. Additional hang tag (limit one) is $35 per household. Your vehicle's make, model, and tag number are required for each hang tag.

Finding Saluda Shoals Park

From Columbia- take I-26 West going towards Spartanburg. Take Exit #104, Piney Grove Rd. and turn left.  Follow Piney Grove Road to St. Andrews Rd. and turn right onto St. Andrews Rd. Make an immediate left between Wendy’s and Aldi and proceed straight into the Park’s East entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd.

From Interstate 20- exit at Bush River Road. Turn west on Bush River and continue to the traffic light at St. Andrews Road. Turn left onto St. Andrews Road, then left between Wendy's and Aldi and proceed straight into the Park’s East entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd.

From Lexington- take North Lake Dr./SC-6 across the Dreher Shoals Dam toward Irmo. Turn right on Bush River Rd. Saluda Shoals Park is approximately 1.5 miles down Bush River Rd on the right. 

Check out our YouTube page HERE to see what other cool animals are roaming around our park!