Free State Park Entry at Permanent and Total — and Campsites at Half Price
A South Carolina resident veteran classified by the VA as PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED gets free general facility use at state parks. Campsites, overnight lodging and recreation buildings are excepted from the free use — but the same section puts CAMPSITES AT ONE HALF THE PRESCRIBED FEE, so camping is not excluded, it is discounted. Proof is an identification card issued by the county. The distinction between what is free and what is half price is the thing to know before booking.
Verified August 27, 2026
What this benefit is
A South Carolina resident veteran classified by the VA as PERMANENTLY AND TOTALLY DISABLED gets free general facility use at state parks. Campsites, overnight lodging and recreation buildings are excepted from the free use — but the same section puts CAMPSITES AT ONE HALF THE PRESCRIBED FEE, so camping is not excluded, it is discounted. Proof is an identification card issued by the county. The distinction between what is free and what is half price is the thing to know before booking.
What it's worth: Free general facility use; campsites at half the prescribed fee
- FREE GENERAL FACILITY USE at South Carolina state parks.
- CAMPSITES, OVERNIGHT LODGING AND RECREATION BUILDINGS are excepted from the free use.
- BUT CAMPSITES ARE AT ONE HALF THE PRESCRIBED FEE under the same section — camping is discounted, not excluded.
- Requires a VA classification of PERMANENT AND TOTAL disability.
- SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENCY is required.
- PROOF IS AN IDENTIFICATION CARD ISSUED BY THE COUNTY — get that before your first visit.
- Statutory basis: S.C. Code Title 51 Chapter 3.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- You are classified permanently and totally disabled.
- South Carolina state parks.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
- 1Get the identification card from your county first. That is what the parks check, not a VA letter.
- 2Use the free general facility entry as often as you like.
- 3For camping, expect half the prescribed fee rather than nothing — and half is still worth claiming.
- 4Overnight lodging and recreation buildings are outside the free use; ask what they cost.
- 5Ask the county what evidence it needs for the card, since that is the gate.
- Form
- County identification card, presented at the park
- File with
- Your county, then South Carolina State Parks
- Documents you will need
- va benefit summary letter
- No renewal
- Once granted it does not need renewing.
Sources
- authority · statuteS.C. Code Title 51 Chapter 3 — state parks, fees and free use
- operating · published policySouth Carolina State Parks
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.