Old Towne Creek County Park in West Ashley, SC: Playground, Marsh Boardwalk & Dock

A park that truly checks all the boxes. We could’ve stayed here all day, and we basically did.

Old Towne Creek County Park opened this past summer. We met friends at the park and had a picnic. Then we played a while at the beautiful playground and walked the nature trails.

A Playground With Something for Every Age

The park has play options for all ages. My son loved the climbing area and the open field for throwing the ball. My daughter loved the water feature and the merry-go-round.

Charleston County Parks describes the playground as nature-inspired, with rubberized safety surfacing and accessible play elements. You will spot a tortoise sculpture to climb on, a stone arch to explore, and a log-and-rope climbing structure.

There is plenty of room to run, too. The open lawn is just right for tossing a ball around while the little ones play.

Picnic Spots, Restrooms and the Welcome Center

The park has a clean bathroom and a welcome center, along with a covered pavilion for picnics.

The Paddock Pavilion sits near the playground and has restrooms with outdoor seating. The Fox Field Shelter, built by Clemson School of Architecture’s CommunityBUILD program, is another covered spot.

The Nature Walk Is Everyone’s Favorite

Everyone loved the nature walk after the kids were tired of playing. We walked the trail, which is waterfront, and spotted lots of wildlife. The kids loved seeing the crabs, fish jumping in the water, and birds. We looked at lots of colorful leaves and spent time on the dock.

The park’s one-mile loop trail has a packed stone surface and views of Old Towne Creek. Boardwalk trails lead out over the marsh, and the dock offers water views (there is no water access or fishing). Interpretive signs along the way share the natural and cultural history of the site, so the walk doubles as a little lesson for curious kids.

This loop trail is stroller-friendly! (Want more stroller-friendly spots? We got them! )

A Little Local History

Old Towne Creek County Park is conserved as a living memorial to Emily Simmons Ravenel by her late daughter, Emily Ravenel Farrow. Both women were passionate gardeners and planted many of the ornamental plants you will see today. After Mrs. Farrow’s death in 2011, Charleston County Parks purchased the land from Lowcountry Land Trust. Construction began in 2023, and the park officially opened on June 30, 2026. The site was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2026. You can read more in the Charleston County Parks opening announcement.

Planning Your Visit

Admission is $2 per person, with free entry for Gold Pass members and children ages 2 and under. Park hours change with the seasons: January through April and September through December, the park is open 8 am to sunset; May through August, it is open 8 am to 8 pm. Accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic tables are available, and Charleston County Parks also offers educational and nature programs here. Check the Charleston County Parks calendar for what is coming up, or grab the park map (PDF) before you head out.

Rebecca’s Verdict

This park has quickly become one of our favorite places in West Ashley. The one thing to keep in mind is that the creek is for looking, not touching: swimming, wading, fishing, and crabbing are not allowed, and there is a small admission fee. For a park day with a playground, picnic spots, and a waterfront walk all in one place, it checks every box for us.

Old Towne Creek County Park FAQs

Where is Old Towne Creek County Park?

Old Towne Creek County Park is at 1400 Old Towne Road, Charleston, SC 29407, in West Ashley. It is owned and operated by Charleston County Parks.

How much does it cost to visit Old Towne Creek County Park?

Admission is $2 per person. Entry is free for Gold Pass members and children ages 2 and under.

What are the hours at Old Towne Creek County Park?

From September through December, the park is open 8 am to sunset. The gate closes to incoming traffic 30 minutes before the park closes. Hours are 8 am to sunset from January through April, and 8 am to 8 pm from May through August.

Is there a playground at Old Towne Creek County Park?

Yes. The park has a nature-inspired playground with rubberized safety surfacing and accessible play elements. Our family found play options for all ages, plus an open lawn for ball games.

Can we swim, fish, or crab at Old Towne Creek County Park?

No. Swimming, wading, fishing, and crabbing are not allowed. You can watch for crabs, fish, and birds from the trail, boardwalks, and dock.

Are dogs allowed at Old Towne Creek County Park?

Yes, pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and under control at all times.

Love a good park day? Try Hampton Park and McMahon Playground in Charleston, SC: Two Free Parks Better Together next.

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