South Carolina is home to some of our nation’s most chilling and intriguing abandoned places. Haunted schoolhouses, sunken cities, derelict asylums–if you’ve got a passion for forsaken locations, then South Carolina has something for you!

South Carolina

is well known for having an antique atmosphere and a rich tradition of vaguely sinister folklore. Thrilling stories, legends, and deserted buildings from past ages are all plentiful there. So, it’s not surprising that many of the coolest and creepiest abandoned places in the United States can be found in The Palmetto State.

In fact, South Carolina would make a perfect road trip destination for adventure seekers, urban explorers, and history buffs alike! Before you can get started, however, you’ll need to do some planning.

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, the

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, has got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the coolest abandoned places in South Carolina. Join us as we journey into the lost and the forgotten.

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Abandoned castles and mansions in South Carolina

The Boynton House

Location:

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area

Abandoned since: Sometime between 1929 and 1950

Is it legal to go in? Yes—but it can be dangerous

Deep within the swampland wilds of Colleton County lies the Boyton House–a rotting masterpiece of southern gothic decay. Once the heart of a sprawling plantation, the Boyton House was abandoned sometime around the Great Depression.

Now, the wilds have closed in on the Boyton House. The plantation, in all its grandeur, has been swallowed by crowding trees and the forgetfulness of time. The ornately-carved roof and rafters are now covered in Spanish moss and home to hundreds of bats.

Visitors will have to brave dense trees, treacherous swamps, and wild alligators to reach the house—those bold enough to do so, however, will be greeted by a sight that can only be described as visual poetry. The South Carolina sun streams down through the overgrowth to an ivy-clad farmhouse creating ferocious shades of green and gold–like something out of an oil painting.

While the path leading to it is dangerous, anyone is welcome to visit the Boyton House—it’s situated on land that today is part of the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area which is owned and managed by the

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

(SCDNR). Before visiting, contact the SCDNR for any current rules and restrictions about visiting.

MORE: 11 Best Creepy Audiobooks for Fall Road Trips

Atalaya Castle

Location: Huntington Beach State Park in

Murrells Inlet

Abandoned since: 1947

Is it legal to go in? Yes

Atalaya Castle is a beautiful manor castle constructed in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. They used the castle as their winter home for almost 30 years before giving it to the state, along with the surrounding grounds, to be used as public lands—today they make up the

Huntington Beach State Park

Visitors are welcome to walk the beautifully decaying hallways and learn about the fascinating

history of Atalaya Castle

. The deserted castle grounds are even a popular place to hold

wedding ceremonies

Abandoned towns in South Carolina

Pinckneyville

Location: Union County

Abandoned since: Sometime around 1850

Is it legal to go in? No

Pinckneyville was a town created in 1791 along the then-busy stagecoach route between

Philadelphia

and

Charleston

. The town was created to house and support a brand new courthouse, jail, and hanging ground. Given this important purpose and its high-traffic location, Pinckneyville was expected to be a bustling success.

However, just a few years later in 1881, the courthouse was moved to York County and Pinckneyville quickly began to wither and die.

Of the very few residents who stayed, the two most prominent ones were Tom Taylor and Mr. McMahan (whose first name seems to have been lost to time). These two men bought up virtually all of the buildings in the town and engaged in a bitter rivalry until their deaths in 1832 and 1848.

Some believe that even now, nearly two centuries after their deaths, the ghosts of the two men haunt the land and carry on their endless squabble. Several ghost hunting teams have even investigated the sight.

Today, Pinckneyville has been reduced to a few crumbling brick ruins engulfed by the forest. Sadly, the site cannot be visited. It rests on private property and the owner has recently put up several “no trespassing” signs. You can always ask for permission–but you probably won’t get it.

MORE:

The best creepy podcasts for fall road trips

Ferguson

Location: Lake Marion Basin

Abandoned since: 1915

Is it legal to go in? Yes–but bring your swimsuit

Ferguson was a lumber town built by the Santee River Cypress Lumber Company in 1881. For a time, the town was exceedingly profitable, until underhanded business practices and mistreatment of laborers led to a mass exodus.

Those workers who remained were eventually laid off in 1915 when the Santee River Lumber Company shut down operations. Ferguson was abandoned and the site became a ghost town.

The final blow for Ferguson came with the building of the Santee Dam. This led to the formation of Lake Marion which submerged the town.

To this day, Ferguson remains in its watery grave—a sunken and haunting image of a bygone age. Much of the town is under only a few feet of water, though. An especially intrepid adventurer with a snorkel and a pair of flippers could still pay a visit to Ferguson.

MORE:

How to escape from a car underwater

Abandoned mental hospitals in South Carolina

South Carolina State Mental Asylum

Location: 2100 Bull St,

Columbia

Abandoned since: 1989

Is it legal to go in? Not without permission

For those urban explorers with a passion for the truly macabre, the South Carolina State Mental Asylum will be a particular treat.

Originally called the South Carolina Lunatic Asylum, the facility housed and treated mentally ill patients from the time of its construction in 1821 until it was abandoned in 1989.

The asylum’s central structure, called the Babcock Building, is a particularly stunning example of the Italian Renaissance Revival style. If anything, the weathering and decay have only made the building more beautiful.

Underneath that beauty, however, something sinister is lurking. While operational, the Asylum had a dark reputation for brutal and inhumane treatment of patients.

Today, the asylum is owned by Clachan Properties. If you want to visit, you’ll have to get their permission—which they have been known to grant on occasion.

Clachan Properties has been planning to renovate the asylum into fashionable housing units—but a mysterious fire in 2020 may have put an end to those plans. Only time will tell.

Other interesting abandoned places in South Carolina

Lando Schoolhouse

Location: Lando

Abandoned since: 1955

Is it legal to go in? Yes

An absolutely gorgeous vision of ramshackle glory, the

Lando Schoolhouse

was constructed in the town of Lando in 1905. For fifty years it was used to teach the children of the once-thriving textile town. But Lando’s gradual decline eventually led to the closing of the school in 1955.

Today, the schoolhouse is all that remains of Lando’s previous prosperity. In 2009, the striking red brick structure was entered into the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural and historical significance.

If you visit the Lando Schoolhouse and fall in love with its ivy-covered walls and graffiti-chic interior, you could decide to make it your permanent home! The schoolhouse and surrounding lands are currently

for sale

by the Chester County government (who, it seems, currently controls the land).

Presumably, the schoolhouse is open to the public. It receives frequent visitors and Chester County has not made any statement to discourage this. Still, it’s always best to ask first!

MORE:

Scariest roads in America

Tips for exploring South Carolina’s abandoned places

Before you set out on your tour of the abandoned places in South Carolina, you’ll need to prepare. Scroll through these useful tips to help get yourself ready:

Before entering, check the ownership and ask permission if necessary. Sites on public lands are usually fine to explore–but for anything on private property, you’ll need permission.

Dress for an adventure. Urban exploring means traversing some tricky terrain–and probably some inclement weather. Wear sturdy close-toed shoes and long pants and bring layers.

Look, don’t touch. Most of the abandoned places in South Carolina are historically significant and in fragile condition. As tempting as it may be, never take souvenirs. Leave the sites just as you found them for the next explorers.

Bring a friend and let someone know where you’ll be. Urban exploration is always unpredictable. Even sites that seem safe could turn dangerous quickly. Make sure people will know where to look for you in case you get lost or trapped.

Gear up! A good adventure requires good adventure gear. Some great basics to always bring include rope, an emergency blanket, a first-aid kit, flashlights, a compass, face masks, a pocket knife, gloves, and a change of socks.

Exploring abandoned places in South Carolina is a great active adventure, but remember your priorities: personal safety, obeying trespassing laws, respecting the site, having fun, and making great memories–in that order.

How to find affordable car insurance in South Carolina

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FAQs

Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?

It depends. Many abandoned places in South Carolina are open to the public, especially if they're on public lands/parks. If an abandoned building is on private property, however, you’ll need permission to visit.

Why are there abandoned houses in South Carolina?

There are countless reasons why a house might become deserted. Every derelict has its own story. Many of the abandoned places in South Carolina are the result of economic struggles. Post-Civil War decline and decades of financial trouble have left many antique buildings without owners–and given them an air of mystery and intrigue!

Where is the abandoned neighborhood in South Carolina?

You can find many abandoned neighborhoods in South Carolina–even entire towns that were deserted! Pinckneyville, Ferguson, Purrysburg, and Andersonville are just a few examples.

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