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Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site

Summerville, SC

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site photo 1 Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site photo 2 Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site photo 3
Fee: Admission: $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and younger free.

About this park

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site protects the remains of a trading town founded on the Ashley River in 1697 that flourished until the Revolutionary War and was then abandoned. Little of the town survives above ground, which makes the preserved ruins stand out. The brick bell tower of St. George's Anglican Church rises over the site, a fort built of tabby (a concrete made from oyster shell) stands nearby, and the remains of a log wharf can be seen at low tide. Archaeologists continue to excavate the settlement, and their work, combined with Charleston's colonial records, helps fill in how people lived in early South Carolina.

Contact & location

๐Ÿ“ž (843) 873-1740

Nearby state parks

๐ŸŒฒGivhans Ferry State Park ยท Ridgeville ยท 13.3 mi
๐ŸŒฒCharles Towne Landing State Historic Site ยท Charleston ยท 14.5 mi
๐ŸŒฒMay Forest State Park ยท Charleston ยท 20.5 mi

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site FAQ

Where is Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site located?
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site is in Summerville, South Carolina, at 300 State Park Road. GPS coordinates: 32.94813, -80.16985. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site?
Admission: $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children ages 6-15; ages 5 and younger free. Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site?
You can call (843) 873-1740. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:Distances are straight-line miles.
How current is this information about Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site?
This listing was last updated on October 8, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.