Marty Utsey Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Marty Utsey Park is a beautiful park located in the town of Ridgeville, South Carolina.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for visitors looking for outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, picnicking, hiking, and camping.

Some of the main points of interest in the park include its two large lakes, which are perfect for fishing and boating, as well as its scenic hiking trails. The park also features picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites for those looking to spend a night or two in the great outdoors.

One interesting fact about the park is that it is named after Marty Utsey, a former mayor of Ridgeville who was instrumental in the development of the park. The park covers over 300 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and many species of birds.

The best time to visit Marty Utsey Park is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the trees are changing colors. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Overall, Marty Utsey Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of South Carolina and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References