S.C. parks a timely bargain

South Carolinians looking for a silver lining among the grey economic clouds might find it at one of our 47 state parks.

With budgets bumping people from first class to baggage and changing travel plans from Greece to Green Pond, the parks offer refreshing alternatives. Many have enjoyed vacations at state parks over the years, but it could be belt-tightening that pushes others to book a cabin at Table Rock or a villa at Devils Fork. And the sweeping ocean views at Hunting Island could even make belt-tightening feel right comfortable.

Indeed, while sales are drooping in almost every sector, reservations at the state's parks have held steady. Were it not for people avoiding some of the parks located on drought-stricken lakes, reservations would likely have increased this year over last.

That means families might have to be flexible about what popular parks they visit and when they visit them.

And travelers should know that the parks and accommodations aren't free. The state contributes 25 percent of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism's budget. The other 75 percent comes from revenues generated at the parks.

But $119 for a three-bedroom cabin with air conditioning, linens and a screened porch? Not a bad deal. There also are accommodations accessible to people with physical impairments.

More than 80,000 acres of natural and cultural resources. Deep mountain wilderness. Old-growth forests. Plantation homes. Battlefields. Waterfronts. Wetlands.

Almost anything you want to know about the parks — availability, accommodations, rates, photographs and maps — is at www.SouthCarolinaparks.com. Those who prefer can call 1-866-345-PARK (7275), toll free, day or night.

You provide the golf clubs, bathing suits or hiking boots, and South Carolina's parks provide consolation for having to skip the Ritz.