The state park consists of land donated in 1938, during the Great Depression, by Greenwood County. It was one of 16 state parks developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in South Carolina, a program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to create employment while investing in construction of infrastructure. Many of the structures built by the corps are still prominent features and amenities, including picnic shelters, a water fountain, a lakeside terrace, and a boathouse.
The John Drummond and Holly Self Drummond Environmental Education Conference Center includes the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. It features interactive exhibits detailing the history and projects of the Civilian Conservation Corps in South Carolina parks. The Conference Center is used for meetings and events.
An annual half distance Ironman competition is hosted by the park each September.