Are There Hot SpringsAre there hot springs in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina has no hot springs of its own. Healing Springs in Blackville, also called God's Acre, is a cold spring deeded to "Almighty God" and free for anyone to fill jugs. Much of the state lies on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, which the USGS describes as having no appreciably warm springs.
The nearest hot springs are in Hot Springs, North Carolina, about 80 miles from Greenville and 170 miles from Columbia in a straight line, where private tubs of natural mineral water sit beside the French Broad River.
How close are hot springs to Greenville, Columbia and Charleston?
The Upstate is one of the closest parts of the Southeast to a hot spring town.
| From | Nearest hot springs (straight line) | Next nearest |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | Hot Springs, North Carolina170 miles | Bath County, Virginia, 280 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 690 miles |
| Charleston | Hot Springs, North Carolina270 miles | Bath County, Virginia, 360 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 760 miles |
| Greenville | Hot Springs, North Carolina80 miles | Bath County, Virginia, 260 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 610 miles |
From Greenville, Hot Springs, North Carolina, makes an easy day trip into the mountains. From Charleston it is about 270 miles, still the nearest by far.
Healing Springs, the spring deeded to God
Healing Springs rises near Blackville in Barnwell County. Local tradition says that during the Revolutionary War, British soldiers left to die recovered after Native Americans led them to drink from the springs, and the water has been credited with healing powers ever since.
A later owner, Lute Boylston, deeded the springs to "Almighty God" and dedicated them to everyone's use, which is why the site is also known as God's Acre. Signs at the spring say the water has been tested as pure and contains healthful minerals; it is cold and tastes like ordinary water.
People still arrive with car trunks full of empty bottles to fill, and some use it for cooking or bathing. There is no charge and no soaking at the spring itself.
South Carolina springs and spas on a map
Where each of the 3 places in South Carolina is. Pin shapes show the type; open the larger map for more detail.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Springs and spas in South Carolina
The free spring at Blackville, and two coastal resort spas with whirlpools.
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Free spring
Healing Springs
BlackvilleA cold spring deeded to "Almighty God" for everyone's use; people fill jugs here.
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Resort spa
The Spa at The Sanctuary
Kiawah IslandAn aqua retreat with a mineral whirlpool, steam room and sauna at a beachfront resort.
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Resort spa
Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes
Myrtle BeachA Grande Dunes resort whose European spa has its own indoor pool.
When to go, costs and getting there
Seasons
Healing Springs is an open-air roadside spring, so go in daylight. The resort spas are indoors.
Entry fees
Healing Springs is free. Resort spa facilities come with treatments or a stay.
Access and travel
Blackville is in Barnwell County, about an hour south of Columbia. Kiawah Island is south of Charleston; Grande Dunes is at the north end of Myrtle Beach.
Common questions
Is Healing Springs in Blackville warm?
No. The water is cold. People come to fill jugs because they believe in its healing qualities, and signs say it has been tested as pure.
Why is Healing Springs called God's Acre?
A former owner, Lute Boylston, deeded the springs to "Almighty God" for everyone's use.
Are there hot springs near Greenville, SC?
Yes, just over the state line: Hot Springs, North Carolina, is about 80 miles away in a straight line.
Is there a mineral whirlpool in South Carolina?
Yes. The Spa at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island has an aqua retreat with a mineral whirlpool, steam room and sauna.
Does it cost anything to fill bottles at Healing Springs?
No. The springs were deeded for everyone's use, and filling containers is free.
Safety and etiquette
A few courtesies.
- Bring clean containersAnd let others fill theirs; the spring is shared by everyone who comes.
- Keep it tidyGod's Acre is cared for by visitors; take your empties and caps home.
- Keep hot tubs at 104°F or belowThe CPSC's limit; in Lowcountry summer heat, go cooler.
Sources
We last checked this page on , using the sources below.
- Discover South Carolina: Healing Springs in Blackville (God's Acre, cold water)
- Discover South Carolina: Fall golf and relaxation (Sanctuary whirlpool, Grande Dunes spa pool)
- USGS: Thermal springs in the United States (no appreciably warm springs on the Atlantic Coastal Plain)
- NOAA: Thermal Springs List for the United States
- CPSC: Hot tub temperatures
Other states with hot springs
Continue to another state.