Best Glamping near Awendaw, SC

Buck Hall Recreation Area and James Island County Park offer upscale glamping experiences along South Carolina's scenic coastline, with James Island County Park providing climate-controlled glamping cabins and Buck Hall featuring waterfront safari-style canvas accommodations along the Intracoastal Waterway. Both locations provide electricity, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor spaces where guests can enjoy coastal breezes. The well-maintained grounds at Buck Hall offer exceptional views of passing boats and wildlife, while James Island provides more developed amenities including hot showers and full hookups. A visitor noted, "We watched pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds."

The Intracoastal Waterway access at Buck Hall Recreation Area creates unique wildlife viewing opportunities directly from glamping sites, with dolphins frequently spotted playing at sunset. Hiking trails connect to the Palmetto Trail system, offering shaded walks under maritime forest canopy. The nearby historic town of McClellanville provides dining options, with one reviewer recommending, "Don't miss the famous Sewee Restaurant for some downeast coastal Carolina fare, as well as the Center for Birds of Prey just across the highway." The eco-friendly glamping options maintain minimal environmental impact while allowing guests to experience coastal South Carolina's natural beauty. Fall through spring offers the most comfortable weather for glamping experiences, with reservations strongly recommended during peak seasons, especially September's shrimp baiting season when accommodations fill completely.

Best Glamping Sites Near Awendaw, South Carolina (10)

    1. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA

    26 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 849-5177

    $68 - $300 / night

    "The staff is friendly and helpful. The grounds are very well maintained. There are activities offered including a wagon ride through a plantation. There is a pool."

    "Close to mount p shopping. There’s an on site dog park that dogs can swing in the lake as well. There’s also frisbee golf on site."

    2. Buck Hall Recreation Area

    16 Reviews
    McClellanville, SC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-2200

    $20 - $45 / night

    "The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds."

    "Nice open spots right next to a river! Water and Electric Hookups on site and a dump station off site. Pretty hard getting spots here but we many to get one!"

    3. Campground at James Island County Park

    60 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 795-4386

    $38 - $219 / night

    "The bath house was recently remodeled and now has air conditioning. I found it to be one of the nicest bath facilities we have ever used."

    "There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site."

    4. Foster Creek RV Park and Villas

    6 Reviews
    Hanahan, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 794-2120

    "IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"

    5. Honey Hill Campground

    1 Review
    McClellanville, SC
    14 miles

    "You drive in and there's multiple campsites for your tent, Car or RV. There's a large clean toilet cabin (not a basic privy).

    It's next to a tall tower.

    Fire area with picnic table."

    6. Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Murrells Inlet, SC
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 237-4440

    $95 / night

    "Huntington Beach State Park South Carolina. Stayed a week. Great campground. Trails, easy access to the most amazing beach. The nicest washroom facilities and laundry."

    "Sites on the outside of the loop have more privacy (sites 1-33 have trees behind them for even more privacy).  The restrooms and showers are clean. "

    7. Edisto Beach State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 869-2756

    "It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."

    "Some sites are full sun, and as it was around 100 degrees every day, that could be a problem for some. It’s right on the edge of the town so it’s easy to walk or bicycle around."

    8. Givhans Ferry State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Ridgeville, SC
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 873-0692

    "The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. "

    "It's definitely a small park, and its big draw is its location on the Edisto River, with lovely river-tubing to boot.  We stayed in the tent sites, which have water and electricity at each site."

    9. Rocks Pond Campground & Marina

    3 Reviews
    Eutawville, SC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 492-7711

    10. Nowhere Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Olanta, SC
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 364-1666

    $20 - $45 / night

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Recent Glamping Photos near Awendaw, SC

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Glamping Reviews near Awendaw, SC

269 Reviews of 10 Awendaw Campgrounds


  • Lori D.
    May. 16, 2018

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Awesome Place to RV Camp

    We found this campground well maintained and quiet. The bath house was recently remodeled and now has air conditioning. I found it to be one of the nicest bath facilities we have ever used. The campsites have full RV hook-ups and come with a picnic table and fire ring. The park does allow pets and has a dog park with a beach; it seems like the pups were having a marvelous time playing chase on the beach.This is a County Park with trails for walking or leisure biking. A new water park is under construction and should open this summer. The camp store is well stocked and the staff was very friendly and helpful. One downside was the WIFI (one of the perks at this place) did not work the entire 5 days we were there. I need to work remotely so this was a BIG problem. I had to go to the Starbucks to work...bummer! Positives were the easy drive and parking at nearby Folly Beach during the week, and the close proximity to Historic Charleston.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2018

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Intercoastal Camping: Watch Wildlife from the Campground

    Reservations during the main season are key if you have any hope of getting a campsite in this awesome Francis Marion National Forest campground which sits just along the gorgeous intercoastal waterway, about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston, SC! We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out. The campground host was super helpful, though, finding us an empty spot (due to a cancellation) for a couple nights, then moved us to a non-reservable site for the remainder of our time.

    The majority of the sites are designed for very large RVs, with a few very nice waterfront sites designated for tents. Each site is spacious, complete with a picnic table, firepit, 2 lantern poles, and electrical hookups, with a dump station at the back of the campground. The bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and a shower and kept relatively clean.

    The campground itself is dripping with live oaks and speckled with Palmetto trees, so lots of shade is available, especially in the tent areas. The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds.

    We kayaked along the intercoastal waterway and out into marshy sea grass areas and had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters to date (and we’ve been all over the country). We saw a pod of dolphins in the distance, which appeared to be feeding. We stopped about 150 away and just enjoyed watching them dance and dive in the morning light. Then, two of the dolphins peeled away from the pack and headed straight toward us. As they approached our kayaks, the larger one gave an extra tail fin flap and dove under our boats, coming up just a bit on the other side. As naturalists, our hearts were pounding with excitement! We also hiked and mountain-biked along the gorgeous Palmetto Trail (which is a mountains-to-sea trail across South Carolina, and this campground serves as its coastal terminus).

    Also, don’t miss the famous Sewee Restaurant for some downeast coastal Carolina fare, as well as the Center for Birds of Prey just across the highway from this restaurant. This wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center is doing some amazing things for birds and in the region and doing a great job of public education. If you head up the coast, be sure to stop in Boats & Hoagies in McClellanville for a bite to eat. Cute place, great food, awesome service!

    The $20 per night fee is a great price for the amenities this campground offers, especially with full hook-ups and showers, and a boat launch. Check out our blog on The Dyrt's Online Magazine about our experience on the coast of South Carolina.

  • Melissa W.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Givhans Ferry State Park Campground

    Nice Primitive camping area

    I like the primitive camping area. The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. 

    I hammock camp, and there are plenty of trees useful for this purpose. This is primitive, so there is no electrical or water spout, although the bathroom has both. There is a 1 1/2 mile walking trail nearby, that runs along the Edisto River.

    I haven't actually frequented the other camping areas: RV drive-up and walk-in, so I can't review them.

  • Marvin D.
    May. 3, 2021

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Great campground

    Sprawling park and campground right between Charleston and Folly Beach. There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site.

    The tent camping site and group tent sites are hike-in. The hike in is really not that far at all from where you park your cars, so no worries. The individual tent sites sit back in the woods, with a nice tree canopy, which gives it a real "primitive" feel to it. The sites are raised and contain a gravel bed.

    There are bathrooms and private showers on site in a few locations. The bathroom and showers for the tent sites lay next to the group site, which is a short walk.

    Shopping and stores are on hwy 117, just a few short minutes from the park.

  • Susan R.
    Feb. 26, 2020

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    nicest washroom facilities

    Huntington Beach State Park South Carolina. Stayed a week. Great campground. Trails, easy access to the most amazing beach. The nicest washroom facilities and laundry. January was a little early for us, temperature wise. We would probably return in Feb or March but maybe it is too busy then?

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Nice large sites close to the beach

    Don’t confuse this campground with Hunting Island (many people do). Although expensive, the sites here are very generous in size. Sites on the outside of the loop have more privacy (sites 1-33 have trees behind them for even more privacy). 

    The restrooms and showers are clean. 

    There are multiple access points to a very walkable or runnable beach. No bike rentals on-site but there is a local bike shop that will deliver to your site. Tours of Atalaya available plus other programs (although we didn’t take advantage of these). There is a large store with many souvenirs along with general necessities. If you order three or more bundles of firewood, they will deliver to your site. 

    It would have been nice to have a utility sink to wash dishes in as there are in other state parks. Also, like all other South Carolina state parks, alcohol is prohibited.

    Although I usually take many photos at our campgrounds, for some reason, I didn't here!

  • J
    Dec. 12, 2021

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Awsome Campground and Park

    This park is one of the best that we visited so far. It was pure luck, but our dates were during their Festival of Lights. The entire park was decorated with holiday lighting scenes, all sponsored by various Charleston businesses. The displays were awesome! Even the walking/biking paths were decorated. They must have spent months on this. The campground was clean and the sites were nicely separated by trees and shrubs. Bath houses were immaculate. Apparently some folks come every year around this festival because individual sites were also decorated with lights- even in the trees. We camped at James Island County Park in a Travel Trailer.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Mobile Camping Bliss w/ Tons of Amenities & Attractions

    Should you be driving an RV, hitched to a 5th Wheeler or hauling a trailer, whatever your mobile camping experience might be, there’s 116 campsite options to choose from here at James Island Co Park, which offers both pull-through & back-in sites (maximum 80 feet), which provide a great launching pad to explore more than 643 acres of pure outdoor bliss offering perhaps one of the most expansive list of amenities and attractions (see more below). Once you arrive here at this RV Campground from James Island Parkway, you’ll pass the Ranger Station and will circumnavigate the circle-like exterior of the park until you arrive to this very CG, turn right and check-in at the main office, which also serves as the CG marketplace.

    This RV Campground is basically the expanse of 2 lateral football fields with an east and west side, dissected on the east side by 3 simple short lanes and a restroom / shower / laundry facility located right in the middle. Over on the west side, there’s a single loop that isn’t dissected at all, but has a second, narrower loop on its northern flank, where hereto, a central restroom / shower / laundry facility has been plotted right in the middle of this circuitous loop.

    RV Campground Amenities include: FHUs with 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage, 24-hour staffing, activity center, super-clean, new bathhouses and restrooms, designated dump station, complimentary WiFi, campground marketplace, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, stand-up grills / BBQs, fire rings, picnic tables, propane-refueling station, trash / recyclable containers, cottages available to rent as well as ice + firewood for sale.

    Situated just north of where your RV is anchored is the Outdoor Zone featuring a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline that will have you and your brood enjoying these backwoods in no time. West of this Outdoor Zone is an 18-hole disc golf course and back towards the center of the park is a Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure, kid’s playground as well as a boat house with kayak, pedal boat and canoe rentals along with direct access to a small lake, round-trip shuttle service (to the nearby Convention& Visitor Bureau, Folly Beach Pier of Folly Beach County Park), Spray Play Waterpark, K9 park, crabbing & fishing dock, 16K acres of freshwater lakes, Santee Stage for live music and events, 4 individual group shelters and countless picnic tables in addition to 5+ miles of paved paths offering hiking / biking bliss.

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are one of those RV campers that come towing a Jeep behind them or have somehow managed to transport a golf cart with you and find that the slot you’ve been given doesn’t adequately provide enough space for everything including your RV (let alone the additional transport you’ve brought) have no fear, as there’s substantial, additional parking that exists right in front of the Group Camping area, just due north of where you are stationed; (2) I found it hard to believe that with over 100 sites there was only 2 restroom / shower facilities and every time we tried to use the showers, there was a waiting line – so given this, timing is EVERYTHING as normally everyone is heading to get their showers first thing in the morning – so I highly recommend you either get up SUPER early or simply change your shower schedule to mid-afternoon or early evening; (3) In the event that you wanna try something other than what you’ve been whipping up from the confines of your on-board mini-fridge or roto-molded Cordova cooler, then nearby there’s mediocre fast food options like Zaxby’s or Bojangles, but if you’re OK to drive a smidge further, there’s a great joint called Bohemian Bull that’s one part restaurant / one part outdoor tavern of which I highly recommend the fried green tomatoes and bar-b-cuban sandwich; (4) Should you need to stock up on any supplies while here, there is the county park store over in the RV Campground, but for anything more substantial, just about 5 minutes south of this CG you’ll find a Walmart Supercenter; and (5) IMHO the best slots in this RV exclusive campground are those on the perimeter with the best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55; along the westernmost side with sites #20, #21, #23, #24 and #26.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Jul. 12, 2016

    Edisto Beach State Park Campground

    One of South Carolina's Most Beautiful Beaches - Best Experienced Via Bicycle

    There are two sections to Edisto Beach State Park. The Ocean side campground is the best with the ocean breezes, but the marsh side campground is an easy bicycle ride from the beach.

    It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes. And the raccoons are pretty fierce so you want to make sure your food is stored securely, so you don't wake up to critters eating your potato chips.

    The restrooms and showers are clean.

    Edisto Island is one of the least developed islands in South Carolina. There is a Piggly Wiggly grocery store to pick up all the things you may have forgotten. There is an ice cream shop and several restaurants, but it is pretty quiet. My favorite thing about staying at Edisto Beach State Park is bicycling to the beach, bicycling along the paths in the state park that lead to a shell mound, built by Native Americans around 2,000 B.C., and bicycling for beers at one of the little bars overlooking the ocean. Another plus is the park's proximity to Botany Bay.


Guide to Awendaw

The Awendaw area sits along the Francis Marion National Forest boundary, with pine and hardwood forests meeting coastal marshland. Summer temperatures can exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent campers. Water access sites provide relief from heat with coastal breezes throughout the camping season.

What to do

Wagon rides to plantation sites: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers free wagon rides to a nearby plantation. "Our fave was the wagon ride to the plantation next door," notes Angela M., who appreciated the historical context during her stay at the campground.

Fishing opportunities: At Rocks Pond Campground & Marina, various fishing spots accommodate all skill levels. "There's lots of places to go fishing, whether you are on a boat and venture further out, or don't want to leave land and cast your line from one of the many points at this campground—there's a fishing pier, a dedicated fish pond and even a smaller pond just for the kiddos," according to Stuart K.

Hiking forest trails: The Palmetto Trail system connects with Buck Hall Recreation Area, allowing hikers to experience maritime forest environments. "Hiking a section of the Palmetto Trail is a good option for a day out of the sun due to the heavy maritime forest canopy," reports Eric K., who recommends fall, spring and winter as the best seasons.

Visit wildlife centers: The red wolves at the Sewee Visitor Center offer educational viewing opportunities. "The nearby Sewee Visitor Center has red wolves and is free to visit. They also have RV parking! We enjoyed this, but if you have kids I think it would be a must do," recommends Bounding Around from their Buck Hall stay.

What campers like

Coastal wildlife sightings: James Island County Park offers diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. The lake had a little dock and we my husband and son fished off of it. There were alligators in the lake and they actually caught one," shares Ashley W.

Family amenities: Multiple parks provide child-friendly recreation areas. "There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing. Some tent sites and cabin sites are right along the water and offer nice views. There's a one mile loop trail through the woods and along the lake. There are multiple playgrounds and many kid friendly activities," notes Carlyne F. about Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.

Intracoastal Waterway access: For boaters and kayakers, Buck Hall Recreation Area provides direct water access. "Excellent place to trailer your boat, cook over a campfire, and have a shower to wash the salt off at the end of the day. Views of the Intracoastal waterway are nice, watching the variety of boats pass by," explains Eric K.

Uncrowded forest camping: Honey Hill Campground offers a more secluded glamping experience. "Very big campsite. You drive in and there's multiple campsites for your tent, Car or RV. There's a large clean toilet cabin. It's next to a tall tower," describes Alex R.

What you should know

Seasonal crowding: During shrimp baiting season, campgrounds fill completely. "During shrimp baiting season (60 days starting the Friday nearest September 15) the campground is completely booked. Plan accordingly!" warns Bounding Around about Buck Hall Recreation Area.

Facility maintenance varies: Some campgrounds experience maintenance issues during certain periods. "Only reason I am not giving this campground 5 stars is that the bathrooms were pretty gross. They were working on them while we were there so maybe there is a brighter future for these run down bath houses," notes Bounding Around.

Insect protection required: The coastal location means insect activity is significant. "Don't forget your bug-spray, mosquitos are aggressive here," warns Werner S. about Buck Hall.

Weather considerations: Winter camping offers advantages for those seeking quieter experiences. "Camped at site 32 in mid-November and site and grounds were both beautiful and very well kept. We are already planning a return trip," shares Crystal C. about her Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA experience.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: Edisto Beach State Park provides family-friendly water access. "Steps from the ocean. We had a magical time at Edisto. Bathrooms were great. Shelling was incredible—especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide," shares Katie F.

Kid-specific activities: Several glamping sites close to Awendaw, South Carolina feature dedicated children's amenities. "The park offered fishing, kayak/canoe/paddle boat and paddle board rentals. They also had a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," describes Ashley W. about James Island County Park.

Playground access: Multiple parks feature playgrounds for younger campers. "It had a pool, camp activities, hiking/nature trail. It has a lake for fishing and water activities, a dog park. It is very close to things around Charleston," reports Susan P. about Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.

Biking opportunities: Paved paths offer safe family biking. "There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by," notes Crystal C. from her Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA stay.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At James Island County Park, location matters for noise and access. "The sites aren't huge but are clean and convenient to camp store and trails. Our site was a pull through with some nice palmettos but not a lot of privacy. Best sites looked to be the 40s and 50s," advises Greg S.

Hookup availability: Givhans Ferry State Park provides RV amenities with natural surroundings. "30 foot trailer backed in no issues with plenty of room to pull truck in beside rig. They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity," reports John W.

Communication limitations: Cell service varies significantly across glamping areas near Awendaw. "Nice campsite, full hookups, enjoyed the lightning bugs, great place to enjoy camping and getting away from electronics since no cell phone signal for T-Mobile and no wifi in campground," notes Deborah L. about Givhans Ferry.

RV parking considerations: Some parks accommodate larger rigs more easily than others. "This campground is massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe," explains Stuart K. about Rocks Pond Campground & Marina, noting the easy load-in and 30/50 amp hookups available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Awendaw, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Awendaw, SC is Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Awendaw, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Awendaw, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.