Camping spots near Port Royal, South Carolina primarily cluster along coastal waterways and barrier islands within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at sea level with extensive saltwater marshes and maritime forests dominating the landscape. Summer camping requires preparation for high humidity and temperatures that frequently reach 95°F, while winter campers should expect overnight temperatures that occasionally drop below 40°F, especially from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Jasper: Located 20 miles from Port Royal, Lake Jasper RV Park offers direct access to a freshwater lake with good fishing opportunities. "Beautiful campground with lake-side sites that are really pretty. The sun sets right over the lake and there's a small walking path part way around the lake too," notes camper Tracey S.
Explore historic sites: Fort Fremont Historical Park sits just 7 miles from St. Helena Island campgrounds. "We visited Fort Pulaski and walked the trails over there. We spent the evenings at the campsite around the fire," shares Shauna P., who stayed at River's End Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The coastal region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "While standing on the dock we were able to watch dolphins swim and even saw some sting rays. The staff says that they often have manatees that come into the harbor for a visit," reports Robert N. from his stay at Hilton Head Harbor.
What campers like
Beach access: Campers value proximity to uncrowded beaches. "The beach was just over the dunes. We couldn't see the beach or ocean from our site but it was just a short walk away," explains Brenda L. from her experience at Hunting Island State Park Campground.
Natural environments: The area's unique coastal ecosystems draw nature enthusiasts. "Hunting Island State Park is like stepping back into the Jurassic period, except there's a lighthouse. The foliage is crazy cool! If a dinosaur stepped out from the side of the trail it wouldn't be out of place," describes Shelly S.
Dog-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with specialized amenities. "They have a great, big dog park and an indoor, air conditioned dog spa with several really nice dog wash stationed with temp controlled water, not just cold," explains Amanda W. about her stay at Hilton Head National RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal weather challenges: The coastal location brings specific weather considerations. "The coastal position makes weather monitoring important, particularly during hurricane season from June through November," according to local reports.
Site drainage issues: Some campgrounds struggle with water management after heavy rains. "Uneven sites, horrible potholes and poor drainage throughout the park. We did have some torrential rain our first night, but the puddles didn't drain after 4 days," warns Kristen S. about her experience at Hunting Island State Park.
Insect preparations: Coastal lowlands mean biting insects are common. "The no-see-ums were pretty thick in a tent site in early April, so bring bug spray if you want to sit outside during the day," advises Jeremiah N. from Tuck in the Wood Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Many campgrounds offer swimming options beyond the ocean. "They have an area for adults only and then the larger area caters to families. We took our 4 kids and they loved it. They were begging to be able to go back soon. They have a large pool with lazy river and a very nice playground," describes Ashley W. about Hilton Head National RV Resort.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. "From the nature center we explored the path to the boneyard and was glad we took the 15 minute walk out there," shares Brenda L. about Hunting Island State Park.
Beach camping alternatives: For families wanting beach access without beach camping, consider alternatives. "We camped at Hunting Island over a long weekend and had a great time. The tent sites looked very nice and if I was still tent camping I'd definitely be happy with the accommodation. They are also easier access to the beach," notes Brenda L.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research campground layouts before booking. "Of the three campgrounds on/near Hilton Head we've stayed in, this one is a distant third. It's ok. A little tired. Super unfriendly in the restaurant. Location is pretty since it's on the water. Good proximity to everything," advises Susan & Kevin W. about Hilton Head Harbor.
Utility management: Be prepared for varying utility quality. "The electrical on the second site we stayed at was very sketchy. Hard to describe except the plugs were broken and the electrical panel itself was ragged and broken," notes Dan R. about his experience at Hilton Head Harbor.
Navigation considerations: Some resorts have challenging internal layouts. "When we started driving into the resort the roads were wide enough for only one camper at a time. We started to go and look at the available sites and noticed not all sites are the same size," explains Robert N., suggesting careful planning for larger rigs.
