The South Carolina Lowcountry surrounding Beaufort sits at just 10-20 feet above sea level, creating a unique coastal ecosystem where saltwater marshes and maritime forests dominate the landscape. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity while winter lows rarely drop below 40°F. Camping options range from established state parks to smaller private campgrounds nestled among live oaks draped with Spanish moss.
What to do
Lighthouse exploration: Visit the Hunting Island lighthouse, where you can climb 167 steps for panoramic views. "Hunting Island State Park is like stepping back into the Jurassic period, except there's a lighthouse, lol. The foliage is crazy cool! If a dinosaur stepped out from the side of the trail it wouldn't be out of place...shocking, but not out of place," notes Shelly S. from Hunting Island State Park Campground.
Kayaking the waterways: Rent kayaks and explore the coastal waterways around Beaufort. "We took day trips to Hilton Head, Savannah and Charleston, each about an hour away," shares Joanne H., who stayed at Point South KOA.
Historic sites: Visit Fort Fremont Historic Park for military history. "It's nothing fancy...no spa, no pool, no tacky store. But it's easy to find, has a lovely boardwalk running through it, and is less than 3 miles from a well preserved revolutionary war fort," says Sara R. from Tuck in the Wood Campground.
What campers like
Nature trails: Hiking paths provide opportunities to spot wildlife and coastal plants. "We hiked along the beach to the lighthouse. Beautiful views from the top of the lighthouse. We hiked one of the many trails back to camp," writes Erin at Hunting Island State Park Campground.
Beach combing: Search for shells and fossils along the shorelines. "Just a short walk to the beautiful clean beach with lots of shells," explains one camper about Hunting Island.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line from piers or shorelines throughout the region. "There is a dock with some premium fishing and trail adjacent that takes you to the beach of skeleton trees," mentions Shelly S. about the fishing at Hunting Island State Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense. "Glancing through the reviews, I can definitely see where July stays could be less enjoyable because of the weather. We had a 70 degree day and with the ocean breeze sifting through the trees it felt like our jungle hike was air conditioned. No bugs. It was perfect," reports Neil T. from Hunting Island State Park.
Insect preparation: No-see-ums and mosquitoes are common, especially for tent campers. "The gnats were awful," notes one camper at Tuck in the Wood Campground. Bring proper repellent, especially during warm months.
Flooding concerns: Heavy rains can affect campsite conditions. "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 Hunting Island State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Choose campgrounds with swimming facilities for kids. "The kids enjoyed the playground and the amazing water slide. The sites are roomy, the bath houses are super clean. It's convenient to all shops, grocery stores, parks, restaurants, etc. This is where my grandkids want to go every year," shares Terri M. about Tuck in the Wood Campground.
Playgrounds and activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "We went on a walk with our girls around the camp site, to the doggy area (small but super cute with some see saws, etc.), around the lake, and read the historical signs. We checked out the giant chess board, playground, horse shoes, and corn hole," notes The Tophams at Point South KOA.
Beach proximity: Some campsites offer quick access to beaches. "We were in a 30 foot 5th wheel and stayed in site 95. In my opinion it was one of the best sites there. Nice size and lots of vegetation surrounding. The beach was just over the dunes," reports Brenda L. about camping at Hunting Island.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your rig size and needs. "Like many state parks, the campground just wasn't built for 37' campers. It was super tight getting into our spots, but our neighbors were very helpful and the beautiful trees made for a cozy site," advises Molly F. about Hunting Island State Park.
RV-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with facilities designed for larger vehicles. "This is a great family campground, they have very well appointed RV sites, Tent sites and cabins that look like train Cabooses, and some others. but it is super nice and well taken care of," explains Nicholas L. about Point South KOA.
Pet-friendly camping near Beaufort, South Carolina: Many campgrounds welcome dogs with designated areas. "Had a great time with friends at Tuck in the Woods. We were 12 adults, 3 kids, and 4 dogs and fit in 2 campsites with lots of room to spare. Staff were great. Bath house was clean and showers were perfect after a day at the beach," shares Liz K. from Tuck in the Wood.
