Camping near Bluffton, South Carolina places visitors within a subtropical climate zone where average summer temperatures reach 90°F with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from May through September. Winter camping offers milder conditions with daytime temperatures typically in the 60s. Campgrounds in this region sit on predominantly flat, coastal terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 30 feet above sea level.
What to do
Explore Fort Pulaski National Monument: Located about 30 minutes from River's End Campground, this Civil War-era fort offers historical tours and hiking trails. "We visited Fort Pulaski and walked the trails over there. The campground was full but people were respectful and everyone was quiet by lights out," notes a camper at River's End Campground & RV Park.
Paddle through marshlands: The waterways around Bluffton provide extensive opportunities for kayaking. "We love this campground. Sites are close together but who cares when your there for the beach. Staff is wonderful and helpful," writes a visitor to River's End Campground.
Visit Tybee Island's lighthouse: The historic lighthouse stands 145 feet tall and offers panoramic views of the coastline. A Skidaway Island State Park visitor reports, "The area is convenient to downtown Savannah and not too far from Tybee Island. There are some easy nature trails we really enjoyed."
Rent golf carts for local exploration: Many campgrounds offer golf cart rentals for exploring. "Nearby companies will deliver street legal golf carts so you can wander around the shops and restaurants on the main drag or the beachfront," mentions a camper at River's End.
What campers like
Large, private camping sites: Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at several parks. "We stayed at Skidaway Island State Park for 4 nights in May. Even thought the park was full (Memorial Day weekend), it never felt crowded. The spaces are very large and spread out," writes one visitor.
Pristine pool facilities: Swimming pools rank high on campers' favorite amenities list. "The pool, lazy river, Tiki Bar and restaurant area was top quality, providing plenty of lounge chairs, tables with umbrellas, and free pool floats for the lazy river experience," notes a guest at Hilton Head National RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers excellent animal spotting. A visitor to Lake Jasper RV Park shares, "Located on a wildlife park, I saw a few alligators in the lake. Fairly peaceful, besides the fact we were right next to the pool so it got loud at times."
Well-maintained shower facilities: Clean restrooms frequently receive praise. "Bathhouse is clean and nice. The only nit is that its tight spots are close together," reports one camper about River's End Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by season: Summer months require advance planning. "We wanted to camp 6 days near Hilton Head and this campground opened up late last year. They invested heavily in the camp ground," notes a visitor at Hilton Head National RV Resort.
Wildlife precautions are necessary: Alligators inhabit many waterways in the region. "Be aware that there are snakes and alligators in and around Lake Jasper, so if you're out walking Fido, be sure to keep him/her on the leash at all times," advises a camper.
Site privacy varies dramatically: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. A visitor to Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort reports, "Private sites with lots of shade and easy bike/walk to the beach and town. The staff is super nice and the showers were so nice and clean."
Concrete pads vs. natural sites: Camping surfaces vary significantly by location. "Sites are level, landscaped and private. There are full hook ups including WiFi and cable. We liked it so much we stayed for an extra week," shares a camper at Hilton Head Harbor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Pools and playgrounds provide essential recreation. "We took our 4 kids and they loved it. They were begging to be able to go back soon and we are going again in 2 weeks. They have a large pool with lazy river and a very nice playground," recommends a visitor to Hilton Head National RV Resort.
Choose sites near facilities: Families benefit from easy bathroom access. "The camp sites are a great size and all of them are pretty close to a bath house. I will definitely go back! They are also pet friendly!" mentions a visitor at Skidaway Island State Park.
Check for educational opportunities: Many parks offer learning experiences for children. A camper at Fort McAllister State Park shares, "Really nice campground. Great hikes. Very close to a Publix and two convenience stores. My kids loved the playground and the fort tour!!"
Consider security features: Gated parks offer added safety. One visitor notes, "Visitor Center was really interesting and the staff were very knowledgeable and helpful," about Fort McAllister State Park.
Tips from RVers
Reserve waterfront sites well in advance: Premium waterfront locations book quickly. "The best sites are those located right on the lake and include sites like #14, #31– #38 and #39 – #47," recommends a visitor to Lake Jasper RV Park.
Prepare for tight navigation: Some parks have narrow roads that challenge large rigs. "These sites do take some practice getting into and some have trees close to the pads. While we were there we saw a guy hit a tree backing into his site," cautions a visitor to Hilton Head Harbor.
Check length restrictions: Not all parks accommodate large motorhomes. "The sites are HUGE 70ft long 20ft wide, full hook ups with a state of the art Eaton control pedestal for your water, cable and electric connections," praises a visitor at Hilton Head National RV Resort.
Verify gate hours: Some campgrounds restrict late-night access. "Gate locks at 10 pm which really is not enough time if you want a night downtown," warns a visitor about Skidaway Island State Park.
