South Carolina's state parks and private campgrounds provide a wide range of camping experiences, from oceanfront sites to mountain retreats. Established campgrounds like Huntington Beach State Park and Edisto Beach State Park offer full-service camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks including cabin rental options for those seeking additional comfort. Many campgrounds are situated near water features, making them popular destinations for fishing and water activities.
Reservations are highly recommended at most South Carolina campgrounds, especially during the busy summer season when beachfront sites fill quickly. "This is a nice campground. For the most part quiet. Nice place to walk, tour, visit," notes one camper about Andrew Jackson State Park. The state's subtropical climate means hot, humid summers and mild winters, making camping viable year-round, though hurricane season (June through November) may affect coastal campgrounds. Most state parks maintain well-maintained roads accessible to standard vehicles, while some remote areas in national forests might require higher clearance. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near urban areas and limited or no service in more remote locations.
Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews from visitors across the state. Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort offer beach access that proves particularly popular with families. "Love all the daily activities and amenities. Bathhouse is always clean and staff is helpful," reports one visitor about Ocean Lakes. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping options exist in areas like Sumter National Forest, where visitors appreciate the opportunity to disconnect. "No showers, no wi-fi or cell service, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot—just what I wanted," shared one camper about Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the state's campgrounds, with deer frequently spotted at parks like Santee State Park.
$35 - $75 / night
"The downside, no seniors or military discount unless you are a South Carolina resident."
"We'd never been to South Carolina before and had no idea what to expect. We were thoroughly smitten with the coast and the city of Myrtle Beach, but we really loved camping in the state park."
$95 / night
"One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve been to in South Carolina. And only a short walk from the beach"
"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."
"It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."
"The campsite pad has a plug and faucet right next to you and you're on the other side of a sand dune from the beach. The restrooms are close by to every site."
"First South Carolina camp."
"Campground Review: We cycled, kayaked, hiked and watched gorgeous sunrises over the Atlantic at this beautiful campground on the coast of South Carolina."
$43 - $269 / night
"When making reservations at James Island County Park we had modest expectations, but we were going to tour Charleston most of the time, so we decided anything close to the city would be good enough."
"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."
"The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest."
"South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get"
"The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."
"There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"
"Playgrounds, summer concerts, dining etc is close by too. It buts up against Myrtle Beach Resort so our friends stayed there while we camped sometimes."
"We just finished our stay at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. We enjoyed it and will return."
"It is situated right next to the beach. There is an indoor pool and a big splash park on the grounds. There is a big shower house, laundry facility, and an arcade club house."
"It Is All About Close Proximity To The Beach Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot"
"This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"
"I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made"
TravelerWe stayed here for a week to attend a wedding. The place was well kept, nice and clean. Lots of walking areas and pet spots.
Super close to everything you could ever need, but deep enough into the woods to feel that break away from the noise of the road.
ScoutAll sites are paved in concrete, and have full hookups, power/ water/ sewer. There is a golf course on-site. The pool has a lazy river. The clubhouse grille serves up alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, and their menu items are quite tasty.
We thoroughly enjoyed our week here and will definitely come back. We stayed in site 260, in the quiet 21+ section.
ScoutThis is a nice park, it does have a few blind curves that could be fixed and many of the sites aren’t level. The dump station is down this weekend, so a second dump station may be a good idea. It looks like people are having fun at the lake, and using the shelter beside it.
TravelerWonderful views of the lake, tall pines, quiet. Bathhouse is clean but a little older.
TravelerSmall park with small lake. Nice sites, level gravel or grass. Amenities include laundry, rest rooms, showers, wifi. ATT a little sketchy.
ScoutQuiet, secure, upscale, and in a prime location a few minutes from the beach. Restaurants of all kinds are everywhere. Park the rig and bring your bike, because the trails will lead you to everything.
RangerWe had a couple night stay here but left after one night. So the spots all have amazing views of the lake and the sunrise/sunsets and you can walk to the water from the sites. The bathrooms are clean but very spaced apart so our site at 91 online looked near the restroom but was not. The spots all around us had multiple cars/boats/trucks and was packed. So noise was an issue and not feeling safe to walk all the way to the restroom alone. The forest around the park was demolished with trees laying everywhere and we never saw one park ranger checking the campgrounds or driving around. I imagine a good place if you’re just wanting to camp and fish.
ScoutThe couple who owns this place are so kind and welcoming! We were having trouble with our trailer and our rv leading up to getting here and while we were here and they were so calm and helpful! We got to pet a mule and watch one of the horses and a donkey graze right outside our rv! Then, the owner took is around to see the other farm animals and we bought soap made by a local dairy farm wrapped in wool from the alpacas we met. What a great experience! I cannot recommend this place enough! 🫏💜
RangerWe stayed here during the week for spring break with our son and our two dogs. Both campgrounds was full but thankfully we booked ahead! So definitely make reservations if it’s busy season. Our spot was PRIME view of the lake and the sites are separated apart enough. Hot showers! And great areas to walk around the campground and to the water.
I picked up a lot of trash by the water(the lake is busy for fishing) so do your part and pick up too. Definitely coming back. Pick site 34 if you can!
Camping in South Carolina offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.
Camping in South Carolina is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best state parks for camping in South Carolina?
Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers two excellent camping sections - an oceanside area with refreshing breezes and a marsh side that's a short bike ride from the beach. Huntington Beach State Park Campground is renowned for its cleanliness, exceptional washroom facilities, and easy access to pristine beaches. Other top state parks include Sesquicentennial State Park, which offers trailer sites, tent sites, and primitive camping within Columbia's metro area, and Lake Hartwell State Park, conveniently located just off I-85. Most state parks feature well-maintained facilities, but it's advisable to prepare for mosquitoes, especially during summer months. For the best experience, book waterfront sites well in advance.
What are the most popular camping areas in South Carolina?
South Carolina's coastal region draws many campers to Hunting Island State Park Campground, where you can pitch a tent just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. The Francis Marion National Forest area, specifically Buck Hall Recreation Area, is popular for its gorgeous intercoastal waterway access about 40 minutes from Charleston. Lake camping enthusiasts flock to Dreher Island State Park for its peaceful lakeside sites and fishing opportunities. For those traveling along I-95, campgrounds near Florence provide convenient overnight stops. Many popular areas fill up quickly during peak season (March-October), so reservations are highly recommended, especially for waterfront sites.
Are there private campgrounds in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina offers numerous private campgrounds. Mr. Levy's Riceland Farm provides a peaceful farm setting with fishing opportunities and proximity to Georgetown. For a unique experience, Pedro's Campground at South of the Border offers RV sites alongside roadside attractions just south of the North Carolina border. The Myrtle Beach area features several private options including Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort, both offering comprehensive amenities and beach access. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities than public sites, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and sometimes pools or entertainment facilities. Rates vary widely based on location, season, and amenities, with coastal and tourist areas commanding premium prices.
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