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Best Campgrounds near Charleston, SC

460 Reviews

Several good camping spots surround Charleston, with many campers choosing Edisto Beach State Park Campground for its beachfront sites and quick Atlantic Ocean access. Santee State Park sits on Lake Marion and has room for both tents and RVs across its grounds. Hiking trails wind through Santee, where you might spot local wildlife while walking. Charleston's camping benefits from being close to historical attractions and the lively downtown, letting you mix outdoor time with city visits. Most local campgrounds have basic facilities like restrooms, showers, and places to eat outdoors. You can camp around Charleston throughout the year thanks to the mild weather, though summer brings high humidity and you might encounter thunderstorms. It's worth checking the weather forecast before heading out, especially during storm season. The camping areas near Charleston range from beach settings at Edisto to the quieter lake environment at Santee, giving you different options depending on what you prefer.

Map showing campgrounds near Charleston, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Charleston, South Carolina (56)

    1. Campground at James Island County Park

    59 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 795-4386

    $38 - $219 / 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."

    "Awesome dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, a water park, climbing wall, bike/walking path and much more. Close to historic Charleston and Folly Beach."

    2. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA

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

    $68 - $300 / night

    "There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by. We are already planning a return trip."

    "It had a pool, camp activities, hiking/nature trail. It was extremely clean and the staff was friendly. It has a lake for fishing and water activities, a dog park."

    3. Lake Aire RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 571-1271

    "The location was close to John’s Island and 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. Hassle free camping at its best."

    "My wife and I were visiting our son at Charleston AFB, and we spent a week and a half at Lake Aire. We couldn't have been happier with the campground."

    4. Oak Plantation Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 766-5936

    "Very close to Charleston."

    "Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."

    5. Hanscombe Point Campground

    12 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    10 miles
    +1 (843) 514-1215

    $30 / night

    "The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones.  "

    "Staff is friendly, it’s hidden on the water but close to town if you want to enjoy all the gems of Charleston."

    6. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center

    9 Reviews
    North Charleston, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 963-1672

    $23 / night

    "This is a military-only campground on Charleston AFB."

    "Most all sites are paved and easy access to downtown Charleston 🏝 you will here jets taking off and landing with the occasional gun fire from the firing range."

    7. Charleston KOA

    19 Reviews
    Goose Creek, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-5812

    "It is clean and close to shopping and close enough to Charleston which is full of history with lots of touristy things to do."

    "We wanted to stay close to Charleston and be able to visit the beach, but all the beach campgrounds were full, so we found this KOA."

    8. Edisto Beach State Park Campground

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

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

    "Lots of places close by to visit. Only about a 45 min drive to Charleston. Botany Bay was a fantastic experience."

    9. Remleys Point Public Boat Launch

    4 Reviews
    Charleston, SC
    4 miles
    Website

    10. Foster Creek RV Park and Villas

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

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

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Recent Camping Photos near Charleston, SC

146 Photos of 56 Charleston Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Charleston, SC

460 Reviews of 56 Charleston Campgrounds

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Good for boating and fishing

    Calm campground, with good ramp for boating and a pier for fishing. Don't forget your bug-spray, mosquitos are aggressive here.

  • L
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Santee Coastal Reserve

    Pretty

    Pretty campground. Good for an RV but lots of mosquitoes. We stayed inside.

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Bells Marina & Resort

    Perfect stop on i95

    Our road stop off I-95 at Bells Marina was an absolute gem! This lakeside campsite, perfectly nestled on the water, delivered stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that made our getaway unforgettable. The newly paved, smooth road leading to the campsite—conveniently accessible from I-95—made our arrival effortless and stress-free. The well-stocked on-site store was a lifesaver, with their phenomenal pizza being the perfect quick and delicious meal after a long drive. Anglers in our group raved about the new fish cleaning station, a fantastic addition for preparing fresh catches with ease. With Food Lion just a 10-minute drive away, grabbing extra supplies was a breeze. The quiet, picturesque setting provided a rejuvenating escape from the road. Bells Marina is a must-visit for anyone seeking a convenient and exceptional lakeside camping experience!

  • Cori B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful area

    I stayed out here for a full night. The area has been cleaned up and a few times during the day and night a police officer patrolled the area. Just smiled and waved.

  • Wilma K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    New Green Acres RV Park

    Nice campgrounds

    Nice, a bit rustic. Mostly drive through and all very long. FHU, all grass and gravel sites with lots of shade. Has a pool but currently being repaired. Animal friendly, nice dog park.

  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Campground at James Island County Park

    4.7 stars

    Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous. 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. Campground is 15 minutes to downtown. Squirrels chewed through our propane hoses, which wasn't great. Overall this is a heck of a place to stay and play.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner

    Nice and relaxing on the waterfront of Lake Moultrie

    This campground is for Active and retired military and other qualified DOD employees. Very quiet and secure great fishing and beautiful sunsets

  • Stephanie W.
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Hanscombe Point Campground

    And Amazing Space

    Nnothing could be better than waking up to livestock outside your window grazing. They are so beautiful and the view from every angle is amazing. Loved that we still had our own space vs being packed in like other campgrounds. We will be back most definitely!

  • A
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Taylor's Landing

    Terrible.

    This is the most unprofessional place I have ever been. We came here due to my partner‘s father being reported missing as he resided at this campground. The owner Roxanne Taylor, and her boyfriend Chandler threatened to bash my head in off of a tree after busting a window trying to break into his camper before we arrived to steal HIS possessions. I highly recommend that you guys stay as far away from this place as humanly possible, as she is a very unstable person and not a professional business owner at all. We did report to the police and proper steps will be taken, but I just wanna give you guys the warning so this same thing does not Happen to you. There are plenty of other campgrounds in the area and they have way more occupants and her actions as a business owner show why. I have attached a picture of the camper window that Roxanne’s boyfriend Chandler broke open.

Guide to Charleston

Camping near Charleston, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For instance, at Edisto Beach State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the sound of the surf at night and have easy access to the sandy shores. One camper mentioned, "Water and electric. Less than a minute walk to the beach."
  • Nature Trails: Hiking and biking trails are abundant. Campers at Hunting Island State Park Campground appreciated the well-kept trails, with one reviewer noting, "We enjoyed watching the bird life and being in easy walking distance to the beach itself."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "A nice little bait shop with firewood for sale," highlighting the convenience for anglers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. At James Island County Park, one reviewer stated, "Well maintained, very clean and adequate bathhouses."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds provide ample space between sites. A camper at Colleton State Park Campground noted, "The sites are quite large and lots of trees."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA are great for families. One visitor mentioned, "The park offered fishing, kayak/canoe/paddle boat and paddle board rentals."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A camper at Charleston KOA mentioned, "The park is a little noisy with planes and faint traffic but not too bad."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have the same level of amenities. One reviewer at Santee Lakes KOA said, "Very crowded and was a one night stop for many many RVs!!"
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A camper at Lake Aire RV Park noted, "It had rained buckets the day before I arrived, so there was quite a bit of standing water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. At James Island County Park, one parent said, "Fishing, kid friendly, climbing wall, rope course, water park."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be aware of bugs, especially in marshy areas. A camper at Hunting Island State Park Campground mentioned, "No see ums! We used a box fan when sitting outside which helped a ton!"
  • Bring Entertainment: With kids, it’s good to have games or activities ready. A visitor at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park suggested, "The campground has hiking/biking trails."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Point South KOA noted, "Sites are clean, most of them are shaded, and sizes are average."
  • Leveling Blocks: Some sites may require leveling blocks. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks, the auto leveler was able to handle it well."
  • Plan for Tight Roads: Be cautious of tight roads in some campgrounds. A camper at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA said, "Roads are very tight!!! Nice place on the lake but not for an extended secluded stay!"

Camping around Charleston, SC, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to nature enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent-only camping options in Charleston, SC?

Yes, there are several excellent tent camping options near Charleston. Givhans Ferry State Park Campground offers an outstanding tent camping area with a thoughtful layout, lockable chuck boxes at each site, and both power and water access. For a more primitive experience, Honey Hill Recreation Area provides basic tent camping in a peaceful pine/oak forest setting about 30 minutes north of Charleston. The semi-primitive environment offers a more secluded experience for tent campers looking to disconnect. While many campgrounds accommodate both RVs and tents, these locations are particularly well-suited for tent camping enthusiasts.

What are the best campgrounds near Charleston, SC for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors to Charleston should consider Campground at James Island County Park for its proximity to the city and excellent amenities. This campground offers a perfect base for exploring Charleston while providing a comfortable camping experience with full hookups. Another excellent option is Buck Hall Recreation Area, located about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston along the beautiful intercoastal waterway in Francis Marion National Forest. During peak seasons, reservations are essential at both locations to secure your spot. Each offers distinct advantages: James Island for convenience to city attractions, and Buck Hall for a more natural coastal experience.

What are the costs for camping in Charleston, South Carolina?

Camping costs around Charleston vary based on amenities and location. At Colleton State Park Campground, rates are typically reasonable for state parks, with riverside sites offering excellent value. Edisto Beach State Park Campground provides both ocean and marsh side camping options at different price points, with oceanside generally commanding premium rates. Most public campgrounds in the area range from $20-50 per night depending on season and hookups available. Private RV parks like Lake Aire or Foster Creek typically charge higher rates but offer more amenities. Many campgrounds also have additional fees for park entry or premium waterfront locations. Booking in advance often secures better rates, especially during peak tourist season.

Is car camping allowed at campgrounds around Charleston, SC?

Yes, car camping is widely permitted at campgrounds around Charleston. Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner offers car camping with sites that allow you to park directly at your campsite on Lake Moultrie, just a short drive from Charleston. Hunting Island State Park Campground, while slightly further (about an hour from Charleston), is another excellent option where you can camp with your vehicle very close to the beach. Most established campgrounds in the region permit parking at or near your campsite, though some primitive areas may have designated parking areas a short distance from tent sites. Always check specific campground rules when booking, as some locations have restrictions on vehicle types or parking arrangements.

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