Best Campgrounds near Charleston, SC

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!