Cabin camping near Charleston, South Carolina offers options ranging from basic wooden structures to fully-equipped lodging units. Most cabin rentals are located within established campgrounds situated in coastal forest settings at elevations near sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s, making cabin accommodations practical year-round for those seeking shelter from coastal weather conditions.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Moultrie: Short Stay Navy Outdoor Recreation Area provides lake access with kayak rentals for cabin guests. "They offer kayak and bike rentals. There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing. Some tent sites and cabin sites are right along the water and offer nice views," notes Carlyne F.
Plantation tours: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA organizes unique excursions to nearby historic sites. "Our fave was the wagon ride to the plantation next door," shares Angela M., while another camper mentioned they "actually missed it but would really like to take the time to do it if we ever get back."
Rock climbing: James Island County Park features outdoor adventure facilities near cabin areas. "Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls," reports Greg S. The park includes "a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline," according to Stuart K.
River floating: Givhans Ferry State Park Campground provides river recreation opportunities. "There is no boat access from the park but there Is access so you can float down the river on Kayaks or floats. Just make sure you have a car further down the road because the currents wIll not let you back up the river," advises Tracy F.
What campers like
Multiple outdoor activities: Cabin users appreciate the variety of recreation in single locations. "We stayed here for a week in the summer and loved it. Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. We were also right beside the pool and playground area so it was convenient to walk over," writes Ashley W. about Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Dog-friendly facilities: Many cabin areas welcome pets with dedicated spaces. "It has a fantastic dog park with lake!" mentions Joel R. about James Island County Park. At Mount Pleasant KOA, "There are waste bags scattered throughout the park and a huge dog park. (But it's quite far from the campers)," according to Carlyne F.
Clean facilities: Colleton State Park Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "Great bathhouses. Very clean! The rangers are SUPER nice! Very helpful!" writes Cheryl H. Another camper noted: "Bathrooms are heated/cooled and Very clean. Ranger Larry very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Has treats for the pups."
Large, level sites: Oak Plantation Campground provides spacious cabin areas. "Large park with paved and grass sites. I stayed in a paved full hookup site P2 and, even though there were a fair amount of guests, they spread everyone out so I had no immediate neighbors," shares Taylor D.
What you should know
Seasonal events impact traffic: Holiday light displays create congestion at some parks. "So I stayed during November and December... they have a light show through the park. The traffic was incredible at night. I really think they should give a discount during this time of year because of the inconvenience," notes Tim about James Island County Park.
Highway noise considerations: Some cabin locations experience traffic sounds. "Great little park but is right next to the highway it is off of, which makes car noise very loud," writes Michael R. about Colleton State Park.
Varying cabin quality: Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers both beach and forest cabin options. "We camped at site 32 in mid-November and site and grounds were both beautiful and very well kept. Staff was extremely friendly and attentive," writes Crystal C., while another reviewer cautions about cabins elsewhere: "I would not recommend the cabins. They are not clean or updated. Which is a shame because they could be really cool."
Insect protection needed: Ants and mosquitoes require preventive measures. "Beware of ant piles," warns Taylor D. about Oak Plantation. Another camper advises: "We got a tip from a neighboring RVer to spray for small ants anywhere that the RV touches the ground so the ants won't crawl up and get in our RV as it did theirs."
Tips for camping with families
Book riverside sites: Givhans Ferry State Park Campground offers prime water-adjacent locations. "Small campground not far from Charleston and very close to Bee City Zoo. The tent camping area is awesome and has a great layout with lockable chuck boxes on each site along with power and water. There are several large fields to let the kids run wild," recommends Creighton C.
Consider off-season visits: Summer heat affects comfort levels. "In all fairness we stayed at this campground in the hottest part of the summer at a time when they obviously had not finished cleaning up from a devastating hurricane that hit them last year. Some of the sites had a lot of debris still on them," shares Sandy M. about Edisto Beach.
Look for family programs: Some parks organize regular activities. "The park offered fishing, kayak/canoe/paddle boat and paddle board rentals. They also had a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," notes Ashley W.
Check pool schedules: Water features operate seasonally. "Wonderful park with plenty of amenities! We stayed here in October when the water park/pool was closed, but there was still plenty to do with bike rentals and the outdoor adventure area," advises Nick & Allyssa S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At James Island County Park, "IMHO the best slots in this RV exclusive campground are those on the perimeter with the best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55; along the westernmost side with sites #20, #21, #23, #24 and #26," recommends Stuart K.
Plan shower timing: Limited facilities can mean waiting. "I found it hard to believe that with over 100 sites there was only 2 restroom/shower facilities and every time we tried to use the showers, there was a waiting line – so given this, timing is EVERYTHING," advises Stuart K.
Traffic navigation: Oak Plantation Campground requires careful exit planning. "The road in front of campground is extremely busy (Hwy 17) and I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out. It may take longer but worth your sanity," suggests Joan.
Consider flood potential: Some sites retain water after rain. "If it rains many of the sites flood but drain out fairly quick," notes Michael R. about Colleton State Park.
