Andre I.
Traveler
TravelerSantee Coastal Reserve
Very nice
This camp site offers 7 sites with fire rings. There is no water or toilet facilities. Very nice ambiance and good hiking trails. Did not trip over any mosquitos.
Best Campgrounds near Charleston, SC
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Charleston, South Carolina (57)
1. Campground at James Island County Park
60 ReviewsFolly Beach, SC6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsMount Pleasant, SC12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsJohns Island, SC11 milesWebsite+1 (843) 571-1271"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."
"The location was close to John’s Island and 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. Hassle free camping at its best."
4. Oak Plantation Campground
14 ReviewsJohns Island, SC8 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsFolly Beach, SC10 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 ReviewsNorth Charleston, SC8 milesWebsite+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
20 ReviewsGoose Creek, SC13 milesWebsite+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. Remleys Point Public Boat Launch
4 ReviewsCharleston, SC4 milesWebsite9. Edisto Beach State Park Campground
67 ReviewsEdisto Island, SC29 milesWebsite+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."
10. Foster Creek RV Park and Villas
6 ReviewsHanahan, SC11 milesWebsite+1 (843) 794-2120"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
Recent Camping Photos near Charleston, SC
147 Photos of 57 Charleston Campgrounds
Wendolyn P.
Campground at James Island County Park
Erin S.
Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
Laurie B.
Oak Plantation Campground
karen C.
Hanscombe Point Campground
T N T.
Lake Aire RV Park
RAYMOND
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
Samantha H.
Caper's Island
Adam V.
Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping
Ethan B.
Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Trina W.
Givhans Ferry State Park Campground
Eric K.
Buck Hall Recreation Area
Sara M.
Edisto Beach State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Charleston, SC
479 Reviews of 57 Charleston Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendCharleston KOA
Family Fun in Low Country
Pulling into Charleston KOA just off US-17 south of historic Charleston immediately sets one at ease, with broad paved roads, clearly marked loops and a layout that feels intentionally family-friendly without being sprawling or overwhelming. This large KOA campground has a full suite of amenities that make it easy to feel at home, with clean bath/shower facilities, a heated pool, splash pad, playgrounds, dog parks, game areas and an inviting camp store, along with shaded sites, roomy pull-throughs for bigger rigs, and tent areas that are never too far from the action. One of our favorite parts of the stay was watching the boys splash and shriek with laughter at the pool one afternoon, then huddling around the community fire pit at dusk sharing s’mores and swapping stories with other families while an orchestra of cicadas serenaded us from the treetops. From what we saw, the best sites are the ones tucked toward the wooded perimeter, where you get more shade and a quieter feel while still being close enough to stroll back to the amenities without dragging gear for miles. We’d recommend Charleston KOA for families because of its EZ highway access, friendly atmosphere, and a variety of kid-centric amenities that help turn a simple overnight into a genuine camping getaway.
Keith E.
ScoutTaylor's Landing
Just what the doctor order
My experience with Taylor's Landing was just when the doctor ordered it was everything that I needed quiet great fishing all around I highly recommend it
- Keith E.Scout
Taylor's Landing
Just what the doctor ordered!
My stay at Taylor's Landing was just what the doctor ordered. I needed a little R&R in my life and Taylor's Landing was just a place for me I highly recommend. Fishing is awesome campsites was clean and neat and the owner operator knew what they were doing to make things great and you're staying experience pleasurable
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Ladson RV Park
Quiet No-Frills Lowcountry Layover
Tucked just off Jamison Road, just outside Summerville, Ladson RV Park feels more like pulling into a quiet residential pocket than a traditional campground, with a modest footprint, mature trees, and a low-key, no-frills atmosphere that prioritizes calm over commotion. The park is geared squarely toward RV travelers and longer-term stays, offering spacious, shaded sites (in some places, not all) with basic hookups, straightforward navigation and a noticeably slower pace than the busier parks closer to Charleston proper. One evening, the boys tossed a frisbee around the grassy edge of our site while dinner plans took us a short drive to Swig & Swine BBQ nearby, where we feasted on pork rinds and fried pickles while enjoying the family platter of pulled pork, smoked brisket, sausages and chicken wings - all of which disappeared fast and spirits stayed high before settling in for a quiet night. Back at Ladson's, from what we saw, choosing a site farther from the road offers the most peace and a little extra breathing room between neighbors. We would recommend Ladson RV Park for families looking for a practical, calm place to park overnight or short-term, especially if convenience to Charleston, shaded sites and a quieter suburban feel matter more than resort-style amenities.
Maria P.ScoutColleton State Park Campground
Cool calm and collected
Nice place to stop by! It has hot showers and full hookups everything works
J W.
GuideOak Plantation Campground
Great place quiet close to town!
We stayed 2 nights, used Lyft to go into town. About a $20.00 fair give or take a few dollars. Clean bathrooms, showers. Quiet park, we had a water, electric site. Two dump stations, laundry. Family owned and ran. Nothing fancy but great location for the price.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideNew Green Acres RV Park
Aged park
Extremely convenient to I-95. All long pull-thru sites but some are narrow or have a low hanging wire above. Old RV park with old,low to the ground utilities (no breakers for the electric) and old bath houses. Bathhouse by office was clean and functional. The other one had peeling paint and smelled of sewage. $40 alternative to Cracker Barrel parking lot.
- BBreezy V.Traveler
Colleton State Park Campground
Ok campground
We’ve been here for about a month. It’s a teeny park, with a very narrow, curvy road lined with lots of trees, and EXTREMELY dark at night. Would not advise trying to enter after dark-you can’t even see the entrance from the road, and it’s tricky navigating around all the trees in the park. There is one 1/4 mile trail, and a couple of spots to launch kayaks, and that’s all. A fair amount of highway noise. The upside is they allow monthly stays for a discount in the winter. It’s still pretty expensive compared to RV parks, though.
Guide to Charleston
Charleston campgrounds offer convenient access to the city while placing campers in diverse natural settings from maritime forests to lakeside environments. Most camping areas sit at low elevations, typical of coastal South Carolina, with the highest points rarely exceeding 20 feet above sea level. The regional camping season runs year-round, though winter temperatures can dip into the 40s at night from December through February.
What to do
Explore Fort Sumter: When staying at Oak Plantation Campground, you're positioned well for historical exploration. "The campground is very large and spacious and many sites have mature trees. Bathhouses are clean, although they are older," notes Joan, who camped here recently.
Visit local beaches: From James Island County Park, you can access nearby beaches within 15-20 minutes. One camper reports, "It's very kid friendly. They have an awesome park. Can't wait to go back," while another mentions it's "near downtown Charleston. Easy to get in and out."
Wildlife viewing: At Edisto Beach State Park Campground, dedicated nature trails provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. A camper notes, "Trails for bike rides or walks. Close to beach. Great staff. Private campsites," highlighting the dual appeal of nature and beach access.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers well-spaced camping areas. "Located only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston and 10 minutes from Shem creek this campground is gorgeous and spacious. They offer kayak and bike rentals. There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing," explains one camper.
Water activities: Many Charleston area campgrounds feature water access. At the Mount Pleasant KOA, one camper found that "The lake had a little dock and we my husband and son fished off of it. There were alligators in the lake and they actually caught one."
Dog-friendly options: Multiple Charleston campgrounds welcome pets. A camper at Lake Aire RV Park mentioned, "Nice place to walk the dogs. Nice pond for fishing," highlighting multiple recreational possibilities.
What you should know
Weather planning: Summer brings heat and humidity, with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F from June through August. A camper at Lake Aire notes, "The grounds were clean and well maintained. The pool was lively with guests having good fun and conversation."
Reservation timing: Many Charleston campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons (March-May and September-November). "Our visit here was peaceful, quiet and enjoyable. Will go back," notes a camper, indicating the appeal that drives demand.
Insect preparation: Bug spray is essential year-round but especially during warmer months. At Hanscombe Point Campground, a camper observed, "It was breezy so we didn't have any issues with 'no-see-ums' or 'sand gnats' but I would imagine on a still day they would be bad."
Traffic patterns: Charleston area traffic can significantly impact travel times. "Drive time listed to Charleston is very low, due to severe traffic congestion in the region. Not the farm's doing, but it took us 45 min to the city in the mornings (~9:30AM) and usually an hour plus back at night," reports a Hanscombe Point camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Edisto Beach State Park Campground provides designated play areas for children. One visitor noted, "We camped here during the winter and had fun. This campsite is perfect for riding bikes around."
Educational opportunities: Many Charleston area campgrounds serve as bases for historical learning. At Mount Pleasant KOA, campers appreciate "a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," creating opportunities for cultural education.
Animal experiences: At Hanscombe Point Campground, children can observe farm animals. A camper shared, "The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture... Would be a delightful site for small children to watch animals (cows, pigs, sheep) once they are trained not to step on the numerous cow pies."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At James Island County Park, experienced RVers recommend specific locations. "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."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds have challenges with level sites. One Oak Plantation camper noted, "Our site had a concrete pad but the concrete pad was broken up into large pieces of concrete which makes it hard to level."
Amenity access: Most Charleston campgrounds offer full hookups, though quality varies. "Nice RV Site if you are visiting Charleston, South Carolina. The site is very hot due to no trees. Currently the restrooms and showers are down, so you need to have a self contained unit," advises an RV camper from Foster Creek RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent-only camping options in Charleston, SC?
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?
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?
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?
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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