Jane C.
Scout
ScoutSantee Lakes KOA
Santee Koa
Great service .Tent camp here every year .
Camping near Cordesville, SC
68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping opportunities near Cordesville, South Carolina range from developed campgrounds to dispersed sites within the Francis Marion National Forest. The Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA and Charleston KOA offer cabin accommodations alongside traditional RV and tent sites, with full hookups and resort-style amenities. For more primitive experiences, Halfway Creek Primitive Camping in the national forest provides free dispersed camping in a natural setting approximately 10 miles from Cordesville. Buck Hall Recreation Area, located along the Intracoastal Waterway, features both tent and RV camping with direct water access.
Summer humidity and insects significantly affect camping comfort in this coastal region. Most campgrounds remain open year-round due to the mild climate, though spring and fall offer more comfortable temperatures. "We kayaked along the intercoastal waterway and out into marshy sea grass areas and had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters to date," noted one visitor at Buck Hall Recreation Area. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly during warmer months, with several reviewers mentioning their prevalence throughout the forest. The majority of developed campgrounds provide water and electrical hookups, while dispersed camping areas require self-sufficiency. Many camping areas near water bodies offer boat ramps or launches, making them popular with anglers and water enthusiasts.
Several visitors highlighted wildlife viewing opportunities as a standout feature of camping in this region. Francis Marion National Forest camping areas provide access to hiking trails including segments of the Palmetto Trail, which crosses South Carolina. Water-based recreation features prominently in camper reviews, with fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation mentioned frequently. Campers report sightings of dolphins, alligators, and various bird species, particularly at waterfront locations. The proximity to Charleston (approximately 30-45 minutes) makes these camping areas convenient base camps for exploring both natural areas and urban attractions. Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner and Military Park Joint Base Charleston also provide camping options for military personnel and veterans, offering additional choices in the region between Georgetown and Charleston.
Best Campgrounds near Cordesville (68)
1. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
"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."
"Lots of places close by to eat at but this feels so tucked away all at the same time."
from $68 - $300 / night
Check Availability2. Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner
"Short-stay is a beautiful camp right on Lake Moultrie a short distance from Charleston, SC."
"The campsites aren't huge, but you can fish and the scenery is great with the sites right against the lake."
from $21 - $630 / night
Check Availability3. Charleston KOA
"It is clean and close to shopping and close enough to Charleston which is full of history with lots of touristy things to do."
"This KOA is located 30-45 minutes from the city, if you have to be closer to the north area for family or just cause Charleston has limited availability for RV’s , this is the place."
4. Campground at James Island County Park
"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."
from $38 - $219 / night
Check Availability5. Francis Marion National Forest
"Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."
6. Buck Hall Recreation Area
"We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out."
"They have a couple of nature walks. Close to Charleston, SC."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability7. Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping
"Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves."
8. Foster Creek RV Park and Villas
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
9. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
"The campground is located near the golf course and outdoor recreation center, providing close access to golfing, soccer golf, disc golf, a climbing wall, and archery range."
"The campground is well kept with under 100 slots, it has an adjacent park, tennis and basketball courts. Next to both a frisbee and a nice golf course."
from $23 / night
Check Availability10. Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Drive Time
- 41 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 23 min from Sumter, SC
- 1 hr 31 min from Myrtle Beach, SC
- 1 hr 32 min from Florence, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Cordesville, SC
139 Photos of 68 Cordesville Campgrounds
Matthew S.
Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner
Ethan B.
Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Adam V.
Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping
Dave A.
Honey Hill Recreation Area
Erin S.
Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
Alex R.
Honey Hill Campground
Maethea R.
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
Eric K.
Buck Hall Recreation Area
Stuart K.
Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins
Luke A.
Angels Landing Campground
Samantha H.
Caper's Island
Stuart K.
Hill's Landing & RV Park
Recent Reviews near Cordesville, SC
514 Reviews of 68 Cordesville Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendHarry's Fish Camp
A True South Carolina Fish Camp Experience
If you're looking for a rustic RV depot on the water's edge with limited amenities, but an absolutely pristine view of Lake Marion, Harry's Fish Camp is a great spot, as long as your expectations are managed, as this is more of an outdoor fishing paradise than it is a polished RV resort. So if your idea of the perfect camping trip starts with launching the boat before sunrise, spending the day chasing trophy catfish and striped bass on the legendary Lake Marion and returning to camp for a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the water, you'll feel right at home. Tucked away in the quiet community of Pineville, Harry's is one of those classic Santee Cooper fish camps that has earned its reputation through generations of anglers rather than flashy marketing. The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic and refreshingly unpretentious.
The campground caters to both RV campers and anglers, offering full-hookup RV sites, bathhouse facilities, showers, laundry, a dump station and pet-friendly accommodations. The real stars, however, are the waterfront amenities: two boat ramps, four fishing piers, a fish-cleaning station with running water and electricity, a well-stocked tackle shop and convenient boat storage. There's also a sandy swimming beach nearby with a designated swimming area for families looking to cool off after a day on the water. While the campground isn't luxurious, it delivers exactly what its guests come for: easy access to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Southeast.
Harry's location places you in the heart of the famed Santee Cooper lake system, encompassing more than 170,000 acres of world-class fishing and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, catfish, crappie or striped bass, you're launching directly into one of the country's premier freshwater fisheries. Birdwatchers and paddlers will also appreciate the surrounding cypress swamps and quiet backwaters. If you need supplies, Billy's General Store is just a short drive away for fuel, groceries and last-minute essentials, while Harry's own restaurant is well known locally for its fried catfish and traditional Southern cooking.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) Arrive early if you're planning to launch a boat during peak fishing weekends as this place turns into a 'traffic jam' on the water from 8am onwards; (2) If available, request one of the waterfront campsites for easy access to the marina and beautiful sunrise views; (3) Bring plenty of bug spray during the warmer months as mosquitoes can be incredibly active around the marshes; (4) Don't leave without trying the fried catfish dinner at Harry's restaurant ... trust me, it's part of the whole experience while staying here; (5) If you're bringing your own boat, take advantage of the on-site fish-cleaning station before heading home; and (6) If you're visiting for several days, consider hiring one of the area's experienced fishing guides to learn the seasonal patterns of the Santee Cooper lakes.
Happy Camping!
Lucinda P.ScoutLake Aire RV Park
Avoid Lake Aire Campground!
My husband had a course to take in the Charleston area and we booked Lake Aire Campground from June 15- 20 while he attended that course. What a disappointment Lake Aire CG turned out to be. The two designated dump stations were not working therefore two RV sites were set up for that. Neither of them were easy to get to upon leaving the campground. The bathrooms were not that clean, nor was the laundry facility. We don't use the showers, etc. on site, but we judge the way a campground is run on whether these facilities are kept clean and tidy. According to the full-time resident next to our site, the washers and dryers are often out of order. The pool was not open either. We couldn't wait to leave and did so a day early. Lake Aire in general is run-down and in need of better management.
- MMaggie C.Legend
edisto state park
Beachfront camping
The beach campground has Nice campsites just behind the dunes. State park staff are very responsive and so kind. Access to the beach is ADA approved with the blue access mats. You can also drive your gold cart to the beach to set up your stuff. Bathrooms are clean and showers are hot! No shade at most of the sites and it is very windy here.
- LLisa W.
GuideEdisto Beach State Park Campground
Beach Campground -- It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!
This is our absolute favorite campsite of all time! It is very private and secluded, but right around the corner from the beach. It is for tents and small campers only, as we barely had enough room to get our pop up backed up in the site with the truck. The site slopes up, evens out, and then slopes right back down to the fire ring and picnic table. Our pop up is a 10-foot box and it was just enough room to get it on the level spot without sloping one way or the other. It was also just wide enough for our awning to be set out with a little room to walk around. Once situated, there is plenty of room at the picnic table and fire ring to sit around and park bikes, etc.
There is plenty of shade and you can hear the waves crashing on the beach. The site also has water and electric hookups, but we try to bring our own water since you can still taste the salt. It is so relaxing!
This is on the Beach Campground and the only problem we noticed it is that the outdoor shower for washing off sand from the beach has low visibility because it is on the road side of the bathhouse and not the beach side. The result is people clogging up the showers with sand because they don't even see the outdoor shower in some cases.
The park has some amazing nature trails to bike and hike as well as a nice educational nature center.
We always enjoy our stay here and will definitely continue to book here as long as we can.
- Becky B.Scout
Bells Marina & Resort
Loving the Gators
It's been an amazing trip. Got to see a alligator for the first time in my life. It was awesome. The staff was awesome,had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature
Cheryl D.ScoutThe Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
Beautiful
Great spot. Beautiful views. Lots of shade. Spot 57 would be hard to park in with a trailer due to having to climb the embankment a bit.
- TTroli R.Guide
FamCamp Joint Base Charleston S.C
Nice place a smidge confusing
There are actually TWO bases here - the air base and the weapons station. We stayed at the air base but also visited the weapons station for some recreation.
Air base: close to downtown Charleston; great price for the amenities provided ($45 per night for full hookups - electric, water, and sewer); power/water pedestal was nice; shower and laundry facilities on site; all sites fairly level and mostly shady; playground, sand volleyball, golf, and indoor climbing wall within walking distance; beautiful trees, etc. All the normal base amenities, including bowling alley (check out galactic bowling if you have kids).
Staff was helpful. Camp host was… vigilant, but not super considerate with his leaf blowing pollen plumes around breakfasters.
Did not have pool. Fine.
DOES NOT HAVE FIRE RINGS. Or a grill. That was a disappointment. You can BRING a fire ring. But of course no open burning.
Also, the sites are a smidge close together. But not overly so. Ask for a perimeter site and not a middle pull through if you're looking for a little extra green space between. (Not sure if they'll honor that or not.)
The weapons station also has an RV park. (Forgot to look and see if they have fire rings.) If you are a trail runner or hiker or similar, this is the one you want to go to. There's an excellent trail system right off the RV park. The air base did not. They have plenty of sidewalks to run but no trails. However, if you're there to see Charleston, you want to stay at the air base. The weapons station is further away from downtown.
As other reviewers have said, these options are both on military bases and require an ID to access.
- RReed B.Scout
Remleys Point Public Boat Launch
NOT an overnight camping spot
Clear signage indicating NO overnight parking allowed. Good spot for free day parking.
Guide to Cordesville
Primitive camping options near Cordesville, South Carolina primarily center around the Francis Marion National Forest, which encompasses over 258,000 acres of coastal forest ecosystem. The forest's average elevation is approximately 50 feet above sea level, contributing to significant flooding during heavy rain periods. Most dispersed camping areas remain accessible year-round but require preparation for hot, humid conditions and frequent thunderstorms during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and boating access: At Buck Hall Recreation Area, campers can launch directly onto the Intracoastal Waterway. "We spent three nights here as a base for our trips into Charleston. Park did have a boat ramp. There were only about 20 or so spaces so the campground was not huge," notes one visitor. The site provides water access for diverse watercraft with multiple launch points.
Military recreation activities: Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner offers specialized recreation options for military personnel. "Short-stay is a beautiful camp right on Lake Moultrie a short distance from Charleston, SC. They have descent wifi and an pretty well stocked camp store, but the main attraction is huge Lake Moultrie. Great for fishing, swimming, camping, RV, and much more," explains a reviewer. The recreation area includes boat and kayak rentals plus a swimming beach.
Palmetto Trail hiking: Free primitive camping at Halfway Creek provides access to the Palmetto Trail. "We love camping at Short Stay. The only downfall is the geese. They leave a mess everywhere. But otherwise the people are friendly, the rates are great, and it's nice to be right on the lake," mentions a camper. This location serves as a strategic point for hikers tackling sections of the statewide trail.
What campers like
Base camp convenience: James Island County Park receives praise for its strategic location. "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," reports one camper. Located 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, it serves as a convenient hub for regional exploration.
Affordable military accommodations: Military personnel appreciate Military Park Joint Base Charleston for its value. "This RV park was very clean and the base offered a good amount of amenities. There were about 5 tent sites and the rest RV sites. We stayed in site C and it flooded a bit in the rain but the other sites seemed to do fine," notes a visitor. Sites cost significantly less than nearby commercial options while providing security features.
Wildlife encounters: Campers frequently report diverse wildlife sightings. "This is a military-only campground on Charleston AFB. The campground is located near the golf course and outdoor recreation center, providing close access to golfing, soccer golf, disc golf, a climbing wall, and archery range," reports a visitor. Birdwatching opportunities abound with woodpeckers, egrets, and herons commonly spotted around campgrounds.
What you should know
Primitive facility limitations: At Halfway Creek Primitive Camping, amenities are extremely limited. "This is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest. Many hiker's heading to or coming from the Appalachian Trail will camp here in a beautiful setting underneath live oak trees," explains a reviewer. The site lacks toilets, potable water, and waste facilities requiring complete self-sufficiency.
Weather and insects: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with humidity above 80%. "We love this spot. Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike," notes one camper about Halfway Creek. No-see-ums and mosquitoes present year-round challenges with peak activity during April-October.
Security considerations: Some primitive sites report variable security conditions. "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," explains a camper at Halfway Creek. Law enforcement presence varies by location and season.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple camping areas provide swimming access. "The sites on the lake have full hook-up and there is a dump station for those that do not," mentions a visitor about Short Stay Navy Recreation Area. Families should pack water shoes due to oyster beds along many shorelines and bring personal flotation devices for children.
Activity planning: Families need to research site-specific amenities beforehand. "Great place for families. Not very secluded. It is pretty much one big open green space with tent sites circling in a loop around the green space," explains a camper at James Island County Park. Many facilities require advance reservations during peak seasons from March through October.
Educational opportunities: The nearby Sewee Visitor Center offers wildlife programs. "We actually missed it but would really like to take the time to do it if we ever get back," notes one camper about plantation activities near Charleston. The center houses endangered red wolves and offers ranger programs at scheduled times.
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: RV campers should consider site orientation carefully. "Most of the campers are there for work and are more permanent. Not super family friendly of a campground," explains a visitor about Charleston KOA. Leveling can be challenging at some locations due to coastal terrain.
Driving distances: RV travelers note varying travel times to attractions. "Cheap place to stay - temper your expectations. IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!" shares a reviewer about Foster Creek RV Park. Most sites require 20-45 minutes to reach major attractions.
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary significantly between sites. "All the spaces had water and electric. The showers were nice and tidy and the water pressure in the showers was great," notes a Buck Hall Recreation Area camper. Many primitive areas allow generator use during daytime hours only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cordesville, SC?
What camping is available near Cordesville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cordesville, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Cordesville, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cordesville, SC?
Which is the most popular campground near Cordesville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cordesville, SC is Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cordesville, SC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cordesville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Cordesville, SC.
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