Santee State Park offers tent and RV camping across multiple campgrounds with 158 standard sites featuring water and electrical hookups. Sites range from $21 to $40 per night, with premium waterfront locations commanding higher rates. Unlike the glamping options, these standard sites require campers to bring their own equipment while providing basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. The park's shoreline campgrounds feature multiple bath houses with hot showers and flush toilets spaced conveniently throughout camping areas. During summer months, weekend reservations typically need to be secured 2-3 months in advance, while weekday availability remains more flexible even during peak season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rocks Pond Campground & Marina, anglers can access Lake Marion directly from dedicated fishing piers or boat launches. "This RV park is massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe... they also have basic toiletries and sundries in case you forgot something behind," notes one visitor. The campground provides fishing areas for all skill levels, including a dedicated pond just for children.
Geocaching adventures: While exploring the area, many campers enjoy hunting for geocaches along trails and shorelines. Multiple caches are hidden throughout the region, creating an engaging treasure hunt experience for visitors of all ages. Some caches require short hikes while others are accessible from main camping areas.
Horse trail riding: Lee State Park Campground offers equestrian facilities and dedicated horse trails for riders. "There are horse trails and stables if you ride horses," explains a regular visitor. The park maintains well-marked bridle paths through forests and fields, though campers should note that "if you have never stayed with horses you can not be prepared for the flyes. they were swarms of them."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: The Lakeshore Campground receives praise for its generous lakefront campsites. "This was a super spacious site with more than enough room for us to spread out and park our cars away from the site. This factor really helped... because its not often that you can get a lakefront view with lots of room to spread out," shares a family camper. Sites offer direct water access for launching paddle boards and kayaks.
On-site conveniences: Campers appreciate when parks offer unexpected services. At Santee Lakes KOA, "They deliver firewood and pizza. The pizza was excellent," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Ordered pizza and had it delivered to the campsite! Nice touch!" These small conveniences enhance the camping experience, especially after long days outdoors.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites around Gadsden provide chances to see native wildlife. One camper at Lee State Park notes they "Loved seeing the horses around the campsites." Others report spotting deer, armadillos, and various bird species throughout the region's parks.
What you should know
Variable bathhouse conditions: Bathroom facilities quality varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Palmetto Shores RV Resort noted, "Such a beautiful location but price doesn't match the upkeep. If you pay resort style prices (in which you do) you shouldn't have to work on shower heads in the bath house… Shouldn't be grime and rust built up in the stalls and shower."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Rocks Pond, a camper advises to "bring earplugs - it can get somewhat noisy at night." Similarly, at The Lakeshore Campground, a reviewer reported, "Our first night, a group of campers were very loud and rowdy until 12am. Then after the rowdiness calmed, their TVS were set on like the loudest kid show until 3am!!"
Booking timing: For yurt camping near Gadsden, South Carolina, reservations should be made well in advance, especially for weekend stays. During peak summer months (June-August), waterfront sites and specialty accommodations like yurts often book 3-4 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: The Lakeshore Campground provides safe swimming areas for young children. "The lake access had a beach area that the kids (3 and 1) loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs," reports a family camper.
Playground access: Several parks offer play areas for children. At Santee Lakes KOA, one visitor mentioned their "Nice campground on the water. Worth the upgrade to the lake front sites." Another specifically noted they had a "beautiful lake front site. Right by the playground. Really nice facilities."
Educational farm experiences: For a unique alternative to traditional camping or yurt stays near Gadsden, South Carolina, Crunchy Acres offers a 19-acre family farm experience. Visitors can "Come meet their chickens, goats, pigs, turkey, and rabbits! Rent go-carts or sit around the campfire with some s'mores."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. A visitor to Santee Lakes KOA noted, "Nice camping site off of I-95... The camping sites are nice, and some are level." Another camper mentioned, "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not."
Seasonal considerations: For those bringing larger rigs, some parks are more accommodating during off-peak seasons. One winter visitor to Santee State Park commented, "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore."
Trash services: Some campgrounds provide convenient trash pickup. A camper at Santee Lakes KOA appreciated that "Our trash was picked up every morning. Campsite, pool and laundry area was kept clean."
