Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion draw campers to Cross, South Carolina year-round with water temperatures averaging 75°F during summer months. These interconnected lakes form part of the Santee Cooper Lakes system, covering over 170,000 acres of freshwater habitat. Fall and winter camping offers quieter conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 40-65°F between November and February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Blacks Camp and Restaurant, you'll find guide services for both fishing and hunting. "It's a fishing destination, and there are also guide services for fishing and hunting if you want some help," reports Myron C.
Kayaking and canoeing: Hill's Landing & RV Park provides access to the Diversion Canal connecting both lakes. "This spot is perfectly situated between the two on a tributary of a slow-moving waterway dubbed Diversion Canal that connects the two," according to Stuart K., who notes you'll catch "striped bass, channel catfish and Bream."
Boating: Launch your boat at one of the multiple ramps in the area. "If you have a boat and want to get out on the water, do it early before the long line takes you at least an hour of waiting," recommends Stuart K. about Rocks Pond Campground, which offers its own gas pump that doesn't "gauge you on the price of gasoline."
What campers like
Direct lake access: Waterfront sites at Angels Landing Campground allow camping steps from Lake Moultrie. "We enjoyed our site very much. It was on the creek and we were right across from the restrooms and the store and the restaurant," says Lisa, who appreciated the convenience of lakeside camping.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas and pools. "The pool is awesome," notes Aubrey S. about Angels Landing Campground, providing an alternative to lake swimming during hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing: The lakes support diverse wildlife habitats. At Bells Marina & Resort, Francisco W. reports "I was able to watch wildlife every day, from white herons to bald eagles." Morning hours offer the best viewing opportunities along shorelines.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Many campgrounds feature sites in close proximity. "The sites remind me of the gated communities in which the houses are on top of each other," explains Myron C. about Angels Landing, while noting the convenient "spacious" shower stalls in the bathhouse.
Military restrictions: Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner is limited to specific groups. "Heads up you must be military to stay here," warns Jenny, while Justin R. notes "Recent changes allow active military to stay maximum of 30 days per year."
Boat traffic considerations: Waterfront sites may experience boat-related activity. "Because people anchor their boats anywhere they please, this means people were driving their golf carts all over our campsite day and night," reports Aubrey S., indicating some waterfront sites lack privacy barriers.
Seasonal crowds: Holiday weekends bring larger crowds. "During the holiday weekend I was there, because there is not a whole lot of cover/shade/trees, noise carries," Stuart K. explains about Rocks Pond Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Many campgrounds offer dedicated fishing areas for children. "There's a fishing pier, a dedicated fish pond and even a smaller pond that is just for the kiddos," Stuart K. mentions about Rocks Pond Campground & Marina.
Playground access: Santee Lakes KOA provides recreational options beyond water activities. "Great playground along the shore," notes Molly F., who visited with a 37' travel trailer and found the "nice spot for swimming" beneficial for families.
Pet-friendly requirements: Dog friendly campgrounds near Cross generally require leashed pets. "The campground was clean and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dogs had a blast on the trails and finding a little hidden beach!" reports stefny A. about Short Stay Navy Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Keep children supervised near water. "We love camping at Short Stay. The only downfall is the geese. They leave a mess everywhere," Jessica S. warns, suggesting families should be prepared for wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Check site specifications when booking. "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not," explains Molly F. about camping at Santee Lakes KOA with a 37' travel trailer.
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds better accommodate larger rigs than others. "The first site they tried to put me in was a 'premium' site overlooking the lake. Beautiful site, but not nearly big enough for my 37' travel trailer," Ryan D. notes about Cypress View Campground at Santee State Park.
Electrical hookup options: Most campgrounds offer various amperage options. "They have decent wifi and a pretty well stocked camp store," reports Thom C. about Short Stay, which includes "full hook-up" sites along the lake.
Seasonal availability: Cedar Cross RV Campground requires longer commitments. "I sent an email checking on one night availability and the response from Erin was 'We only do monthly rentals,'" Nicole T. shares about this dog-friendly option near Cross.
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