Cabin camping near Darlington, South Carolina offers accommodations in an area known for its sandy soil and pine forests at elevations averaging 150 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity while winter nights drop to around 30°F. Most cabin rentals require advance booking at least 2-3 months ahead during NASCAR race weekends.
What to do
Lake activities: Fish, kayak, and canoe at Cheraw State Park Campground's lake. The park provides boat rentals during warmer months for visitors without their own equipment. A camper mentioned that "the trail around the lake is very pretty, and there are lots of things to do across the lake. (Boat rentals, playground, picnic areas, park office…)"
Golfing: Play a round at affordable rates near cabins. Cheraw State Park Campground maintains an 18-hole course with reasonable green fees. A regular visitor notes, "The golf course is excellent and price friendly. Easy to get to nearby towns if one chooses to get to civilization."
Hiking: Explore nature trails accessible from cabin areas. Several paths wind through pine forests and connect camping areas to recreational facilities. "There is a boardwalk that goes around a large portion of the lake that connects the campground with the beach area," reports one visitor, making it convenient to explore without driving.
What campers like
Privacy: Spacious sites with natural separation between cabins. Swamp Fox Campground offers larger sites with vegetation creating natural boundaries. A guest observed, "The grounds are well maintained and the sites are very large."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses near cabin areas. Many campgrounds feature recently updated restroom facilities with hot showers. One camper at Cheraw praised, "The bathrooms and showers were amazingly clean and they had a giant heater you can turn on over the showers when it's cold outside!"
Peaceful environment: Quiet settings away from highway noise. Standing Pines RV Resort & Campground provides a tranquil atmosphere for cabin guests. A recent visitor described it as having "grounds are clean, quiet, and surrounded by tall trees, which creates a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere while still being close to town."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter cabin stays require preparation. While cabins typically have heating systems, bringing extra blankets during colder months is recommended. A winter camper at Cheraw State Park noted, "Super cheap. We stayed four nights for under $100. 30/50 hookups and water. No sewer but very close dump station."
Cabin furnishings: Bring specific supplies based on accommodation type. Pedro's Campground at South of the Border offers basic cabins that may require additional items for comfort. Prepare accordingly as accommodations vary widely between properties, with one guest noting the campground is "clean and well-maintained, and there was a fence around the entire campground."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for weekend stays. Most cabin facilities fill quickly, especially during spring and fall. State parks typically open reservations 13 months ahead, while private campgrounds may have 6-month booking windows.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose cabins near recreational areas. Little Pee Dee State Park Campground provides family-friendly facilities. A visitor mentioned they offer "Horse shoe pit and corn hole. Fishing dock. Sandy fairly level sites. Bike and Canoe rentals."
Swimming options: Select cabin locations with water access. Several parks offer designated swimming areas during summer months. Though not all water features are suitable for swimming, as one camper noted about Little Pee Dee State Park: "The lake is absolutely beautiful, and one of my favorite things about this park. Part of the lake is from the Carolina Bay, and the coloring of the water is gorgeous."
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter hiking paths suitable for children. Many cabin areas connect to gentle nature walks designed for younger hikers. Multi-use paths often accommodate bikes and strollers for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Wi-Fi availability: Check connectivity options before booking cabins. Wateree Military Recreation Area offers internet options but not all campgrounds provide reliable service. A camper noted, "T mobile service doesn't work at all, but they have Wi-Fi hotspots for rent for $5 per day."
Cabin access roads: Scout entrance conditions, especially after rain. Some facilities have unpaved access roads that may become challenging in wet weather. A visitor to Little Pee Dee warned about the "Road to campground is horrible! Very narrow, trees hanging over it, dirt, but huge holes! Obviously needs to be graded."
Proximity to town: Consider distance to supplies when selecting cabin location. Florence RV Park cabins provide convenient access to urban amenities while other locations require bringing all supplies. One camper appreciated that it's "Great for a pull through spot right off I-95 while traveling! Campground is beautiful and clean, with a pond, park, large laundry room, and easy access dump station."
