Join the fun near Dorchester. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Dorchester is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your South Carolina camping adventure.
Enjoy the natural beauty of James Island County Park, with year-round fun for the entire family. Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, the 643-acre park offers an abundance of exceptional recreation offerings and natural beauty.
With the Campground and Cottages at James Island County Park, it has never been more convenient to explore historic Charleston and the Lowcountry. Come discover our history, charm, fine dining, antiques, plantations, parks, and sandy beaches. Just minutes from all of these attractions is your private retreat within the 643-acre James Island County Park.
$35 - $70 / night
For overnight accommodations, furnished cabins sit nestled in the woods for rent, as well as campsites which can be found along the Edisto Island oceanfront or in the shaded maritime forest. Wifi is also available in select areas, as well as bathrooms, showers, and electrical hookups in most campsites. In fact, 120 sites can accommodate RVs or tents, with 115 sites offering 50 amp electrical service.
Charleston is the meeting point for the heartbeat of history in one incredible area. Step into the charm of yesteryear and explore the past or enjoy the quiet serene nature of the park for a time of relaxation.
Lake Aire offers 35 acres of Charleston charm and is located just 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. The Park is an excellent base camp for one-day trips to local plantations, Ft. Sumpter, historic Charleston or Folly Beach. There are many points of interest and incredibly interesting attractions in the lovely Charleston area. You could spend several weeks exploring all the flavor and history that is Charleston.
Here are some of our favorite attractions: Downtown Charleston, The Charleston City Market, Fort Sumpter, Charles Towne Landing, Charleston Aquarium, Patriot’s Point, Magnolia Plantation, Middletown Place, Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Angel Oak, Caw Caw Interpretive Center & Events.
You'll know this campground is special the minute you drive through the entrance. Azaleas, oaks and loblolly pines give a signature touch to its Lowcountry charm. Nearby, the historic Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place feature beautiful gardens. Beat the summer heat at Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark (located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park). Attractions abound in lovely Charleston, where horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the historic harbor. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began, and the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Watch the skies for military/commercial planes - you might spot a Boeing 747 Dreamlifter. Bring a group - the campground has a great recreation building with a full kitchen and meeting facilities. An exciting addition is the family lodge - a fun home-away-from-home that sleeps up to eight people. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
While tent campers may use standard campsites, a designated walk-in tent camping area is available that includes tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, no power and centralized water. A vehicle parking lot is also provided. All walk-in tent sites are a short walk away from the designated parking lot and a short walk away from the ocean. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.
Camping Information: Two campgrounds are located at the northern end of the park near the ocean. One of the campgrounds provides individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft.; others up to 28 ft. Camping Reservations:
Hunting Island is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
Hunting Island is home to the historic Hunting Island lighthouse, built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is that it was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled should it ever need to be moved. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889.
Hunting Island State Park camping is available at 100 campsites with water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways and a playground. Hunting Island State Park camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights.
$23 / night
We have a 300 acre, working farm on Johns Island, SC. The campsite is adjacent to a saltwater creek. Each site has a picnic table. Many of the sites have fire pits. There is an outhouse. But no water or electricity. We have cows, pigs, water buffalo, any one of which may wander through.
$30 / night
Enjoy the natural beauty of James Island County Park, with year-round fun for the entire family. Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, the 643-acre park offers an abundance of exceptional recreation offerings and natural beauty.
With the Campground and Cottages at James Island County Park, it has never been more convenient to explore historic Charleston and the Lowcountry. Come discover our history, charm, fine dining, antiques, plantations, parks, and sandy beaches. Just minutes from all of these attractions is your private retreat within the 643-acre James Island County Park.
$35 - $70 / night
For overnight accommodations, furnished cabins sit nestled in the woods for rent, as well as campsites which can be found along the Edisto Island oceanfront or in the shaded maritime forest. Wifi is also available in select areas, as well as bathrooms, showers, and electrical hookups in most campsites. In fact, 120 sites can accommodate RVs or tents, with 115 sites offering 50 amp electrical service.
Charleston is the meeting point for the heartbeat of history in one incredible area. Step into the charm of yesteryear and explore the past or enjoy the quiet serene nature of the park for a time of relaxation.
Lake Aire offers 35 acres of Charleston charm and is located just 20 minutes from historic downtown Charleston. The Park is an excellent base camp for one-day trips to local plantations, Ft. Sumpter, historic Charleston or Folly Beach. There are many points of interest and incredibly interesting attractions in the lovely Charleston area. You could spend several weeks exploring all the flavor and history that is Charleston.
Here are some of our favorite attractions: Downtown Charleston, The Charleston City Market, Fort Sumpter, Charles Towne Landing, Charleston Aquarium, Patriot’s Point, Magnolia Plantation, Middletown Place, Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Angel Oak, Caw Caw Interpretive Center & Events.
You'll know this campground is special the minute you drive through the entrance. Azaleas, oaks and loblolly pines give a signature touch to its Lowcountry charm. Nearby, the historic Magnolia Plantation and Middleton Place feature beautiful gardens. Beat the summer heat at Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark (located within North Charleston Wannamaker County Park). Attractions abound in lovely Charleston, where horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the historic harbor. Tour Fort Sumter National Monument, where the Civil War began, and the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Watch the skies for military/commercial planes - you might spot a Boeing 747 Dreamlifter. Bring a group - the campground has a great recreation building with a full kitchen and meeting facilities. An exciting addition is the family lodge - a fun home-away-from-home that sleeps up to eight people. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 70 feet.
While tent campers may use standard campsites, a designated walk-in tent camping area is available that includes tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables, no power and centralized water. A vehicle parking lot is also provided. All walk-in tent sites are a short walk away from the designated parking lot and a short walk away from the ocean. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers.
Camping Information: Two campgrounds are located at the northern end of the park near the ocean. One of the campgrounds provides individual water and electrical hookups. Some sites accommodate RVs up to 40 ft.; others up to 28 ft. Camping Reservations:
Hunting Island is South Carolina’s single most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors a year, as well as a vast array of land and marine wildlife. Five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure.
Hunting Island is home to the historic Hunting Island lighthouse, built in 1859 and rebuilt in 1875 after it was destroyed during the Civil War. A unique feature of the lighthouse is that it was constructed of interchangeable cast-iron sections so it could be dismantled should it ever need to be moved. Severe beach erosion made it necessary to relocate the lighthouse 1.3 miles inland in 1889.
Hunting Island State Park camping is available at 100 campsites with water and electrical hookups, shower and restroom facilities, beach walkways and a playground. Hunting Island State Park camping reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights.
Guide
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.
ScoutSo I stayed during November and December. County and state parks are usually relatively and expensive although this one is more on the higher end. And coupled with the fact that they have a light show through the park. The traffic was incredible at night. I really think they should give a discount during this time of year because of the inconvenience of having to deal with the traffic.
LegendShould you be driving an RV, hitched to a 5th Wheeler or hauling a trailer, whatever your mobile camping experience might be, there’s 116 campsite options to choose from here at James Island Co Park, which offers both pull-through & back-in sites (maximum 80 feet), which provide a great launching pad to explore more than 643 acres of pure outdoor bliss offering perhaps one of the most expansive list of amenities and attractions (see more below). Once you arrive here at this RV Campground from James Island Parkway, you’ll pass the Ranger Station and will circumnavigate the circle-like exterior of the park until you arrive to this very CG, turn right and check-in at the main office, which also serves as the CG marketplace.
This RV Campground is basically the expanse of 2 lateral football fields with an east and west side, dissected on the east side by 3 simple short lanes and a restroom / shower / laundry facility located right in the middle. Over on the west side, there’s a single loop that isn’t dissected at all, but has a second, narrower loop on its northern flank, where hereto, a central restroom / shower / laundry facility has been plotted right in the middle of this circuitous loop.
RV Campground Amenities include: FHUs with 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage, 24-hour staffing, activity center, super-clean, new bathhouses and restrooms, designated dump station, complimentary WiFi, campground marketplace, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, stand-up grills / BBQs, fire rings, picnic tables, propane-refueling station, trash / recyclable containers, cottages available to rent as well as ice + firewood for sale.
Situated just north of where your RV is anchored is the Outdoor Zone featuring a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline that will have you and your brood enjoying these backwoods in no time. West of this Outdoor Zone is an 18-hole disc golf course and back towards the center of the park is a Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure, kid’s playground as well as a boat house with kayak, pedal boat and canoe rentals along with direct access to a small lake, round-trip shuttle service (to the nearby Convention& Visitor Bureau, Folly Beach Pier of Folly Beach County Park), Spray Play Waterpark, K9 park, crabbing & fishing dock, 16K acres of freshwater lakes, Santee Stage for live music and events, 4 individual group shelters and countless picnic tables in addition to 5+ miles of paved paths offering hiking / biking bliss.
Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are one of those RV campers that come towing a Jeep behind them or have somehow managed to transport a golf cart with you and find that the slot you’ve been given doesn’t adequately provide enough space for everything including your RV (let alone the additional transport you’ve brought) have no fear, as there’s substantial, additional parking that exists right in front of the Group Camping area, just due north of where you are stationed; (2) I found it hard to believe that with over 100 sites there was only 2 restroom / shower facilities and every time we tried to use the showers, there was a waiting line – so given this, timing is EVERYTHING as normally everyone is heading to get their showers first thing in the morning – so I highly recommend you either get up SUPER early or simply change your shower schedule to mid-afternoon or early evening; (3) In the event that you wanna try something other than what you’ve been whipping up from the confines of your on-board mini-fridge or roto-molded Cordova cooler, then nearby there’s mediocre fast food options like Zaxby’s or Bojangles, but if you’re OK to drive a smidge further, there’s a great joint called Bohemian Bull that’s one part restaurant / one part outdoor tavern of which I highly recommend the fried green tomatoes and bar-b-cuban sandwich; (4) Should you need to stock up on any supplies while here, there is the county park store over in the RV Campground, but for anything more substantial, just about 5 minutes south of this CG you’ll find a Walmart Supercenter; and (5) 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; along the westernmost side with sites #20, #21, #23, #24 and #26.
Happy Camping!
Traveler
This was one of the best experiences of our life. We are seasoned campers but this was our first Dyrt booking. The whole process was easy and clear. As millennials we appreciate the privacy and the fact that we didn’t have to call anyone or really deal with anyone. Waking up to cows/water buffalo was an added bonus. The host does an amazing job and provide amenities that really upgrade the primitive nature. Nice privy, campfire ring, picnic table. To the family that owns this place, thank you for allowing us to visit your property. This was a beautiful experience and we are so grateful you share this slice of heaven with us. Thank you. Coming again next week.
GuideSo much to do— quiet and family friendly. Bike rentals, dog park, fishing pond, laundry, water park, etc. Large corner lot with plenty of shade. 20 mins from Folly Beach! Will be back!
TravelerLoved the location, and it’s so fun waking up to cattle!
Traveler
Overnight stop, kinda tight getting off the 2 lane road into the entrance. Not too far from 95. Traffic was noisy as we had a spot right up front. Works for an overnight but nothing more.
ScoutHave yet to stay, only due to price. Looks like an awesome spot, especially considering the area. Currently, the monthly price begins at $ 1100. Again: haven't stayed yet solely to cost but it looks like a lovely, lowkey RV park. If anyone stays and loves it, please let me know!
GuideI stayed here for 4 nights and each one was different. The first night (Thursday) I was the only one there. Well, except for the Racoon who thought I was an easy mark for a meal. No such luck Rocky! The second night 1 other person came along. The sites are so big that we had a lot of privacy while still knowing someone was around if necessary. The 3rd night was Saturday and almost all of the sites were filled. Quiet, respectful and efficient seems to be the general behavior of campers here. The last night, it was just me and the other guy again. Don't be startled by the cows and donkeys who come to visit in the morning. There is an outhouse, but I don't use outhouses, so LNT and be aware that this is a working farm, the animals have the right of way. Oh yeah, a dolphin swam by in the inlet one morning. Took me by surprise!!!
Scout
We have stayed at this park many times. As the park has been for sale for the past five years, the owners are not putting any resources into the park. The park is looking old and not as maintained as in the past. The pool is very dirty and was not cleaned the whole three weeks we were there.(There was a black dirt ring around the pool edge the whole time). Staff(other than Cory) are not friendly at all. They do not wave when driving by in the golf cart, or greet you when you enter the office. The grass used to be beautiful grass. It is now mostly all clover so lots of bees. Cost is$70 a night with a Good Sam discount. One issue is if you are coming from US 17 eastbound, you will need to make a left-hand turn into the driveway through heavy traffic congestion. The sites are large and are not on top of each other. The park has full hook ups and has pull thru and back in sites. The sites are large and are not on top of each other. Our site had a concrete pad but the concrete pad was broken up into large pieces of concrete which makes it hard to level.
Scoutreally great spot to sit and stare at the marshland and take in the view of all the little crabs crawling around the banks of the water. We really enjoyed the peaceful camp after a long day at the beach. Nice way to beat the crowds on a memorial day weekend! Thanks for sharing the space and we look forward to going again
ScoutThis was the perfect place to set up camp for a night on our way to the beach, though we would’ve loved to stay longer. The arrival instructions were accurate and very helpful. The campground area was so quiet, and peaceful - a great place to disconnect.
Traveler
The north campground has much more shade and privacy than the south campground.
We enjoyed watching the bird life and being in easy walking distance to the beach itself. The camping area was quiet and clean even though very busy on a weekend. The beach itself was peaceful and lovely even on a somewhat rainy day. Traffic getting in and out of the park is pretty crazy, rushing by on a 4 lane road leading to Myrtle Beach. We enjoyed our 2 relaxing nights and look forward to a return trip sometime.
TravelerThe dunes, sea oats, sands, lighthouse in background, perfect waves!! My husband spent hours body-surfing, and we explored the interesting patterns the winds had made in the beautiful sands. Its a remarkable spot. The campground is somewhat smaller than some, and with limited shade; our site was fairly level for a small rig, but the natural beauty of this island more than compensates! The North Beach access was in easy walking distance. The Camp Host was especially helpful when I thought I lost my keys. Our only complaint was heavy local traffic driving there for late afternoon check-in. Great adventure and we will be back!!
ScoutBased on the coordinates, this is a private home. There is no contact information. Unless the Dyrt can verify that the owner allows overnight parking, it should be removed.
Scout
Ok.... So it was only $35 per night, so keep that in mind! IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School! Yes - the camp hosts are salty, as are some of the long term residents (like the people in the first spot on the right), but... It's $35! Spots are flat, full power and water, bathrooms MAY now be under construction, and the lady you book with in building across from the bowling alley is super sweet! 😁
Ranger
A lovely visit at the Herd it Hear Farm for our first time boondocking. Tilley (our pup) was very concerned with the cows and horses.😂Especially Eddie the mini-donkey that startled her right by the door of the camper this morning. We also timed our visit perfectly as we got to watch the spring shearing of the alpacas. Be sure to check out the little gift shop and check out the Alpaca stuff!
Make sure you follow the directions Bill sends. It would be near impossible to turn into the farm if you come from the west unless you have a van or very small camper. We had a 25' Airstream and there was no way I could have made the U-turn to get in.
Thank you to our wonderful hosts!🤩💕🐶
Ranger
This place is fine, really just a circle of sites with hookups in an open field. Pretty trees and sunsets!
GuideHISP has a pristine beach and well situated campground area separate from the public beach access area. Restrooms nice and clean with hot water in the shower. Washer/dryer set up as well and camp store is fully equipped and lots of souvenirs.
Campsite numbers are marked on electric boxes so kind of hard to see.
Guide
I was traveling south and wanted to see an old college buddy. Last minute booking. The campground and bathhouse was clean.
Traveler
Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake. There is a visitor/registration center as well as a store on the lake with many activities: boating, fishing, kayaking, biking, kids playground,walking trails, rental cabins. There is electric and water hookup at the sites and sewer and dumpster on exit. The facilities are centrally located and clean. There are variety of pull in and back in sites, as well as tent camping. Our visit here was peaceful, quiet and enjoyable. Will go back.
Traveler
The sites are quite large and lots of trees. The rangers are very helpful and the camp host was terrific.
Traveler
This is such a shame. I have always enjoyed going to Camelot Farms and have been every year for the past several years. I was initially excited to hear Camelot had opened back up the camping facilities and decided that although the price has increased 300% as compared to before the sale, I would continue my tradition of beach riding with my best friend. I contacted Gini Quade who had stated in several posts on FB to reach out and she could facilitate this trip. She also provided a number to call. I have called the number several times this week with no response. I then reached out again through text message and the message was read but no reply. Again, I tried calling only to find out I was provided the wrong number. I reached out yet again through FB to let Ms. Quade know that I was provided the wrong number and requested the correct number. Yet again the message was read with zero response. Unfortunately, the weekend has now arrived and STILL cannot get a response. I will be contacting management. Good luck to all of you who try to plan a trip. I hope you have much more success than I have had. This has been a very disappointing experience.
Scout
This place is very nearly paradise. It’s not a luxury campground, nor does it claim to be. It’s on the ICW with loads of great paddling just feet from your site. Because it’s on the water, it is buggy. Come prepared for that and you’ll be fine. I’ve stayed here four times and will keep coming back.
Traveler
Signage all over stating NO CAMPING
Guide
Stopped on the way to Maggie Valley NC. Nice half way spot from Fl. Full hookups available. Our 35 ft rv fit perfect in the spot. They are dirt/sand sites. The camp store wasn’t opened when we were there for the 1 night. Right beside a cow farm to look at. A fishing pond is available but the water was super murky. Everyone was friendly. Fire pit available. Would recommend. Super cool playground with an awesome swing. See video. 😊
Guide
Super cute family owned rv campground l. All the basics, no frills.. they do have plans on creating activities for the guest. 2 dog runs, fire pit, sand box for the kiddos. It is about 25 minutes off highway 95. Great stop for a 1 nighter on a trip. I would recommend.
Camping near Dorchester, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Dorchester, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to relax by the beach or explore the local area, you’ll find a spot that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dorchester, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dorchester, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 58 campgrounds and RV parks near Dorchester, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dorchester, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dorchester, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 56 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dorchester, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Dorchester, SC.
What parks are near Dorchester, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Dorchester, SC that allow camping, notably Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests and J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
