68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Drayton, South Carolina cluster primarily around the greater Charleston area, providing access to coastal landscapes and inland forests. Oak Plantation Campground and James Island County Park offer established camping areas with full hookups for RVs, while several locations like Edisto Beach State Park provide cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent sites. Military personnel can access Joint Base Charleston's outdoor recreation center, which maintains dedicated camping facilities. Most developed campgrounds in the region support multiple accommodation types including tent camping, RV parking with hookups, and cabin rentals.
The camping season extends year-round in the Lowcountry region, with many campgrounds remaining operational through all seasons. Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures, while winter offers milder conditions favorable for outdoor activities. "The sites are roomy, the bathrooms have been recently updated and are very good," noted one camper about Oak Plantation Campground. Access to most established sites requires no special vehicles, though visitors should be prepared for occasional flooding during heavy rains. Traffic congestion can impact entry and exit at some campgrounds, particularly those along Highway 17 where left turns can be challenging during peak hours. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during spring and fall when weather conditions are optimal for coastal camping.
Shaded sites under oak trees draped with Spanish moss represent a distinctive feature of camping in the Charleston area, providing natural cooling during warmer months. Campground amenities vary significantly, with larger establishments offering swimming pools, dog parks, and on-site food options. A visitor to Oak Plantation observed, "Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other." Water access remains an important consideration, with some campgrounds providing boat launches or proximity to waterways. Wildlife viewing opportunities include coastal birds and small mammals, while some campgrounds back up to pastures or conservation areas. Sites farther from urban areas generally provide quieter experiences but may offer fewer amenities than those closer to Charleston's attractions and services.
"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 $43 - $269 / night
Check Availability"Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake."
"Plenty of trees and grass, a picnic area, a couple of hammocks, and lakes that host a large population of Muscovy ducks. These were fun to watch. They're quite tame and will come right up to you."
"Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."
"Close proximity to a lot of fun things to do."
"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones. "
"Minutes away from typical groceries or dollar stores. Self check in and check out. Only reason why it's not a full 5 stars is simply having to move cow droppings for set up. Definitely would go back!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."
"It is very private and secluded, but right around the corner from the beach."
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
TravelerWe were traveling with two large dogs and looking for a pet friendly site. This is a people friendly site so many game playing areas swimming pool and clean manicured lawns with a lake view on some sites.
GuideBeautiful site at boat ramp but singns everywhere no camping no overnight
GuideNice staff, within an hour to Charleston and Savanna.
ScoutThis is a great location, tucked away beautiful serene views and pretty well maintained. Bath house is clean with clean showers. It seems like most of the occupants are long term and everyone including the staff is very friendly. The waters are great for boating, fishing, and swimming. Tons of beautiful birds in this area. The site i got does not have sewage hookup but they can come by and pump out your tanks upon request.
GuideWe stayed here while attending the Highwater Music Festival. We brought our bikes, but it’s not safe to ride out if the campground to the festival or the beach, so we drove them to a spot outside of the grounds and then ride from there.
So much to do inside this campground and park! It was very busy, but we didn’t feel it was too loud - still plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature.
LegendIf 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!
ScoutMy 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.
LegendThe 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.
ScoutI grew up going to this campground every summer. It was and still is some of my favorite memories.
First of all, they have a water slide! The staff let us use it all day long. And there was never any other kids there. We got to keep it all to ourselves. Playground and volleyball area were a plus.
Pond/nature trail were cool. Bathrooms were always super clean and the staff were friendly and helpful.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been back (as an adult now with kids of my own). But I would say over twenty years it has stayed consistent in its performance.
If you’re looking for seclusion this is not the place to pick but the sites aren’t stacked right on top of each other either. Good for RVs and tents. Close to the beach and town.
Camping sites near Drayton, South Carolina offer year-round options with distinct seasonal conditions. The Lowcountry region features elevations averaging less than 100 feet above sea level, contributing to potential flooding issues during heavy rainfall periods. The area experiences mild winters with average temperatures between 45-65°F, while summer humidity typically exceeds 80% from June through September.
Water activities on Edisto Island: Edisto Beach State Park Campground provides access to both beach and marsh environments. "We had a magical time at Edisto. The Beach campground was just steps from the ocean. Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75. Shelling was incredible-especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide," notes one visitor. The park offers hiking and biking trails through maritime forest areas.
Military recreation options: Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center provides specialized activities for eligible service members. "This 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. A short walk away is the galley and a mile away is the gym." Visitors must present valid military ID for entry.
Fishing opportunities: Several area campgrounds maintain small lakes or ponds for fishing. Lake Aire RV Park features a fishing pond with resident ducks. One camper mentioned, "Nice place to walk the dogs. Nice pond for fishing. About a 50-50 mix of long term campers and short term but no issues at all."
Shaded sites under mature trees: Oak Plantation Campground features large oak trees with Spanish moss, creating natural cooling during hot months. A camper praised, "Lovely, large oaks with gray moss provide that quintessential Charleston/Savannah setting. There's a small pool, dog park, pasture with cows, and a play area. My favorite feature was the recycling area! Almost no RV parks provide recycling."
Beach proximity with added amenities: Campers appreciate James Island County Park for its diverse offerings beyond camping. "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."
Rural camping experiences: For those seeking a more rustic option, Hanscombe Point Campground provides a unique farm-based setting. "Very nice bucolic setting in the pine woods on the edge of a cow meadow. One very clean outhouse," writes one camper. Another adds, "Waking up to livestock outside your window grazing. They are so beautiful and the view from every angle is amazing."
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months, particularly at coastal sites. "Huge mosquitoes. May try back when it's cooler," noted one Edisto Beach visitor. At Hanscombe Point, a camper observed, "It was breezy so we didn't have any issues with 'no-see-ums' or 'sand gnats' but I would imagine on a still day they would be bad."
Traffic and access challenges: Many campgrounds in the area experience traffic congestion issues. At Oak Plantation, "The road in front of campground is extremely busy (Hwy 17) and I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out. It may take longer but worth your sanity."
Mixed occupancy considerations: Several campgrounds have both short-term and extended-stay residents. "About a 50-50 mix of long term campers and short term but no issues at all," reported one Lake Aire camper. At some locations, work crews maintain semi-permanent residence, which can affect the atmosphere.
Playground access: Most established campgrounds maintain play areas for children. At Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, "Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. We were also right beside the pool and playground area so it was convenient to walk over." The campground also offers water activities suitable for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy observing local wildlife. At Hanscombe Point, one visitor noted, "We stayed one night on site 5, which overlooks a large field where the cows roam. Our toddler loved having the freedom to run around in the wide open spaces and run over dried-up cow patties with his toy tractor."
Water park access: During summer months, James Island County Park offers water recreation options. A visitor described "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."
Site leveling considerations: Several campgrounds have challenges with level sites. At Lake Aire, one RVer mentioned, "Back-in spot was a little tight, but fairly level. We were very close to bathrooms that could have been cleaner but were handy." Oak Plantation campers noted, "Our site had a concrete pad but the concrete pad was broken up into large pieces of concrete which makes it hard to level."
Ant prevention: Oak Plantation campers should take precautions against insects. "We got a tip from a neighboring RVer to spray for small ants anywhere that the RV touches the ground so the ants won't crawl up and get in our RV as it did theirs. We promptly went to buy ant spray and never had a problem."
Site selection strategy: For optimal privacy and space, select sites carefully. At James Island County Park, experienced campers advise, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Drayton, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Drayton, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 68 campgrounds and RV parks near Drayton, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Drayton, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Drayton, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 62 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Drayton, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Drayton, SC.
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