J
Josh J.
Scout
ScoutHalfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Can’t camp in this location
No camping signs all over the place and the old sites are now fenced off
Camping near Cross, SC
80 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
The camping landscape around Cross, South Carolina centers on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, with several lakefront campgrounds offering water access and recreational opportunities. Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations directly on Lake Moultrie's shores, while Blacks Camp and Restaurant offers similar options with marina facilities. Santee Lakes KOA, located approximately 20 miles northeast of Cross, features glamping options alongside traditional camping, and Cedar Cross RV Campground provides dedicated RV sites on Lake Marion's southern shore.
Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though summer brings higher occupancy rates and increased boat traffic on the lakes. Campsites with water views typically fill first, especially during fishing tournaments and holiday weekends. One camper shared, "Once you successfully navigate all of the backroads past Lake Marion and directly on the shores of Lake Moultrie, you'll eventually find Johnston Landing, which is set off immediately by what looks to be a small bayou." Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat launch access at some campgrounds. Cell service remains generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may weaken in more remote camping areas.
The camping experience near Cross predominantly revolves around water recreation and fishing opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the excellent fishing conditions, particularly for catfish, with Lake Marion known for state fishing records. Campgrounds like Lake Marion Resort & Marina cater specifically to anglers with amenities including fishing docks, boat ramps, and fish cleaning stations. While most sites offer electric and water hookups for RVs, tent campers will find dedicated areas at several campgrounds. A visitor noted that "Hill's Landing RV Park has 60 sites with hookups for both tent and RV camping." Proximity to water means mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months, and campers should prepare accordingly. The region's mild winter climate makes off-season camping comfortable, with fewer crowds and continued access to fishing and water activities.
Best Campgrounds near Cross (80)
1. Angels Landing Campground
"Super friendly staff, great location, waterfront camping and I can bring my boat. We had a great time. The problem is all the annual residents don’t follow their own rules."
"Several businesses nearby usually have workers who lunch there regularly. There is a boat launch, and bait and tackle shop adjacent to the restaurant."
2. Santee Lakes KOA
"This 25 acre campground is tucked in on the North side of Lake Marion in SC. Great staff friendly and helpful. I'll will be back"
"This is a picturesque campground just across Lake Marion from Santee SC with water views and beautiful sunsets."
3. Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner
"Short-stay is a beautiful camp right on Lake Moultrie a short distance from Charleston, SC."
"The campsites aren't huge, but you can fish and the scenery is great with the sites right against the lake."
from $21 - $630 / night
Check Availability4. Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
"There were not too many people camping during our visit, but it could be that not many people want to stand the South Carolina heat! Either way, it made the visit quiet."
"We were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind."
5. Bells Marina & Resort
"This lakeside campsite, perfectly nestled on the water, delivered stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that made our getaway unforgettable."
"I am on the lake and get to kayak or fish whenever I want. Lastly, this is a historical site. It is located in Eutawville."
from $75 - $999 / night
Check Availability6. Taylor's Landing
"My experience with Taylor's Landing was just when the doctor ordered it was everything that I needed quiet great fishing all around I highly recommend it"
7. Hill's Landing & RV Park
"Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park. Restaurant has amazing food! Highly recommend for fishing!"
from $60 / night
Check Availability8. Cedar Cross Campground (Monthly Only)
"Situated on 8 acres, there is plenty of room for everyone here. Take your boat, go fishing, go hiking, there is SO much to do and explore. Check them out and leave them a review here!"
from $440 / night
Check Availability9. Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins
10. Rocks Pond Campground & Marina
Drive Time
- 46 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 10 min from Sumter, SC
- 1 hr 23 min from Florence, SC
- 1 hr 25 min from Columbia, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Cross, SC
145 Photos of 80 Cross Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins
Hill's Landing & RV Park
Angels Landing Campground
Bells Marina & Resort
Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner
Santee Lakes KOA
Palmetto Shores RV Resort
The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State ParkK
Givhans Ferry State Park Campground
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Parkc
Outside Inn Campgroundt
Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
Recent Reviews near Cross, SC
530 Reviews of 80 Cross Campgrounds
Stacey R.
TravelerBuck Hall Recreation Area
Great location for Shrimping
Most campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
- Stuart K.
LegendTaylor's Landing
Off The Beaten Path
You’ll find this hidden campground VERY far off the beaten trail (and trust me, this trail is as beaten up a road as you’ll find just about anywhere in South Carolina, so you'll want to drive down the lane here SLOW) on the easternmost side of Lake Marion off Ferguson Landing in southeastern part of the great Palmetto State. Given its direct access to Lake Marion, the place gets high marks for its location, but lower marks for overall upkeep and the basic downtrodden nature of the place. You’ll be impressed by the shallow water access and boat launch here, where you’ll have to maneuver around scores of submerged Cypress trees, which makes for quite the enchanting entry to Lake Marion, which if you weren’t aware, offers up 315 miles of shoreline, spans 110,000 square acres or 174 square miles and is the largest lake in South Carolina.
That said, IMHO Taylor’s Landing could use a serious bit of refurbishment and grooming, including the grounds themselves, which were quite overgrown when we stopped by. There is a general store of sorts on-site that sells sundries, ice and most camping needs as well as providing propane tanks for sale. Overall, this place is built more for the RV’ing crowd, although they do offer a few places for tent campers, but don’t offer much in terms of amenities. There was a communal dog area that was pretty worn down right near the area designated for tent camping, which given that most of the dog owners didn’t take their dogs for a walk, the smell emanating from this area was enough for us to decide not to camp here for the night. The entire CG is wide open without any benefit of shade or privacy between sites, although the perimeter has a nice treeline.
Insider’s tip? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a history buff, then you’ll be lured nearby to discover the Sunken Ghost Town of Ferguson, which was once a Congaree Indian Village, which we could access with our kayaks to explore; (2) There is a sandy beachhead that you’ll discover on one of the few trails you’ll come across here at Taylor’s Landing; (3) From an entertainment standpoint, this CG does offer up some interesting creative options during different times of the year – when we were there during the latter part of October, they offered up a ‘Trail of Terror’ for Halloween; (4) If you want to get your hike on, right nearby is Santee Cooper Nature Trail, which makes for some relative easy-to-modest hiking; (5) There’s nothing out in these parts, so if you want to grab a bite to eat, you’ll need to head back to Eutawville where there’s a few mom & pop joints like Tricia’s Café, Sweatman’s BBQ and Casters at Bells; (6) The fishing dock here is solid and offers great opportunity to reel in largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, crappie and panfish like bluegill; and (7) The best asset here at Taylor's Landing is the fairly EZ to access boat launch that will have you in Lake Marion in no time flat, whether you have a motorized boat or a simple kayak or canoe.
Overall, Taylor's Landing could be a nice place, just in dire need of some upgrades and overall maintenance.
Happy Camping!
Natalie T.TravelerMount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
One of the best!
We 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.
Thomas B.
RangerBlack Pearl Farms
Pleasant Farm Stay
Mike was proactive wirg communication and extremely easy to work with. Clear instructions and a unique assortment of goodies in the farm store. We enjoyed exploring the land too!
- mmari S.
GuideRemleys Point Public Boat Launch
No overnight here
Beautiful site at boat ramp but singns everywhere no camping no overnight
RennScoutTaw Caw Campground and Marina
Great getaway on the lake
This 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.
GREGG H.ScoutOutside Inn Campground
Excellent stop for overnight
Staff very friendly. Clean bathroom and showers. Farm animals around property and free eggs when available.
- BBarbara S.Guide
Campground at James Island County Park
Busy but fun!
We 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.
Guide to Cross
Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie form the backbone of camping sites near Cross, South Carolina. These connected lakes provide 450 miles of combined shoreline with water levels that can vary by 2-4 feet seasonally. Camping facilities range from military-restricted areas to family-friendly resorts with full amenities, with most campgrounds maintaining wireless internet access for visitors.
What to do
Fishing excursions: At Bells Marina & Resort, anglers target trophy bass in the peaceful cove. "I even caught a trophy-sized bass that made my week," reports Francisco W., who also enjoyed watching "white herons to bald eagles" during his stay.
Water activities: Boat rentals and kayaking options provide access to both lakes. At Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner, visitors appreciate the waterfront amenities. "Short-stay is a beautiful camp right on Lake Moultrie a short distance from Charleston, SC... the main attraction is huge Lake Moultrie. Great for fishing, swimming, camping, RV, and much more," notes Thom C.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to spot local birds and animals. "I have visited beautiful camp sites but had a horrible time because I was treated poorly. At Bells Marina and Resort, I am treated like family," writes Ronald C., who enjoys kayaking and fishing from his lakeside site.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers rate highly with visitors. "The campground was clean and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dogs had a blast on the trails and finding a little hidden beach!" shares stefny A. about Short Stay Navy Outdoor facility.
Reliable staff assistance: Multiple reviews praise helpful check-in procedures. At Santee Lakes KOA, staff receive consistent praise: "We were impressed from our very first contact. They have a check in station at the gate so you don't even have to get out of your vehicle. Then they have people on golf carts take you to your site," according to stefny A.
Food options: On-site restaurants provide convenient dining. "Ordered pizza and had it delivered to the campsite! Nice touch!" reports Molly F. about Santee Lakes KOA, which sits approximately 20 miles from Cross.
What you should know
Spacing limitations: Some campgrounds position sites very close together. At Angels Landing Campground, one visitor noted: "The sites remind me of the gated communities in which the houses are on top of each other and you can stick out your hand and shake the neighbor's hand through the window."
Military restrictions: Access limitations apply at certain facilities. "Heads up you must be military to stay here," warns Jenny about Short Stay Navy Outdoor, which limits active military stays to 30 days per year.
Seasonal demand: Lake access sites fill rapidly during summer months. Expect traffic during fishing tournaments and weekends. "Summer stay - Beautiful, clean, friendly and helpful staff! Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park," reports Cathy P. about Hill's Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Child-specific amenities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. The Santee Lakes KOA features "a nice playground along the shore," plus "a nice spot for swimming" according to Molly F., making it suitable for children.
Water safety considerations: Boat traffic increases on weekends and holidays. "The swim boundary line" at some lake swimming areas may have motorboats operating nearby during busy periods.
Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome dogs with minimal restrictions. At Cypress View Campground, Jason F. notes it's "Very pet friendly" while offering "a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven spots at some locations. "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not," shares Molly F. about her 37' travel trailer at Santee Lakes KOA.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but sewer connections vary. At Cedar Cross RV Campground, the 15 sites spread across 8 acres provide ample space between neighbors. "Situated on 8 acres, there is plenty of room for everyone here," notes Ashley F.
Pull-through access: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles more easily than others. "We have a 37' travel trailer. Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work," according to one Santee Lakes KOA visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cross, SC?
What camping is available near Cross, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cross, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 80 campgrounds and RV parks near Cross, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cross, SC?
Which is the most popular campground near Cross, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cross, SC is Angels Landing Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cross, SC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cross, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Cross, SC.
Keep Exploring