Camping near Edisto Island, South Carolina offers both oceanfront and woodland settings with sites ranging from primitive to full-hookup options. Located in the ACE Basin (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers), the area features diverse ecosystems including saltwater marshes, maritime forests, and tidal creeks. Winter camping provides more availability with temperatures typically between 45-65°F, though summer remains the most popular season despite high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to Do
Beach shelling excursions: At Hunting Island State Park Campground, visitors find exceptional shelling opportunities during low tide. "Just a short walk to the beautiful clean beach with lots of shells. We hiked along the beach to the lighthouse," writes Erin, who recommends exploring the "boneyard" beach area for unique finds.
Farm-based camping: At Hanscombe Point Campground, campers can experience a working farm while enjoying marsh views. "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," explains Elisha. The farm location creates unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access, with Lake Aire RV Park providing on-site ponds. "Nice pond for fishing. About a 50-50 mix of long term campers and short term but no issues at all," notes Joe, highlighting the peaceful environment for anglers of all skill levels.
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Oak Plantation Campground receives praise for its generous spacing. "I stayed in a paved full hookup site P2 and, even though there were a fair amount of guests, they spread everyone out so I had no immediate neighbors," writes Taylor D., who appreciated the quintessential Charleston setting with moss-draped oaks.
Clean facilities: Campground at James Island County Park maintains exceptionally clean amenities. "Facilities were clean," mentions Bille W., while other reviews consistently note the well-maintained grounds and facilities. The park's commitment to cleanliness extends to recycling areas, which Taylor D. calls "really nice" since "almost no RV parks provide recycling."
Quiet, natural settings: The primitive camping area at Hanscombe Point Campground provides solitude for those seeking peace. "This campground was beautiful. The sites are fairly close together but they are spacious and the wooded area makes you feel like it's your own little spot," writes one camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
What You Should Know
Seasonal insects: No-see-ums and sand gnats can be problematic, especially in marshy areas. "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," notes Elisha about Hanscombe Point, while adding that "the other camp sites in the woods are right by the marsh, which was pretty, but the bugs love it!"
Hurricane recovery impacts: Some campgrounds still show evidence of hurricane damage. At Hunting Island State Park Campground, Neil T. observed: "Glancing through the reviews, I can definitely see where July stays could be less enjoyable because of the weather." Visitors should check current conditions before booking.
Traffic considerations: Several campgrounds note traffic challenges. One camper at Oak Plantation noted: "The highway and downtown Charleston is a left turn out of the entrance, but put your patient hat on and hope for the patience of the other drivers." Allow extra travel time during peak periods.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly activities: Tuck in the Wood Campground offers family amenities near Beaufort. "This campground has a nice playground for the kids along with a super duper water slide," reports Terri M., adding "It's convenient to all shops, grocery stores, parks, restaurants, etc. This is where my grandkids want to go every year."
Biking options: Edisto Beach State Park offers excellent biking for families. "This campsite is perfect for riding bikes around," says Aimee M., while other reviewers mention the paved trails throughout the park that connect camping areas to beaches and activity centers.
Group camping setup: Some campgrounds accommodate multiple families easily. At Tuck in the Woods, Liz K. reports: "Had a great time with friends at Tuck in the Woods. We were 12 adults, 3 kids, and 4 dogs and fit in 2 campsites with lots of room to spare." The campground's layout works well for families traveling together.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Campground at James Island County Park, experienced RVers recommend specific site numbers. "Best sites looked to be the 40s and 50s," notes Greg S., who appreciated the spacious sites but mentioned limited privacy in some areas. This large facility spreads campers out to maximize comfort.
Wildlife precautions: Multiple campgrounds report issues with small wildlife. One camper at Lake Aire noted: "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." This preventative measure protects equipment, especially during warmer months.
Leveling challenges: Some older campgrounds have uneven sites requiring careful setup. At Oak Plantation, one camper reported: "Our site had a concrete pad but the concrete pad was broken up into large pieces of concrete which makes it hard to level." Bringing extra leveling blocks helps address this common issue.
