Lake Marion dominates the camping landscape near Elloree, South Carolina, with water-based recreation serving as the primary attraction for visitors. The region maintains moderate temperatures through fall, winter, and spring, though summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80%. Camping options range from primitive sites to full-service resorts, with varying levels of shade and waterfront access across facilities.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling access: Taw Caw Campground and Marina provides direct lake access for small watercraft. "Bring your boat, Kayak or canoe and beach it at your campsite. Not all sites are water front so reserve them while they last," notes one camper who visits regularly.
Fishing opportunities: Catfish is the primary target for anglers on Lake Marion. "Great place to stay to fish boat or explore the lake. There's a little store on site. Boat ramp fuel and marina on site. Fishing pier to fish off," reports Briggs B. about the facilities at Taw Caw.
Nature trails: For visitors seeking land-based activities, Poinsett State Park Campground offers multiple hiking trails through diverse terrain. "The hiking/biking trails are fun too," reports Kennon H., who visited in March. Another camper notes, "I walked on some of the trails in the campground but didn't touch most of them. I definitely need to come back with a bike!"
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The wetland ecosystems around Elloree support diverse wildlife populations. "We saw several Deer, Armadillo and other wildlife," shares Alfred H. at Cypress View Campground. For firefly enthusiasts, Longleaf Campground offers a special experience. "We camped here to see the synchronous fireflies, and loved our stay! The fireflies were one of the most magical things I've ever seen!" reports Trina W.
Lakefront campsites: Direct lake access remains a top priority for many visitors. "Worth the upgrade to the lake front sites," suggests John K. about Santee Lakes KOA. Another camper adds, "We had a beautiful lake front site. Right by the playground. Really nice facilities."
Off-season quiet: Winter camping offers a less crowded experience with moderate temperatures. "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore," shares Mary G. about her experience at Cypress View Campground.
What you should know
Site limitations: Many campgrounds in the area have tight spacing between sites. At Poinsett State Park, one camper notes: "Our camper is 29 ft, with no slide outs and just an awning. There was no way to extend our awning, because the trees were too close. A slide out wouldn't have been able to open out."
Road conditions: Some access roads present challenges for larger rigs. "It's not easy to get in here with anything bigger than a full size pickup. The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes," warns Jason F. about Poinsett State Park.
Seasonal bugs: Summer brings significant insect activity, especially in wetland areas. At Longleaf Campground, visitors are advised to "prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go! The heat in June is also pretty bad, so having to go back and forth out to your vehicle to bring your stuff in and out is very difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children should prioritize sites near recreational facilities. At The Lakeshore Campground, Katherine found: "It was a super spacious site with more than enough room for us to spread out and park our cars away from the site. The lake access had a beach area that the kids loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs."
Group activities: Several campgrounds organize regular communal events. "We really enjoyed this park! There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" shares Jessie N. about Cypress View Campground.
Food service options: Some campgrounds offer on-site food service. "If you don't feel like cooking, order their awesome pizza, wings and they will deliver it to you by golf cart," mentions Georgia R. about Santee Lakes KOA.
Tips from RVers
Arrival assistance: RV campers appreciate the check-in process at some locations. "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 which is great! No need to drive around and find your spot," reports stefny A. about her experience at Santee Lakes KOA.
Site selection: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "The first site they tried to put me in was a 'premium' site overlooking the lake. Beautiful site, but not nearly big enough for my 37' travel trailer. They moved me immediately," shares Ryan D. about his stay at Santee Lakes KOA.
Hookup reliability: Most campgrounds offer full hookups, but quality varies. "The camping sites are nice, and some are level. Hookups are convenient, and work well," notes one RVer about their stay at Santee Lakes KOA.
