Jane C.
Scout
ScoutSantee Lakes KOA
Santee Koa
Great service .Tent camp here every year .
Camping near Elloree, SC
70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options around Elloree, South Carolina center primarily on Lake Marion, with several established campgrounds offering lakefront access. Santee State Park features two distinct camping areas—Cypress View and Lakeshore Campgrounds—providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with lake views. Additional options include Santee Lakes KOA, Palmetto Shores RV Resort, and Outside Inn Campground, all located within 15 miles of Elloree. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
The camping season extends year-round in this region, though summer brings higher temperatures and increased insect activity. Most campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with varying levels of additional amenities. "The bugs were massive. I probably could have been carried away by some of the horseflies I saw," noted one visitor about summer camping conditions at Poinsett State Park. Facilities range from basic to full-service, with state park campgrounds typically offering clean restrooms and hot showers. Cell service is generally available throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote sites. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Elloree area, with Lake Marion providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Campers consistently rate lakeside sites highly, particularly those at Santee State Park. "The lake access had a beach area that the kids loved to play at and there was no dangerous drop offs," reported one visitor about the Lakeshore Campground. For those seeking a quieter experience, Poinsett State Park offers more secluded camping with access to hiking and mountain biking trails. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated near prime bird-watching areas. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with those closer to Interstate 95 experiencing more road noise than more remote options.
Best Campgrounds near Elloree (70)
1. 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."
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. Poinsett State Park Campground
"It looks nothing like South Carolina as you enter the gates. After half a dozen ups and downs and right turns you find yourself in a clearing and a large parking lot, a lake and a ranger station."
"We recently visited South Carolina and after spending the weekend visiting nearby Congaree National Park, we opted to stay at Poinsett State Park for 4 nights in our Mercedes Sprinter campervan."
4. Outside Inn Campground
"This was our second visit to Outside Inn Campground and both times we stayed in the camper they offer as a rental."
"Unbelievable place to stay—from getting to feed the animals, the walking trails, the playground, Outside Inn is family friendly and our kids always have a blast!"
from $50 - $66 / night
Check Availability5. The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
"It was a super spacious site with more than enough room for us to spread out and park our cars away from the site."
"Peaceful, quiet place remarkably close to I-95."
6. Palmetto Shores RV Resort
"Our sites were right next to the highway, I will say though we did tune the noise out the longer we stayed (and drank)."
from $48 - $55 / night
Check Availability7. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
"Having been on the road for about three months before coming to Congaree, we were happy to arrive to such a quiet and tucked-away campground."
"We were at site 7, it took about 250 steps from the parking lot to our site. All sites have lots of shade. The campground is next to a pond that gets rather loud at night."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability8. Lake Marion Resort & Marina
9. 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 - $316 / night
Check Availability10. Taw Caw Campground and Marina
"The only drawback is the proximity to the fishing dock and cleaning station. The traffic is heavy at times with multiple golf carts invading your site. The other drawback is the noise at night."
"Taw Caw is our close to home Staycation favorite spot. If you want to camp close to the water Taw Caw offers several spots. Bring your boat, Kayak or canoe and beach it at your campsite."
Drive Time
- 50 min from Sumter, SC
- 54 min from Columbia, SC
- 1 hr from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 3 min from Florence, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Elloree, SC
90 Photos of 70 Elloree Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
Katherine
The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
Clair R.
Outside Inn Campground
Claire O.
Palmetto Shores RV Resort
Daniel S.
Santee Lakes KOA
ELLIOTTS C.
Elliott's Landing and Campground
Stuart K.
Bells Marina & Resort
Matt C.
Poinsett State Park Campground
Katie M.
Sweetwater Lake Campground
Kim L.
Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
Stuart K.
Hill's Landing & RV Park
Black P.
Black Pearl Farms
Recent Reviews near Elloree, SC
373 Reviews of 70 Elloree Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendHarry's Fish Camp
A True South Carolina Fish Camp Experience
If 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!
- SSherri B.
GuidePoinsett State Park Campground
Lovely but loud
This is a lovely park but construction in progress at campground during our stay so heavy equipment running during weekdays
Lauren M.
TravelerPoinsett State Park Campground
Very nice
Cute little park we really enjoyed it!
- Becky B.Scout
Bells Marina & Resort
Loving the Gators
It's been an amazing trip. Got to see a alligator for the first time in my life. It was awesome. The staff was awesome,had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature
Cheryl D.ScoutThe Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
Beautiful
Great spot. Beautiful views. Lots of shade. Spot 57 would be hard to park in with a trailer due to having to climb the embankment a bit.
- ddavid H.Scout
Santee Lakes KOA
Quick One night stay
We arrived after hours and the ease of arrival and the spot we chose were amazing. We wish we had more time to spend with yall.
- aamanda F.Scout
Herd it Here Farm
Amazing!
The couple who owns this place are so kind and welcoming! We were having trouble with our trailer and our rv leading up to getting here and while we were here and they were so calm and helpful! We got to pet a mule and watch one of the horses and a donkey graze right outside our rv! Then, the owner took is around to see the other farm animals and we bought soap made by a local dairy farm wrapped in wool from the alpacas we met. What a great experience! I cannot recommend this place enough! 🫏💜
Aly V.
RangerCypress View Campground — Santee State Park
Perfect! Close to Congaree
We stayed here during the week for spring break with our son and our two dogs. Both campgrounds was full but thankfully we booked ahead! So definitely make reservations if it’s busy season. Our spot was PRIME view of the lake and the sites are separated apart enough. Hot showers! And great areas to walk around the campground and to the water.
I picked up a lot of trash by the water(the lake is busy for fishing) so do your part and pick up too. Definitely coming back. Pick site 34 if you can!
Guide to Elloree
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Elloree, SC?
Which is the most popular campground near Elloree, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elloree, SC is Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 45 reviews.
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