Camping cabins near Elloree, South Carolina sit in the Santee region, characterized by cypress-filled Lake Marion and its 315 miles of shoreline. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-60°F, while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Most cabin rentals in the area are concentrated around Lake Marion, where fishing for record-size catfish remains a popular year-round activity.
What to do
Kayaking from marina cabins: Lakeside Marina & Resort offers tent camping on a small island across from their main facilities. "You'll find this particular destination tucked away in one of the crevasses of Lake Marion, just off Rt. 6 and a stone's throw from Indian Bluff Recreation Area, which is a gem to go hiking around and finding a nice spot to cast a line into the water for a slow day of fishing," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing at Cypress View: Santee State Park cabins provide excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Very nice campground. Has boat docks & launching ramp. Nice fishing pier. Clean bathrooms. Staff friendly and helpful. Seen several Deer, Armadillo and other wildlife," reports Alfred H.
Hiking the park trails: The trails at Poinsett State Park offer varied terrain for day hikes from cabin accommodations. "Car camped here to see Congaree NP in the middle of a heatwave, unfortunately. Great news—my site had lots of trees, there's a lake to swim in, and the showerhouse had A/C! I enjoyed how secluded and expansive this park is with wildlife, trails, and playgrounds," shares Lindsey M.
What campers like
Early morning fishing: Bell's Marina & Resort cabins sit directly on a prime fishing cove. "I got to watch wildlife every day, from white herons to bald eagles. And the fishing was outstanding! I even caught a trophy-sized bass that made my week," reports Francisco W.
Off-season tranquility: Winter visits to Santee Lakes KOA cabins provide a quieter experience. "Nice camping site off of I-95. I stayed one night each, going south and on the return trip north. 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," notes Ryan D.
Swimming options: Lake swimming and pools offer relief during hot months. "Nice dock for fishing. Great playground along the shore. If it wasn't near freezing, there was a nice spot for swimming," comments Molly F. about the KOA facilities.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some cabin areas requires careful driving. "Poinsett State Park is a bit remote, but worth the effort. This is a good base to visit Congaree National Park which is a little less than an hour away. The state road getting back to this Park is pretty rough, but nothing that will break your rig on the way in," advises George P.
Cabin size variations: Many cabins have specific capacity limits. "The sites all look clean, as well as the facilities. All other guests are very quiet. The hiking/biking trails are fun too," notes Kennon H. about Poinsett's cabins.
Limited WiFi access: Internet connectivity varies between parks. "Great ATt phone service," reports Nicholas L G. about Santee State Park, while other locations may have spotty coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers family-friendly amenities near their cabins. "We both really enjoyed our stay. The dogs loved the dog park and I appreciated having bags to pick up after them. We had trash pickup and sites were easily navigable. Big park with a nice views of the water. They had a play ground, cabins, games. Just a very woodsy cozy place," explains Douglas T.
Cabin cooling considerations: Summer heat requires adequate air conditioning. "This park is really nice and clean! You can tell that it is well taken care of. The sites are large and far enough a part," notes Claire O.
Recreation facilities: Look for cabins with access to additional activities. "There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" shares Jessie N. about Santee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Colleton State Park has specific challenges for larger vehicles. "Not much to do here. Close to the interstate and right on the Edisto River. There are about 25 sites and some are very small and very unlevel," warns Creighton C.
Delivery services: Some parks offer conveniences beyond basic amenities. "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 which is great! No need to drive around and find your spot. They deliver firewood and pizza. The pizza was excellent," shares stefny A.
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't universal at all cabin locations. "Everything seemed to be clean and maintained. The hiking trails are very nice. The main attractions here are relaxing, camping, and hiking," notes George P. about Poinsett State Park.
