Lake Marion dominates the camping landscape near Elloree, South Carolina, with 110,600 acres of freshwater and 511 miles of shoreline. Campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 75-100 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat, accessible terrain for campers. The climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezes from December through February.
What to do
Fishing experiences: Taw Caw Campground and Marina offers direct lake access with dedicated facilities. "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. Boat trailer storage is free," notes Briggs B.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide optimal viewing conditions for native species around lake edges. "I had a great view of the water and was able to watch wildlife every day, from white herons to bald eagles," shares Francisco W. about his stay at Bells Marina.
Hiking trails: The connecting trail systems offer various difficulty levels across the region. "We had a great time hiking and fishing," notes Robert M. about his experience at Santee State Park, where multiple trails link the camping areas.
What campers like
Seasonal availability: Winter camping offers quieter experiences with fewer crowds. "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore," explains Mary G. about Cypress View Campground.
Waterfront access: Direct beach and lake access ranks high among camper preferences. "This is a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing," shares Jason F., highlighting the recreational benefits at Cypress View Campground.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Santee Lakes KOA welcomes pets throughout their facilities. "My dogs are loving it!" reports stefny A., who appreciated the pet-friendly atmosphere during her stay.
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies: Some locations offer more privacy than others. "Even with lots of people this park is quiet. Great ATt phone service. Big lake. I've seen better bath houses," comments Nicholas L G. about his experience at Cypress View Campground.
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds. "They might look a little scary on the outside though but don't mind that any bit," notes Alisa H. about Poinsett State Park Campground, adding "the toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice."
Traffic patterns: Some campgrounds experience higher weekend occupancy. "For our first time camping in our RV the staff was very friendly and helpful. The crew escorted us to our campsite, made sure we where happy. This was done with anyone who came in to camp," notes Georgia R. about check-in procedures at Santee Lakes KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Outside Inn Campground provides family-friendly amenities including farm animals. "Small RV park which also has a lot of animal's. There is a great trail walk and lots of animals bunnies, pigs, donkeys, chickens, goats and a guinea fowl!" reports Rosie G.
Lake swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer water recreation for children. "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.
Nature exploration: Several campgrounds offer educational opportunities through wildlife observation. "We were at campground in the off season and had no problems getting another site," notes Alfred H. about The Lakeshore Campground, highlighting the flexibility for families needing to adjust their stays.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared with leveling blocks as site terrain varies. "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not," explains Molly F. about her experience with a 37-foot travel trailer at Santee Lakes KOA.
Access challenges: Some roads leading to campgrounds require careful navigation. "The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes. The road to the campground is a little better, but also very narrow," cautions Jason F. about Poinsett State Park's access roads.
Utility connections: Full hookups aren't available at all campgrounds. "Large sites with full hook-ups. Lots of amenities on the premises, including a really good restaurant!" shares Linda H. about Palmetto Shores RV Resort, highlighting the complete services available for larger rigs.
