Camping options near Hanahan, South Carolina extend beyond the immediate city limits, with most facilities situated within a 30-45 minute drive radius. The area's coastal plain geography means minimal elevation changes at campgrounds, though many sites experience drainage issues during heavy rain events. Summer campers should prepare for high humidity combined with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September.
What to do
Explore military heritage attractions: The Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center offers military campers proximity to both natural areas and service-related attractions. "This is a military-only campground on Charleston AFB. The campground is located near the golf course and outdoor recreation center, providing close access to golfing, soccer golf, disc golf, a climbing wall, and archery range," notes a visitor.
Kayak the lake system: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA provides water recreation opportunities 25 minutes from Hanahan. "They offer kayak and bike rentals. There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing. Some tent sites and cabin sites are right along the water and offer nice views," one camper shares.
Bike through oak-draped trails: Several campgrounds offer dedicated biking paths through distinctive Lowcountry landscapes. "We were one of only a few tent campers. Most people were in RVs and Campers, but the noise was minimal after dark and we felt like we were out in the wilderness. Our dogs even came with us and enjoyed the dog area," reports a visitor to Charleston KOA.
What campers like
Large, separated sites: Campers consistently mention the spaciousness at Oak Plantation Campground, located 15 minutes southwest of Hanahan. "Large park with paved and grass sites. 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," notes one reviewer.
Farm-adjacent camping: For those seeking a unique experience, Hanscombe Point Campground offers primitive sites near agricultural operations. "Very nice bucolic setting in the pine woods on the edge of a cow meadow. One very clean outhouse. No problem getting out in our 2wd Sprinter van," reports a visitor who appreciated the pastoral setting.
Proximity to Charleston attractions: Staying near major transportation corridors provides convenient access to downtown. "We enjoyed our stay here. The site was great, we enjoyed being right next to the pond. The resident ducks entertained us everyday and would follow us around," shares a visitor at Lake Aire RV Park, commenting on both natural features and strategic location.
What you should know
Off-peak travel recommended: Avoiding peak season improves both availability and experience quality. "We stayed here for a week in the summer and loved it. Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. We were also right beside the pool and playground area so it was convenient to walk over," notes a visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Parking challenges at tent sites: Some campgrounds have limitations for vehicles at tent-only areas. "You cannot park your car right at the site. There is a parking lot so you have to hike in just a little bit," explains a camper about James Island County Park.
Variable shower facilities: Bathhouse quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathhouses are clean and accessible to wheelchair bound guests. The store has everything you may have forgotten!" notes a visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, while others mention less impressive facilities elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Seek campgrounds with multiple recreation options: Family-friendly sites offer diverse activities. "Great place for families. Not very secluded. It is pretty much one big open green space with tent sites circling in a loop around the green space," explains a camper about James Island County Park, adding "Great play area for kids during the day also with a spray play. Volleyball nets throughout the area and you can rent bikes, kayaks, sup, and pedal boats."
Consider proximity to insect-prone areas: Waterfront sites offer views but may have more bugs. "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 and run over dried-up cow patties with his toy tractor," shares a visitor to Hanscombe Point Campground.
Plan for extreme weather conditions: Summer campers should prepare for heat management. "In all fairness we stayed at this campground in the hottest part of the summer at a time when they obviously had not finished cleaning up from a devastating hurricane that hit them last year. Some of the sites had a lot of debris still on them," notes a visitor to Edisto Beach State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Book military facilities when eligible: Active and retired military personnel have access to dedicated campgrounds. "I am a retired military office and my son is stationed at Charleston AFB, so this campground is a perfect place for my wife and I to stay at while visiting our son," explains a visitor to Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center.
Be cautious about seasonal ant problems: Several campgrounds report insect issues. "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. We promptly went to buy ant spray and never had a problem," shares a camper at Oak Plantation Campground.
Consider site drainage before booking: Low-lying areas may flood during rain events. "Very, very overcrowded. The tent sites were unlevel and muddy (since it rained before we arrived and all the water ran down hill to the tent sites)," notes a visitor to Lake Aire RV Park about drainage challenges.
