Edisto River State Park offers glamping close to Harleyville, South Carolina, approximately 25 miles from town. The park sits within the coastal plain at elevations under 100 feet, creating easy access to both river activities and forest exploration. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to the 30s with occasional frost. Several campgrounds in the region provide glamping accommodations ranging from basic canvas tents to fully-equipped cabins with modern amenities.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Marion: Visit Rocks Pond Campground & Marina where access to prime fishing spots is readily available. The campground features a dedicated fish pond for beginners and a fishing pier for more experienced anglers. "This RV park is massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe...they also have a fishing pier, a dedicated fish pond and even a smaller pond that is just for the kiddos," notes one visitor.
Hiking trails: Explore the wooded paths at Edisto Beach State Park Campground where multiple trail options provide views of coastal forests and maritime ecosystems. "There is an easy trail and Geocaching," reports one camper, while another mentions the "trails for bike rides or walks" that connect throughout the park system.
Kayaking adventures: Experience the waterways at Cypress View Campground where boat launches provide direct lake access. "This is a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing," writes a visitor. The park offers multiple water access points with rental equipment available at some locations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at James Island County Park appreciate the layout and spacing. "Sites are spacious and clean," reports one reviewer, while another notes the "trees offering shade and privacy." The campground maintains natural buffers between most sites, enhancing the camping experience.
Year-round accessibility: Winter camping is popular at many locations with fewer crowds and more availability. "Camped at site 32 in mid-November and site and grounds were both beautiful and very well kept," shares a visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA. Another camper at Santee Lakes mentions, "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best chances to spot local wildlife. "We seen several Deer, Armadillo and other wildlife," reports a camper at Cypress View. The natural setting provides habitat for numerous species that frequently venture near camping areas, especially during quieter times of day.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds report spotty connectivity. At Givhans Ferry State Park Campground, visitors note connectivity challenges: "No cell service at least for us and we use att and Google fi," and another mentions, "No cell phone signal for T-Mobile and no wifi in campground, definitely need to wear your bug repellent."
Seasonal crowds: Peak seasons bring substantially more visitors, especially at water-adjacent sites. "Nice park but gets super crowded," notes a camper at Cypress View, while another mentions, "Downside is that it's super crowded. Apparently all the fishermen drag their families in along with their boats."
Mosquitoes and insects: Coastal and riverside locations experience significant insect activity, particularly during warmer months. "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent," advises one camper. The combination of water proximity and warm weather creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Santee Lakes KOA offers multiple play areas for different age groups. "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," shares a family camper. The playground areas typically include swings, climbing equipment, and open spaces for games.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular family programming, especially during summer and holiday weekends. "We really enjoyed this park! There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" reports a visitor at Cypress View Campground. Campground calendars often list scheduled activities including crafts, games, and outdoor explorations.
Safety considerations: Water access areas often lack lifeguards and require parental supervision. "There is a fishing pier, a dedicated fish pond and even a smaller pond that is just for the kiddos," mentions a visitor at Rocks Pond, highlighting separated areas for different age groups to enhance safety.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "No rock or concrete pad to park on so be prepared to level your RV," advises a camper at New Green Acres RV Park. Another notes, "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not."
Hookup locations: Water and electrical connections vary in placement between campgrounds. "30 foot trailer backed in no issues with plenty of room to pull truck in beside rig. They have some full hookup sites which is what I got," shares an RVer at Givhans Ferry. Some sites require longer hoses or cords to reach connections placed at unusual angles.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations more than others. "Right off 95 and very easy to access. Loud highway noise, but tolerable," notes a visitor at New Green Acres RV Park. Sites further from main roads typically offer quieter experiences for light sleepers or those seeking more natural surroundings.
