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Best Campgrounds in South Carolina

2,296 Reviews

With four distinct geographical environments, South Carolina offers a wide variety of terrain, natural history, and climate in one relatively small state. With the option to drive from the mountains to the Atlantic coast in a few hours, camping in South Carolina is a great choice for those who want variety without a ton of travel time.

The state’s far northwest corner is home to mountains that rise above the foothills, appearing blue against the horizon. The Blue Ridge, arguably the most famous stretch of the Appalachians, provide a welcome respite from the hot South Carolina summers. In autumn, The Blue Ridge Mountains draw visitors from around the country to take in the breathtaking fall displays of color across the mountainsides. And no matter what season, camping in South Carolina would not be complete without a trip to iconic Table Rock or Sassafras Mountain – the highest point in the SC Blue Ridge Mountains.

A few hours south of the Blue Ridge, campers can set sail on Lake Murray, enjoy world-renowned fishing, or enjoy beach-front camping at Dreher Island State Park. The lake, a reservoir for the entire midlands area of the state, covers roughly 50000 acres and has 500 miles of shoreline. Lake Murray, which is a prime spot for fishing, has hosted 3 national fishing tournaments in the last 15 years and is home to several species of bass, crappie, bream, and other sport fishing favorites.

The stunning South Carolina coast is less than 3 hours from state capitol, Columbia, and boasts more than 200 miles of Atlantic coastline beauty. With more campgrounds up and down the coast than you can shake a stick at, trust The Dyrt to help you find the best camping in South Carolina!

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Best Camping Sites in South Carolina (349)

    1. Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

    95 Reviews
    Myrtle Beach, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5325

    $35 - $75 / night

    "We'd never been to South Carolina before and had no idea what to expect. We were thoroughly smitten with the coast and the city of Myrtle Beach, but we really loved camping in the state park."

    "All of them have electric hook ups, a fire pit, picnic bench and close by water spigots. Unfortunately some of the campsites are very small and close together."

    2. Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Murrells Inlet, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 237-4440

    $95 / night

    "One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve been to in South Carolina. And only a short walk from the beach"

    "Huntington Beach State Park South Carolina. Stayed a week. Great campground. Trails, easy access to the most amazing beach. The nicest washroom facilities and laundry."

    3. Edisto Beach State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 869-2756

    "It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."

    "The campsite pad has a plug and faucet right next to you and you're on the other side of a sand dune from the beach. The restrooms are close by to every site."

    4. Hunting Island State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 838-2011

    "First South Carolina camp."

    "Campground Review: We cycled, kayaked, hiked and watched gorgeous sunrises over the Atlantic at this beautiful campground on the coast of South Carolina."

    5. Campground at James Island County Park

    60 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 795-4386

    $38 - $219 / night

    "When making reservations at James Island County Park we had modest expectations, but we were going to tour Charleston most of the time, so we decided anything close to the city would be good enough."

    "The park does allow pets and has a dog park with a beach; it seems like the pups were having a marvelous time playing chase on the beach.This is a County Park with trails for walking or leisure biking."

    6. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest."

    "South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get"

    7. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."

    "There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"

    8. Ocean Lakes Family Campground

    53 Reviews
    Jamestown, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5636

    "Playgrounds, summer concerts, dining etc is close by too. It buts up against Myrtle Beach Resort so our friends stayed there while we camped sometimes."

    "We just finished our stay at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. We enjoyed it and will return."

    9. Pirateland Family Camping Resort

    54 Reviews
    Jamestown, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5155

    "It is situated right next to the beach. There is an indoor pool and a big splash park on the grounds. There is a big shower house, laundry facility, and an arcade club house."

    "It Is All About Close Proximity To The Beach (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot"

    10. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    Website
    +1 (803) 364-4152

    "This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"

    "In my never-ending quest to discover the most perfect campground haven, after a rather intense amount of research, I landed on Dreher Island smack dab in the very center of South Carolina, where my daughter"

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Recent Camping Photos in South Carolina

684 Photos of 349 South Carolina Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in South Carolina

2296 Reviews of 349 South Carolina Campgrounds

  • Edna T.
    Sep. 22, 2025

    RosePark Village Campsites

    Great place to stay

    This was awesome... Great location, close to town, restaurants, Darlington Nascar track, 2 lake's, water park. We were looking to relax and we did.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Tidy campground near the river

    We spent three nights here as a base for our trips into Charleston. With our America the beautiful senior pass. I think it was only like $50 for three nights. Park did have a boat ramp. There were only about 20 or so spaces so the campground was not huge. All the spaces had water and electric. The showers were nice and tidy and the water pressure in the showers was great. Nice hiking through the forest as well on some trails.

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    One night stay

    I stayed at the site closest to the parking lot. It’s a quick walk. I only stayed one night so I didn’t bring everything to the site, but if I did, it would be nice to have a second person or a wagon. There’s a two-stall pit toilet in the parking lot and trash/recycling cans. Att signal was 1 bar, no signal problems. There is a convenience store with sandwiches, ice, beer, and groceries in Gadsden 8 min away which was convenient. Just a couple minutes from Congaree national park. Bring bug spray!

  • K
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    Rundown

    This is ok is your passing though but it’s rundown.
    Older. Clean! But really needs to be updated!

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

    Myrtle Beach SP

    300 Sandy mostly level sites, with a mix of tenting to full hookups and room for big rigs. Go for the beach, but stay for Johnny D’s breakfast just down the road. Nice camp store with lots of beach stuff. No Alcohol.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Nice for almost free camping

    We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. The whole time we were there there was only usually about three or four other campers in the 21 spaces. Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window. This is totally dry camping and there are two sets of vault toilets. Nearest town was Whitmire about 7 miles away. Minimal facilities. Clinton and Newberry are both about 15 miles away and they both have plenty of shopping facilities. Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Totally impressed

    Great place, no complaints. Nice campstore, showers & laundry facilities. If there is a "d" by the site number, that means you share a driveway, fyi.

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

Guide to South Carolina

Camping in South Carolina offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

What to do

  • Explore the lakes: Many campgrounds, like Dreher Island State Park Campground, are right by the water. Campers love the chance to kayak and fish. One reviewer said, “We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.”
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant, especially at places like Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park. A visitor noted, “There are a couple of hiking trails and a short nature trail, both accessible from the Islanders Camp Circle.”
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot various birds and other wildlife. One camper at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park mentioned, “Great day adventure... the nature facility provides knowledge of the area and the wildlife.”

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campgrounds like Lake Wateree State Park Campground offer stunning waterfront sites. A happy camper shared, “Site #1 on the lake. Level paved driveway lots of shade. Great campground.”
  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Poinsett State Park Campground said, “The toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice.”
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful rangers and hosts. A visitor at Colleton State Park Campground noted, “The rangers are very helpful and the camp host was terrific.”

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Brick House Campground, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty.”
  • Seasonal crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Santee Lakes KOA said, “Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!!”
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A camper at Dreher Island State Park Campground shared, “There was a big storm for about an hour after we set up camp, but the site drained well.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. One reviewer at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground mentioned, “Has a splash pad and kayak rentals.”
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Cypress View Campground noted, “The campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site.”
  • Pack snacks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground said, “Not much near the site for supplies so bring your supplies if possible.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are paved, but don’t expect completely level.”
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Colleton State Park Campground offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. A camper said, “Every site is full hookup.”
  • Be mindful of road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A reviewer at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, “Roads were really heavy with potholes, so not the friendliest for RVs.”

Camping in South Carolina is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best state parks for camping in South Carolina?

Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers two excellent camping sections - an oceanside area with refreshing breezes and a marsh side that's a short bike ride from the beach. Huntington Beach State Park Campground is renowned for its cleanliness, exceptional washroom facilities, and easy access to pristine beaches. Other top state parks include Sesquicentennial State Park, which offers trailer sites, tent sites, and primitive camping within Columbia's metro area, and Lake Hartwell State Park, conveniently located just off I-85. Most state parks feature well-maintained facilities, but it's advisable to prepare for mosquitoes, especially during summer months. For the best experience, book waterfront sites well in advance.

What are the most popular camping areas in South Carolina?

South Carolina's coastal region draws many campers to Hunting Island State Park Campground, where you can pitch a tent just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. The Francis Marion National Forest area, specifically Buck Hall Recreation Area, is popular for its gorgeous intercoastal waterway access about 40 minutes from Charleston. Lake camping enthusiasts flock to Dreher Island State Park for its peaceful lakeside sites and fishing opportunities. For those traveling along I-95, campgrounds near Florence provide convenient overnight stops. Many popular areas fill up quickly during peak season (March-October), so reservations are highly recommended, especially for waterfront sites.

Are there private campgrounds in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina offers numerous private campgrounds. Mr. Levy's Riceland Farm provides a peaceful farm setting with fishing opportunities and proximity to Georgetown. For a unique experience, Pedro's Campground at South of the Border offers RV sites alongside roadside attractions just south of the North Carolina border. The Myrtle Beach area features several private options including Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort, both offering comprehensive amenities and beach access. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities than public sites, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and sometimes pools or entertainment facilities. Rates vary widely based on location, season, and amenities, with coastal and tourist areas commanding premium prices.

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