Best Campgrounds near Isle of Palms, SC

The coastal region surrounding Isle of Palms, South Carolina features a variety of camping options within a short drive of its pristine beaches. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, located approximately 15 minutes from Isle of Palms, serves as a convenient base for beach access while providing full hookup sites for RVs and tent camping areas. James Island County Park Campground, situated about 30 minutes southwest, offers spacious sites with 50-amp service amid 600 acres of parkland with extensive biking and walking trails. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Caper's Island provides boat-in primitive camping with permit requirements, while Hanscombe Point Campground features a unique setting adjacent to a livestock pasture with only eight sites available.

Reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly from late spring through early fall when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. As one camper noted, "Downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by" from the Mount Pleasant KOA. Summer brings significant insect activity, with mosquitoes and no-see-ums requiring proper preparation. Hurricane season (June through November) can affect camping plans with little notice. Traffic congestion between campgrounds and Charleston can be substantial, with reviewers reporting "45 minutes to the city in mornings and usually an hour plus back at night." Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, with winter offering milder temperatures and fewer crowds.

Campers consistently praise the well-maintained facilities at James Island County Park, with one visitor calling it "my favorite ever park to camp at" due to its "numerous walking/biking paths and terrific dog park with lake access." The shaded sites at most area campgrounds provide welcome relief during hot months. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with waterfowl, egrets, and eagles commonly spotted. Proximity to historic Charleston represents a significant draw, allowing campers to combine outdoor recreation with cultural exploration. Cell service varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering WiFi and others providing minimal connectivity. Most established campgrounds provide clean bathhouses and laundry facilities, though quality can vary during peak usage periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Isle of Palms, South Carolina (48)

    1. Campground at James Island County Park

    59 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    14 miles
    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."

    2. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA

    26 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 849-5177

    $68 - $300 / night

    "There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by. We are already planning a return trip."

    "This campground is near Charleston,SC and the Beach at Isle of Palms."

    3. Hanscombe Point Campground

    12 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    17 miles
    +1 (843) 514-1215

    $30 / night

    "The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones.  "

    "Minutes away from typical groceries or dollar stores. Self check in and check out. Only reason why it's not a full 5 stars is simply having to move cow droppings for set up. Definitely would go back!"

    5. Lake Aire RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 571-1271

    "Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake."

    "Plenty of trees and grass, a picnic area, a couple of hammocks, and lakes that host a large population of Muscovy ducks. These were fun to watch. They're quite tame and will come right up to you."

    6. Oak Plantation Campground

    13 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 766-5936

    "Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."

    "Close proximity to a lot of fun things to do."

    7. Caper's Island

    1 Review
    Isle of Palms, SC
    5 miles
    Website

    "Caper's Island is a boat-in beach/camping area located on the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Charleston, SC."

    8. Buck Hall Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    McClellanville, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-2200

    $20 - $45 / night

    "We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out."

    "They have a couple of nature walks. Close to Charleston, SC."

    9. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center

    9 Reviews
    North Charleston, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 963-1672

    $23 / night

    "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."

    "The campground is well kept with under 100 slots, it has an adjacent park, tennis and basketball courts. Next to both a frisbee and a nice golf course."

    10. Charleston KOA

    19 Reviews
    Goose Creek, SC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-5812

    "It is clean and close to shopping and close enough to Charleston which is full of history with lots of touristy things to do."

    "This KOA is located 30-45 minutes from the city, if you have to be closer to the north area for family or just cause Charleston has limited availability for RV’s , this is the place."

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Recent Reviews near Isle of Palms, SC

410 Reviews of 48 Isle of Palms Campgrounds



Guide to Isle of Palms

Camping near Isle of Palms, South Carolina, offers a fantastic mix of beach vibes and lush nature. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there are plenty of spots to set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. At Edisto Beach State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Less than a minute walk to the beach. Can hear the surf at night." This makes it easy to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are available for walking and biking. A visitor at the same campground noted, "There are trails for walking and biking that are well kept and are ADA accessible."
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Campers at Hunting Island State Park Campground enjoyed the natural beauty, with one saying, "We enjoyed watching the bird life and being in easy walking distance to the beach itself."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Colleton State Park Campground highlighted, "Bathrooms are cleaned regularly and showers are HOT!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at James Island County Park said, "Well maintained, very clean and adequate bathhouses, level gravel sites with reasonable spacing."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One visitor at Lake Aire RV Park noted, "Very helpful staff was given lots of information about the area."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Some campgrounds have limited or no cell coverage. A camper at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground mentioned, "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent," hinting at the need to disconnect and enjoy nature.
  • Bug Spray is Essential: Many campers report bugs, especially in warmer months. A review from Tuck in the Wood Campground advised, "Bring bug spray if you want to sit outside during the day."
  • Traffic Can Be Heavy: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky due to traffic. A visitor at Oak Plantation Campground noted, "If you are coming from US 17 eastbound, you will need to make a left-hand turn into the driveway through heavy traffic congestion."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A review for James Island County Park mentioned, "Fishing, kid friendly, climbing wall, rope course, water park."
  • Spacious Areas for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with open spaces. One camper at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA said, "Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Charleston KOA mentioned, "The park is a little noisy with planes and faint traffic but not too bad."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Lake Aire RV Park noted, "There are a variety of pull in and back in sites."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review for Colleton State Park Campground highlighted, "Every site is full hook up."
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: RVers should also bring bug spray. A camper at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground mentioned, "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent."

Camping near Isle of Palms, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to nature enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Isle of Palms, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Isle of Palms, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 48 campgrounds and RV parks near Isle of Palms, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Isle of Palms, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Isle of Palms, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.6-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Isle of Palms, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Isle of Palms, SC.