9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
James Island County Park features premium glamping options within easy reach of Isle of Palms beaches, providing canvas accommodations with the comforts of home while surrounded by nature. The park offers glamping sites with climate control, comfortable bedding, and private outdoor spaces for relaxing evenings under the stars. One guest shared, "The grounds are beautiful and there is so much to do in and around the area." Other glamping options near Isle of Palms include Buck Hall Recreation Area and Edisto Beach State Park Campground, both offering elevated outdoor stays with amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean restroom facilities.
Located just a short drive from Charleston's historic district, these glamping destinations combine wilderness experiences with modern conveniences. The Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA provides lakeside glamping with access to water activities, nature trails, and convenient proximity to local attractions. The one-mile loop trail through wooded areas offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, while the lake supports fishing and paddling adventures. According to a camper, "The lake had a nice view with many people fishing, and there are kayak and bike rentals available." Most glamping sites in the area remain open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the coastal Carolina climate in all seasons while experiencing unique accommodations like domes, pods, and canvas tents that elevate the traditional camping experience.
"The bath house was recently remodeled and now has air conditioning. I found it to be one of the nicest bath facilities we have ever used."
"There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site."
from $38 - $219 / night
Check Availability"Staff was extremely friendly and attentive. There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by."
"This campground is near Charleston,SC and the Beach at Isle of Palms."
from $68 - $300 / night
Check Availability"The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds."
"28 a night for Electricity; $18 for tent sites.
Mostly middle age & older campers; primarily boaters/fishermen as there is a boat ramp at this site."
from $20 - $45 / night
Check Availability"It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."
"Some sites are full sun, and as it was around 100 degrees every day, that could be a problem for some. It’s right on the edge of the town so it’s easy to walk or bicycle around."
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
"I'm an Army Veteran and recently stay at the FAMP CAMP Located on the Joint Base Air Force Base located in Charleston S.C. "
"The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. "
"It's definitely a small park, and its big draw is its location on the Edisto River, with lovely river-tubing to boot. We stayed in the tent sites, which have water and electricity at each site."
"You drive in and there's multiple campsites for your tent, Car or RV. There's a large clean toilet cabin (not a basic privy).
It's next to a tall tower.
Fire area with picnic table."
ScoutCamped at site 32 in mid-November and site and grounds were both beautiful and very well kept. Staff was extremely friendly and attentive. 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.
ScoutWe found this campground well maintained and quiet. The bath house was recently remodeled and now has air conditioning. I found it to be one of the nicest bath facilities we have ever used. The campsites have full RV hook-ups and come with a picnic table and fire ring. 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. A new water park is under construction and should open this summer. The camp store is well stocked and the staff was very friendly and helpful. One downside was the WIFI (one of the perks at this place) did not work the entire 5 days we were there. I need to work remotely so this was a BIG problem. I had to go to the Starbucks to work...bummer! Positives were the easy drive and parking at nearby Folly Beach during the week, and the close proximity to Historic Charleston.
ScoutThis campground is near Charleston,SC and the Beach at Isle of Palms.
LegendReservations during the main season are key if you have any hope of getting a campsite in this awesome Francis Marion National Forest campground which sits just along the gorgeous intercoastal waterway, about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston, SC! We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out. The campground host was super helpful, though, finding us an empty spot (due to a cancellation) for a couple nights, then moved us to a non-reservable site for the remainder of our time.
The majority of the sites are designed for very large RVs, with a few very nice waterfront sites designated for tents. Each site is spacious, complete with a picnic table, firepit, 2 lantern poles, and electrical hookups, with a dump station at the back of the campground. The bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and a shower and kept relatively clean.
The campground itself is dripping with live oaks and speckled with Palmetto trees, so lots of shade is available, especially in the tent areas. The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds.
We kayaked along the intercoastal waterway and out into marshy sea grass areas and had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters to date (and we’ve been all over the country). We saw a pod of dolphins in the distance, which appeared to be feeding. We stopped about 150 away and just enjoyed watching them dance and dive in the morning light. Then, two of the dolphins peeled away from the pack and headed straight toward us. As they approached our kayaks, the larger one gave an extra tail fin flap and dove under our boats, coming up just a bit on the other side. As naturalists, our hearts were pounding with excitement! We also hiked and mountain-biked along the gorgeous Palmetto Trail (which is a mountains-to-sea trail across South Carolina, and this campground serves as its coastal terminus).
Also, don’t miss the famous Sewee Restaurant for some downeast coastal Carolina fare, as well as the Center for Birds of Prey just across the highway from this restaurant. This wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center is doing some amazing things for birds and in the region and doing a great job of public education. If you head up the coast, be sure to stop in Boats & Hoagies in McClellanville for a bite to eat. Cute place, great food, awesome service!
The $20 per night fee is a great price for the amenities this campground offers, especially with full hook-ups and showers, and a boat launch. Check out our blog on The Dyrt's Online Magazine about our experience on the coast of South Carolina.
TravelerI like the primitive camping area. The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring.
I hammock camp, and there are plenty of trees useful for this purpose. This is primitive, so there is no electrical or water spout, although the bathroom has both. There is a 1 1/2 mile walking trail nearby, that runs along the Edisto River.
I haven't actually frequented the other camping areas: RV drive-up and walk-in, so I can't review them.
GuideThere are actually TWO bases here - the air base and the weapons station. We stayed at the air base but also visited the weapons station for some recreation.
Air base: close to downtown Charleston; great price for the amenities provided ($45 per night for full hookups - electric, water, and sewer); power/water pedestal was nice; shower and laundry facilities on site; all sites fairly level and mostly shady; playground, sand volleyball, golf, and indoor climbing wall within walking distance; beautiful trees, etc. All the normal base amenities, including bowling alley (check out galactic bowling if you have kids).
Staff was helpful. Camp host was… vigilant, but not super considerate with his leaf blowing pollen plumes around breakfasters.
Did not have pool. Fine.
DOES NOT HAVE FIRE RINGS. Or a grill. That was a disappointment. You can BRING a fire ring. But of course no open burning.
Also, the sites are a smidge close together. But not overly so. Ask for a perimeter site and not a middle pull through if you're looking for a little extra green space between. (Not sure if they'll honor that or not.)
The weapons station also has an RV park. (Forgot to look and see if they have fire rings.) If you are a trail runner or hiker or similar, this is the one you want to go to. There's an excellent trail system right off the RV park. The air base did not. They have plenty of sidewalks to run but no trails. However, if you're there to see Charleston, you want to stay at the air base. The weapons station is further away from downtown.
As other reviewers have said, these options are both on military bases and require an ID to access.
GuideSprawling park and campground right between Charleston and Folly Beach. There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site.
The tent camping site and group tent sites are hike-in. The hike in is really not that far at all from where you park your cars, so no worries. The individual tent sites sit back in the woods, with a nice tree canopy, which gives it a real "primitive" feel to it. The sites are raised and contain a gravel bed.
There are bathrooms and private showers on site in a few locations. The bathroom and showers for the tent sites lay next to the group site, which is a short walk.
Shopping and stores are on hwy 117, just a few short minutes from the park.
TravelerThis park is one of the best that we visited so far. It was pure luck, but our dates were during their Festival of Lights. The entire park was decorated with holiday lighting scenes, all sponsored by various Charleston businesses. The displays were awesome! Even the walking/biking paths were decorated. They must have spent months on this. The campground was clean and the sites were nicely separated by trees and shrubs. Bath houses were immaculate. Apparently some folks come every year around this festival because individual sites were also decorated with lights- even in the trees. We camped at James Island County Park in a Travel Trailer.
TravelerThere are two sections to Edisto Beach State Park. The Ocean side campground is the best with the ocean breezes, but the marsh side campground is an easy bicycle ride from the beach.
It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes. And the raccoons are pretty fierce so you want to make sure your food is stored securely, so you don't wake up to critters eating your potato chips.
The restrooms and showers are clean.
Edisto Island is one of the least developed islands in South Carolina. There is a Piggly Wiggly grocery store to pick up all the things you may have forgotten. There is an ice cream shop and several restaurants, but it is pretty quiet. My favorite thing about staying at Edisto Beach State Park is bicycling to the beach, bicycling along the paths in the state park that lead to a shell mound, built by Native Americans around 2,000 B.C., and bicycling for beers at one of the little bars overlooking the ocean. Another plus is the park's proximity to Botany Bay.
Camping options near Isle of Palms are available throughout South Carolina's coastal region where the average summer temperature reaches 86°F with high humidity. The area contains maritime forests transitioning to salt marshes along waterways. Most campgrounds remain open year-round due to the mild coastal climate, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F.
Kayaking access points: Buck Hall Recreation Area offers direct water access to the Intracoastal Waterway with a designated boat launch. "We had a blast kayaking around and had some awesome dolphin encounters," notes one camper who found the location perfect for water activities.
Seasonal light displays: Visit James Island County Park during winter months for special events. A reviewer mentioned, "We stayed during November and December... they have a light show through the park," though they noted traffic can get heavy during these special events.
Biking opportunities: The 5+ miles of paved trails at James Island County Park provide cycling options through wooded areas. A visitor praised the "several miles of paved walking/biking paths" that wind through the park's 643 acres, making it ideal for exploring the surroundings.
Wildlife viewing: Look for local fauna along the marsh edges and waterways. "The one mile loop trail through the woods and along the lake" at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA lets you observe native species in their habitat.
Fishing options: Multiple fishing locations at Rocks Pond Campground & Marina cater to different skill levels. According to a visitor, "The place is perfect for kids - there's lots of places to go fishing, whether you are on a boat... or don't want to leave land and just cast your line from one of the many points."
Beach proximity: Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers sites near the ocean. A camper recommends, "Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75" for closest beach access, adding that "shelling was incredible-especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide."
Pet-friendly areas: Dog owners appreciate dedicated spaces at several campgrounds. One visitor highlighted James Island County Park's "fantastic dog park" as a standout feature that enhanced their camping experience.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurt camping near Isle of Palms, South Carolina is limited, several campgrounds offer alternative glamping structures. The canvas accommodations at Buck Hall provide a yurt-like experience with the comfort of proper beds and protection from elements.
Seasonal crowds: Plan for busier conditions during summer and holidays. A visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA shared, "Located only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston and 10 minutes from Shem creek this campground is gorgeous and spacious," but noted that popular amenities can get busy.
Insect preparation: Coastal camping requires bug protection year-round. "Don't forget your bug-spray, mosquitos are aggressive here," warns a camper at Rocks Pond, emphasizing the need for proper insect repellent.
Seasonal water attractions: Water parks and splash pads typically operate May through September. James Island County Park features a "Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure."
Limited yurt camping: True yurt camping in Isle of Palms, South Carolina area is scarce, though several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives. While permanent yurt structures are uncommon, the canvas glamping accommodations provide a similar experience with added amenities.
Kid-friendly fishing: Honey Hill Campground provides accessible fishing for younger anglers. "Very big campsite" with "multiple campsites for your tent, Car or RV" makes it comfortable for families needing space.
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. A visitor to James Island County Park noted the "kid's playground" among numerous family-friendly amenities available throughout the park.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nearby wildlife centers. A Buck Hall visitor suggested, "The nearby Sewee Visitor Center has red wolves and is free to visit... You can call ahead and find out when they will be feeding the wolves."
Site selection for families: Choose sites with adequate spacing for children to play. One James Island visitor observed the campground has "spacious and clean" sites that provide room for families to spread out.
Hookup availability: Givhans Ferry State Park Campground offers full-service sites for RVs. "They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity," reports an RVer who found the setup convenient.
Site leveling considerations: Check site descriptions for level status before booking. A Givhans Ferry camper mentioned, "30 foot trailer backed in no issues with plenty of room to pull truck in beside rig," indicating adequate space for larger setups.
RV size limitations: Confirm length restrictions when reserving. At James Island County Park, a reviewer noted there are "pull-through & back-in sites (maximum 80 feet)," accommodating even larger rigs.
Dump station access: Verify dump station locations before arrival. One Edisto Beach visitor pointed out an inconvenience: "Dump site is a mile up main road," requiring planning for waste disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Isle of Palms, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Isle of Palms, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 61 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Isle of Palms, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near Isle of Palms, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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