2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers a spacious dog park with lake access for water-loving dogs to swim safely away from alligators. This well-maintained campground accommodates pets in tent sites, RV spots, and camping cabins, with multiple waste bag stations positioned throughout the grounds. The campground features a one-mile loop trail through wooded areas that provides excellent exercise opportunities for leashed dogs. Full hookup sites are available, along with clean bathhouses, though some guests note occasional maintenance issues with shower facilities. The family-friendly environment includes playgrounds, a pool, and fishing opportunities on the property's large catch-and-release lake.
Located just 10 minutes from Isle of Palms beaches and 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, the campground provides convenient access to regional attractions while maintaining a natural setting. Dogs must remain leashed except within the designated dog park area. The campground enforces standard pet policies including cleanup requirements and noise control. James Island County Park, another pet-friendly option in the area, offers similar accommodations with the addition of more extensive trail systems. Campers traveling with pets should be aware of wildlife concerns, particularly around the lake areas where alligators have been spotted. Some guests recommend requesting sites away from the lake if traveling with smaller dogs. Most camping areas feature rock and sand terrain which can become messy during rainy conditions. Veterinary services are available in nearby Mount Pleasant for emergency needs.
"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."
Available next weekend
from $38 - $219 / 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."
from $68 - $300 / night
"Traveling just me and my dog and the boat ramp parking lot felt private and safe. It’s in beautiful neighborhood and you can park right up by the water."
"There’s a small pool, dog park, pasture with cows, and a play area. My favorite feature was the recycling area! Almost no RV parks provide recycling, so the fact that this park does is really nice."
"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."
"I called day of visit decided to stay 2 night Very helpful staff Was given lots of information about area which was great as we had our dog and they mentioned several dog friendly parks We we’re camping"
"Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake."
"Caper's Island is a boat-in beach/camping area located on the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Charleston, SC."
"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."
from $23 / night
"Nice dog park. Had a 30lb propane tank filled at what I would consider a decent price. There were other amenities, but we didn't use them. A little bit of a noisy area, but we've been in worse."
"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."
"Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves."
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
ScoutAbsolutely run down. The showers are very dated and need maintenance. Each rv site has a sewer site, but half smell of sewage, badly. Website advertised wifi, but once I was booked, I was given a site map that had that feature crossed out with marker. No signal at all. The fire pit ring is so rusted it looks like lace. I am going to see about getting it replaced. All in all. NOT worth $300 for 4 nights.
ScoutThis campgrounds has an abundance of camp spots that are well spaced. About 1/4 of the spots appear to be occupied by long term guests.
It has an old swing set for kids and a large/life-size chess set near the pavilion. They also have a pool that closed Oct. 1st.
Some camp spots have a concrete slab, while others are only grass. The water faucet is old but functions and the whole place is just tired…like they are doing enough to get by.
The staff were polite enough but not overly helpful. They’ll answer questions, but if you need them to actually do something…they might get around to it but don’t hold your breath.
They have strict dog rules but yet have a few cats roaming freely. One cat perched itself on our steps, repeatedly meowing and wanting in. We shooed it away, but it kept returning. We talked to a few different staff about it and each said the cats were for the mice and dismissed our concern.
This place was priced higher than the other nearby places, but we gave it a chance because of higher reviews and supposed to be closer to Charleston. But the traffic is horrible on hwy 17, the place is rundown/tired, the staff lean on the side of indifferent and we’re still a good 45 minutes from most attractions.
I wouldn’t recommend staying here…there are better options.
ScoutHunting camp with good level camping spots. Vault bathrooms and potable water. We still used filter. Dirt road and trails to hike. Ranger stops by daily which makes it safe
ScoutGreat location. Great facilities
GuideWe love the Live oaks campground in Edisto Beach State Park. Level sites with plenty of privacy. We are in site 120 this trip and we have stayed in sites 118 and 122 on previous trips. these sites back onto the salt marsh which gives you some incredible scenery just behind the site
ScoutNo camping signs all over the place and the old sites are now fenced off
GuideMost campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
TravelerWe were traveling with two large dogs and looking for a pet friendly site. This is a people friendly site so many game playing areas swimming pool and clean manicured lawns with a lake view on some sites.
GuideBeautiful site at boat ramp but singns everywhere no camping no overnight
Camping sites near Isle of Palms, South Carolina offer direct access to both maritime forests and coastal environments, with most areas sitting at elevations under 20 feet above sea level. The subtropical climate creates hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter camping remains viable with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 55-70°F. Most campgrounds in this region have sandy or shell-packed terrain that drains rapidly after rainfall.
Explore plantation history: The Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers a unique historical experience with their plantation wagon ride. "We actually missed it but would really like to take the time to do it if we ever get back. The lake had a little dock and we my husband and son fished off of it," notes Ashley W., who visited in summer.
Visit historic downtown: James Island County Park provides convenient access to Charleston's cultural attractions. "Near downtown Charleston. Easy to get in and out. Reasonable rates. Near everything around Chai," explains J Terrell M., highlighting the convenient location for historical sightseeing trips.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature catch-and-release fishing lakes where campers can enjoy freshwater angling without leaving the grounds. "The park there is really nice though and nice trail that takes you to the dock and marsh," shares Chrissy R. about James Island's fishing access points.
Shaded campsites: Oak Plantation Campground offers sites under mature trees. "Large park with paved and grass sites... Lovely, large oaks with gray moss provide that quintessential Charleston/Savannah setting," notes Taylor D., who appreciated the natural shade during hot months.
Well-maintained trails: Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems for walking and biking. "Trails for bike rides or walks. Close to beach. Great staff. Private campsites," Kevin A. mentions about the Live Oak section of the park.
Convenient bathhouses: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Isle of Palms maintain clean facilities. "The bathhouse area was clean. The park offered fishing, kayak/canoe/paddle boat and paddle board rentals," shares Ashley W. about her Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA experience, pointing out the well-maintained amenities.
Campsite flooding concerns: Lake Aire RV Park experiences drainage issues during rainy periods. "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)," reports Sara R., highlighting terrain challenges.
Seasonal crowd fluctuations: Primitive camping areas like Halfway Creek experience varying levels of use. "Depending on the year, you'll either have this campsite all to yourself, or be sharing it with 100 other tents. Large groups love this free site as it's easy to get to and about 30 minutes to Charleston," observes Adam V.
Wildlife awareness: Beyond alligators, campers should be vigilant about insects and small wildlife. "Tip: Beware of ant piles," warns Taylor D. about Oak Plantation Campground, with other campers reporting similar experiences at multiple locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Isle of Palms, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Isle of Palms, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Isle of Palms, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 dog-friendly camping locations near Isle of Palms, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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