Campgrounds near St. Matthews, South Carolina offer varying terrain across the region's sandhills and lakefront areas. Winter temperatures can drop to 27 degrees, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Road access to several campgrounds requires careful navigation due to narrow, pothole-filled routes that can challenge larger vehicles during wet conditions.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: Poinsett State Park Campground features multiple trail systems suitable for both casual and experienced hikers. "We enjoyed the variety of hiking options here. It would be great if the state parks service could direct some funding to repairing and widening the roads and repairing some of the trails that were damaged in the 2015 flood that are now impassible," notes Jason F. The park's trails connect directly to campsites, allowing for convenient access without driving.
Mountain biking opportunities: The sandhills region offers distinctive biking terrain with dedicated trails. As Jodi B. from Poinsett State Park Campground mentions, "This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby." The trails feature sandy sections and moderate elevation changes suitable for intermediate riders.
Fishing in Lake Marion: Lake access points provide opportunities for anglers throughout the year. At Cypress View Campground, "Nice fishing pier" is highlighted by Alfred H., who notes the convenient boat facilities: "Has boat docks & launching ramp." Most lakefront sites require a South Carolina fishing license, available at nearby tackle shops.
Winter wildlife viewing: The cooler months offer improved wildlife spotting opportunities when foliage thins. Ruth J. from Sesquicentennial State Park Campground shares, "I enjoy doing the trails and spotting dear." Armadillos, waterfowl, and other wildlife are commonly seen during morning hours along lake edges and wooded areas.
What campers like
Well-maintained shower facilities: Many campgrounds prioritize clean bathroom access. At Poinsett State Park, Alisa H. observed, "On the topic of the bathroom, the toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice. Really nice, they might look a little scary on the outside though but don't mind that any bit."
Shaded sites for summer cooling: Tree cover provides essential relief during hot months. Tara M. mentions that at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground, "Camp sites are decent size and always well maintained," with mature pines and hardwoods providing natural air conditioning against summer heat.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Water access serves multiple recreational purposes. Jason F. notes that Santee State Park is "a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing." The lake's expansive surface allows for activities without overcrowding during weekdays.
Pet-friendly environments: Dog owners appreciate accommodating facilities at most area campgrounds. George P. found Poinsett State Park particularly accommodating: "We stayed two nights in December and enjoyed our stay while we visited Congaree. Everything seemed to be clean and maintained. The hiking trails are very nice."
What you should know
Limited cell coverage in wooded areas: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At The Lakeshore Campground, service remains strong due to proximity to towns, with Jorah noting it feels "remote, despite being nestled among foresty neighborhoods."
Seasonal fishing regulations: Fishing rules change throughout the year based on spawning seasons and conservation efforts. Alfred H. advises: "You can only reserve a site for 14 days at a time. If you would like to stay longer you need to change sites. We were at campground in the off season and had no problems getting another site."
Road conditions to campgrounds: Access challenges exist for certain locations. As Jason F. cautions about Poinsett State Park: "It's not easy to get in here with anything bigger than a full size pickup. The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes. The road to the campground is a little better, but also very narrow."
Night noise levels vary by location: Some campgrounds experience after-hours activity. Katherine from The Lakeshore Campground reports: "Our first night, a group of campers were very loud and rowdy until 12am. Then after the rowdiness calmed, their TVS were set on like the loudest kid show until 3am!! These were not campers that were close to us either so it had to be pretty darn loud."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Multiple family-friendly options exist across the region. Jessie N. recommends Santee State Park: "We really enjoyed this park! There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" Many campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas separated from water access points.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near St. Matthews: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with basic leash requirements. Jason F. notes that Santee State Park is "Very pet friendly" with designated walking areas and accommodations for dog owners. Specific pet policies may include breed restrictions or additional fees at private campgrounds.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer junior ranger programs or environmental education. Lindsey M. appreciated Outside Inn Campground where "there is a great trail walk and lots of animals bunnies, pigs, donkeys, chickens, goats and a guinea fowl!" These hands-on experiences provide learning opportunities beyond traditional recreation.
Winter camping considerations: Cold-weather camping requires proper preparation. George P. shares a practical tip: "We stayed two nights in December and enjoyed our stay while we visited Congaree. Everything seemed to be clean and maintained." Winter offers fewer crowds and reduced insect activity, making it ideal for families sensitive to bugs.
Tips from RVers
Site size and leveling: RV site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Big Rig Friendly RV Resort, Nicole C. reports, "This place was well thought out when it was being built, lots of space, great level sites, nice dog park." Level sites reduce setup time and minimize stabilizer requirements.
Navigation challenges: Some park roads present difficulties for larger vehicles. Jason F. advises: "It would be difficult to pull off to let another vehicle pass without fear of ending up off the road or hitting a tree." Route planning should include consideration for narrow roads, especially during busy weekend periods when two-way traffic increases.
Hookup reliability: Water and electrical service quality differs between locations. Ryan D. found Santee Lakes KOA reliable: "The camping sites are nice, and some are level. hookups are convenient, and work well." During summer months, electrical service may struggle with high air conditioning demands during peak hours.
Campsite spacing and privacy: Site proximity affects overall camping experience. Trina W. cautions about Poinsett State Park: "We camped here for Mother's Day weekend. Our camper is 29 ft, with no slide outs and just an awning. There was no way to extend our awning, because the trees were too close. A slide out wouldn't have been able to open out."
