Best Campgrounds in South Carolina
South Carolina's state parks and private campgrounds provide a wide range of camping experiences, from oceanfront sites to mountain retreats. Established campgrounds like Huntington Beach State Park and Edisto Beach State Park offer full-service camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks including cabin rental options for those seeking additional comfort. Many campgrounds are situated near water features, making them popular destinations for fishing and water activities.
Reservations are highly recommended at most South Carolina campgrounds, especially during the busy summer season when beachfront sites fill quickly. "This is a nice campground. For the most part quiet. Nice place to walk, tour, visit," notes one camper about Andrew Jackson State Park. The state's subtropical climate means hot, humid summers and mild winters, making camping viable year-round, though hurricane season (June through November) may affect coastal campgrounds. Most state parks maintain well-maintained roads accessible to standard vehicles, while some remote areas in national forests might require higher clearance. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near urban areas and limited or no service in more remote locations.
Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews from visitors across the state. Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort offer beach access that proves particularly popular with families. "Love all the daily activities and amenities. Bathhouse is always clean and staff is helpful," reports one visitor about Ocean Lakes. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping options exist in areas like Sumter National Forest, where visitors appreciate the opportunity to disconnect. "No showers, no wi-fi or cell service, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot—just what I wanted," shared one camper about Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the state's campgrounds, with deer frequently spotted at parks like Santee State Park.
