Camping sites near Summerville, South Carolina range from well-maintained state parks to military-exclusive facilities with specific access requirements. The region sits at relatively low elevations with most campgrounds under 100 feet above sea level, contributing to drainage challenges during heavy rain events. Summer nighttime temperatures typically remain above 70°F from June through August, with high humidity that persists well into evening hours at most camping locations.
What to do
Kayaking on the Edisto River: Access the water at Givhans Ferry State Park for paddling adventures. "There is no boat access from the park but there Is access so you can float down the river on Kayaks or floats. Just make sure you have a car further down the road because the currents wIll not let you back up the river," explains a visitor to Givhans Ferry State Park.
Disc golf courses: Several parks near Summerville feature disc golf. At James Island County Park, "West of the Outdoor Zone is an 18-hole disc golf course and back towards the center of the park is a Splash Zone Waterpark," according to one experienced camper who stayed at James Island County Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing in stocked ponds and lakes. "The grounds were clean and well maintained. Nice pond for fishing," notes a visitor at Lake Aire RV Park. Many campgrounds provide bank fishing access with several featuring dedicated fishing docks.
Historic site exploration: The region offers access to multiple historic plantations. "They also had a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week. We actually missed it but would really like to take the time to do it if we ever get back," reports a camper who stayed at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
What campers like
Spacious campsites with shade: Oak Plantation gets positive reviews for site size and tree cover. "Large park with paved and grass sites. I stayed in a paved full hookup site P2 and, even though there were a fair amount of guests, they spread everyone out so I had no immediate neighbors," notes one camper at Oak Plantation Campground.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks feature dedicated dog areas. "There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing. Some tent sites and cabin sites are right along the water and offer nice views. There's a one mile loop trail through the woods and along the lake. There are waste bags scattered throughout the park and a huge dog park," states a camper reviewing Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Clean facilities: Military campgrounds receive high marks for cleanliness. "This RV park was very clean and the base offered a good amount of amenities. There were about 5 tent sites and the rest RV sites," according to a camper at Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center.
Shell collecting opportunities: Beach camping options provide access to unique coastal activities. "We had a magical time at Edisto. The Beach campground was just steps from the ocean. Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75. Bathrooms were great. Shelling was incredible-especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide," describes a visitor to Edisto Beach State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: Low-lying sites can experience water issues. "We had 2 days of heavy rain and some sites flooded, but everything drained well," reports a camper at James Island County Park. Many campgrounds have implemented drainage systems with varying effectiveness.
Limited cell service in some areas: Reception varies significantly between locations. "Be prepared for almost zero cell service," warns a camper who stayed at Givhans Ferry State Park. Other campgrounds closer to urban centers typically have better connectivity.
Traffic congestion: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating busy roads. "The road in front of campground is extremely busy (Hwy 17) and I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out. It may take longer but worth your sanity," advises a visitor to Oak Plantation Campground.
Insect management: Ants and mosquitoes require preparation. "We got a tip from a neighboring RVer to spray for small ants anywhere that the RV touches the ground so the ants won't crawl up and get in our RV as it did theirs," shares a camper from Oak Plantation Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple parks feature splash zones and pools. At Edisto Beach State Park, "We love this park. Trails for bike rides or walks. Close to beach. Great staff. Private campsites." The park offers access to both ocean swimming and shaded hiking.
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas. "We were right next to the playground, but there weren't a lot of kids there, so didn't have any issues in that regard," notes a camper at Lake Aire RV Park. Several campgrounds feature multiple playground areas with varying age appropriateness.
Bike-friendly camping: Several parks offer paved paths for young riders. "This is one of the best 'all around' campgrounds we have visited. Sites are spacious and clean. plenty of sights to see in Charleston. It has a fantastic dog park and several miles of paved walking/biking paths," explains a reviewer from James Island County Park.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer structured activities for children. "They have an Outdoor Zone featuring a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline that will have you and your brood enjoying these backwoods in no time," reports a visitor to James Island County Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Various electricity options exist across campgrounds. "It has a pool, camp activities, hiking/nature trail. It was extremely clean and the staff was friendly. It has a lake for fishing and water activities, a dog park. It is very close to things around Charleston," notes a visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Site selection strategies: Specific site recommendations can improve stays. "IMHO the best slots in this RV exclusive campground are those on the perimeter with the best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55; along the westernmost side with sites #20, #21, #23, #24 and #26," advises an experienced RVer at James Island County Park.
Level pad variations: Concrete pad quality differs between parks. "Our site had a concrete pad but the concrete pad was broken up into large pieces of concrete which makes it hard to level," reports a recent visitor to Oak Plantation Campground. Many sites require additional leveling blocks.
Dump station logistics: Not all parks offer convenient waste disposal. "Only negative dump site is a mile up main road," notes a camper at Edisto Beach State Park. Several campgrounds require planning for dump station access during peak checkout times.
