Camping near Folly Beach, South Carolina requires strategic planning due to the popularity of coastal sites during peak seasons. The area features a mix of barrier islands and inland options with elevation typically under 20 feet above sea level. Campers often encounter sandy soil conditions that can impact tent staking and site drainage, especially during summer thunderstorms that can develop rapidly in the coastal environment.
What to do
Fishing from campground docks: At Hanscombe Point Campground, visitors can fish directly from the property. "Really great spot to sit and stare at the marshland and take in the view of all the little crabs crawling around the banks of the water," notes one visitor who enjoyed the peaceful setting after busy beach days.
Beach combing for shells: The beaches near Edisto Island provide excellent shelling opportunities. A camper at Edisto Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "Shelling was incredible—especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide."
Outdoor recreation activities: The recreational facilities at Charleston area parks offer diverse options. "Wonderful park with plenty of amenities! We stayed here in October when the water park/pool was closed, but there was still plenty to do with bike rentals and the outdoor adventure area," shared a visitor to James Island County Park.
Farm animal viewing: Some campgrounds offer unique wildlife encounters beyond typical camping. A Hanscombe Point camper enjoyed "waking up to livestock outside your window grazing. They are so beautiful and the view from every angle is amazing."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The chance to see local fauna is a highlight for many. "A dolphin swam by in the inlet one morning. Took me by surprise!!!" reported one camper at Hanscombe Point.
Historical sites proximity: The region's rich history is accessible from many campgrounds. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers "a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," which many campers appreciate as an included activity.
Beachfront access: Direct ocean proximity is highly valued. A camper at Edisto Beach State Park noted sites are "just steps from the ocean. Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75" for closest beach access.
Shade coverage: The natural canopy at many sites provides relief from summer heat. At Oak Plantation Campground, campers appreciate "large oaks with gray moss provide that quintessential Charleston/Savannah setting."
What you should know
Traffic conditions: Rush hour traffic significantly impacts travel times. At Hanscombe Point, a reviewer noted, "Drive time listed to Charleston is very low, due to severe traffic congestion in the region. Not the farm's doing, but it took us 45 min to the city in the mornings (~9:30AM) and usually an hour plus back at night (2-4PM)."
Insect preparation: Coastal camping brings unique bug challenges. "No-seeums were present when we stayed the last week of March, but no mosquitos yet—despite proximity of the site to Hut creek," reported a Hanscombe Point camper.
Site flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience drainage issues after rainfall. At Hunting Island State Park Campground, a visitor warned, "I recommend avoiding the first loop closest to the beach as they were flooded."
Seasonal events impact: Holiday light displays and events can affect campground experience. A James Island County Park camper mentioned, "They have a light show through the park. The traffic was incredible at night. I really think they should give a discount during this time of year because of the inconvenience."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "Great place for families. Not very secluded. It is pretty much one big open green space with tent sites circling in a loop around the green space," noted a visitor to James Island County Park about the tent camping area.
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can learn about local ecosystems. At Lake Aire RV Park, "The resident ducks entertained us everyday and would follow us around," creating memorable experiences for families.
Safety considerations: Parents appreciate secure camping environments. At Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, a camper mentioned, "Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. We were also right beside the pool and playground area so it was convenient to walk over."
Beach-to-camp distance: When planning beach days with children, proximity matters. A Hunting Island visitor shared, "The kids enjoyed the beach, although it was too cold to swim and the algae bloom bubbles were abundant."
Tips from RVers
Site selection priorities: Experienced RVers recommend specific areas. One James Island County Park camper advised, "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."
Local pest management: Ants can be problematic for RVs. A Lake Aire camper shared, "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."
Dump station locations: Some facilities have inconvenient waste disposal options. An Edisto Beach State Park camper noted, "Only negative dump site is a mile up main road."
Road access challenges: Campground entrances can present navigation issues. Oak Plantation visitors warned, "One issue is if you are coming from US 17 eastbound, you will need to make a left-hand turn into the driveway through heavy traffic congestion."
