Campsites surrounding Manning, South Carolina offer access to Lake Marion, the largest lake in South Carolina at over 110,000 acres. This centrally located town sits at an elevation of just 128 feet above sea level in the coastal plain region, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September. Winter camping provides more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 50-65°F and significantly fewer insects.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated piers: At Taw Caw Campground and Marina, anglers have access to fishing piers with cleaning stations. "Great Marina with Ramp, Fuel and boat slips. Outstanding opportunity to fish from the fishing pier that includes a cleaning station. The camp store offers live bait and limited tackle," notes Raymond.
Kayaking on Lake Marion: Launch directly from your campsite at several waterfront locations. "We had super easy access to the lake for putting in the SUP and paddling around! The view of sunset on the lake is absolutely breathtaking!" reports Katherine from The Lakeshore Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Poinsett State Park Campground offers excellent biking options. "I prefer to stay at Poinsett State Park in the fall, winter, or spring as it is located in the sandhills and it can be pretty hot and buggy in the summer," suggests Jodi B., adding "This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: The Lakeshore Campground provides ample room to spread out. "Spacious, well wooded and there was a fantastic breeze all weekend with helped with the heat and bugs! The lake access had a beach area that the kids loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs," reports Katherine.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: RV's Acres offers a more intimate camping experience. "The last time I was here (4 days ago) 2 does & a fawn came lopping/walking through the property. There is a beautiful private pond on property and the owner does allow catch/release," shares Mark B.
Clean facilities: Despite its small size, many campers appreciate the cleanliness at Taw Caw Campground. "The restrooms are clean and well equipped," notes Raymond, while at The Lakeshore Campground, "The bathrooms were well kept, and cleaned every morning while we were there."
What you should know
Campground traffic varies by season: The Lakeshore Campground experiences significant differences between peak and off-season. "We were at campground in the off season and had no problems getting another site," reports Alfred H., but Katherine notes, "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!"
Road conditions: Some parks have challenging access roads. At Poinsett State Park, Jason F. warns, "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."
Trash management: Litter can be an issue at some locations. "The trash was another big negative. Our campsite was littered with cigarette butts and having young kids it was a little frustrating since they pick up everything!" Katherine observed at The Lakeshore Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly water access: Families appreciate gradual beach entries. "The lake access had a beach area that the kids (3 and 1) loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs," notes Katherine at The Lakeshore Campground.
Playground availability: Santee Lakes KOA offers recreation options beyond the water. "Really nice facilities. Right by the playground," reports Daniel S., while Jessie N. adds about Cypress View Campground, "There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!"
Food convenience options: Some campgrounds offer on-site food service, eliminating the need to cook every meal. "If you don't feel like cooking, order their awesome pizza, wings and they will deliver it to you by golf cart," advises Georgia R. about Santee Lakes KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: At Santee Lakes KOA, Ryan D. notes, "The first site they tried to put me in was a 'premium' site overlooking the lake. Beautiful site, but not nearly big enough for my 37' travel trailer. They moved me immediately."
Campsite spacing: Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers well-spaced sites. "Large sites with full hook-ups. Lots of amenities on the premises, including a really good restaurant!" notes Linda H.
Tree clearance challenges: Poinsett State Park presents space constraints. Trina W. advises, "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."
Traveler
