J
Josh J.
Scout
ScoutHalfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Can’t camp in this location
No camping signs all over the place and the old sites are now fenced off
Camping near North Charleston, SC
73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near North Charleston, South Carolina encompasses a mix of established campgrounds, RV parks, and cabin accommodations within a 30-mile radius of the city. James Island County Park Campground stands out as a highly-rated option just 15 minutes from downtown Charleston, featuring spacious sites with full hookups and extensive recreational amenities. Military Park Joint Base Charleston provides another well-maintained option for military personnel and their families. Most campgrounds in the area operate year-round, with several offering waterfront access or proximity to historic sites. According to reviews, James Island County Park is "located in a huge park with lots of amenities" and provides "shaded picturesque walking and bike trails."
The coastal South Carolina climate makes camping possible throughout the year, though summer months bring high humidity, temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, and increased mosquito activity. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally affects camping availability, with potential closures during severe weather events. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak spring and fall seasons when milder temperatures attract more visitors. Traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times to downtown Charleston, with reviewers noting that "it took 45 minutes to the city in the mornings and usually an hour plus back at night." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with several campgrounds offering WiFi access.
Camping options vary from full-service RV parks like Charleston KOA and Oak Plantation Campground to more rustic experiences at places like Hanscombe Point Campground. RV-focused sites typically provide full hookups, paved pads, and amenities like laundry facilities and camp stores. Tent campers have fewer options but can find accommodations at most parks, though shade availability varies significantly between locations. Visitors seeking natural surroundings should consider campgrounds in Francis Marion National Forest, approximately 40 minutes northeast of Charleston, where the Intercoastal Waterway provides opportunities for wildlife viewing and water activities. Pet policies vary by location, with most campgrounds allowing pets with standard restrictions, and some offering dedicated dog park areas.
Best Campgrounds near North Charleston (73)
1. Campground at James Island County Park
"When making reservations at James Island County Park we had modest expectations, but we were going to tour Charleston most of the time, so we decided anything close to the city would be good enough."
"The park does allow pets and has a dog park with a beach; it seems like the pups were having a marvelous time playing chase on the beach.This is a County Park with trails for walking or leisure biking."
from $43 - $269 / night
Check Availability2. Charleston KOA
"It’s in the middle of town in North Charleston so it’s near lots of store but it is loud and the spots aren’t very shaded."
"It is clean and close to shopping and close enough to Charleston which is full of history with lots of touristy things to do."
3. Lake Aire RV Park
"Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake."
"Plenty of trees and grass, a picnic area, a couple of hammocks, and lakes that host a large population of Muscovy ducks. These were fun to watch. They're quite tame and will come right up to you."
4. Oak Plantation Campground
"Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."
"Close proximity to a lot of fun things to do."
5. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
"COVID-19 kept us from camping here the first week we were in town (we stayed at Lake Aire in Hollywood...check-out my review of that campground), but once the Health Protection Condition was reduced, reservations"
"The campground is located near the golf course and outdoor recreation center, providing close access to golfing, soccer golf, disc golf, a climbing wall, and archery range."
from $23 / night
Check Availability6. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
"There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by. We are already planning a return trip."
"Lots of places close by to eat at but this feels so tucked away all at the same time."
from $68 - $300 / night
Check Availability7. Hanscombe Point Campground
"The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones. "
"Minutes away from typical groceries or dollar stores. Self check in and check out. Only reason why it's not a full 5 stars is simply having to move cow droppings for set up. Definitely would go back!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability8. Foster Creek RV Park and Villas
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
9. Edisto Beach State Park Campground
"It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."
"It is very private and secluded, but right around the corner from the beach."
10. Givhans Ferry State Park Campground
"It's definitely a small park, and its big draw is its location on the Edisto River, with lovely river-tubing to boot. We stayed in the tent sites, which have water and electricity at each site."
"The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. "
Drive Time
- 15 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 32 min from Sumter, SC
- 1 hr 51 min from Savannah, GA
- 1 hr 54 min from Hilton Head Island, SC
Recent Camping Photos near North Charleston, SC
158 Photos of 73 North Charleston Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
Oak Plantation Campground
Lake Aire RV Park
Campground at James Island County ParkM
Hanscombe Point Campgroundm
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
Givhans Ferry State Park Campground
Caper's Island
Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping
Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner
Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins
Recent Reviews near North Charleston, SC
579 Reviews of 73 North Charleston Campgrounds
Stacey R.
TravelerBuck Hall Recreation Area
Great location for Shrimping
Most campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
- Stuart K.
LegendTaylor's Landing
Off The Beaten Path
You’ll find this hidden campground VERY far off the beaten trail (and trust me, this trail is as beaten up a road as you’ll find just about anywhere in South Carolina, so you'll want to drive down the lane here SLOW) on the easternmost side of Lake Marion off Ferguson Landing in southeastern part of the great Palmetto State. Given its direct access to Lake Marion, the place gets high marks for its location, but lower marks for overall upkeep and the basic downtrodden nature of the place. You’ll be impressed by the shallow water access and boat launch here, where you’ll have to maneuver around scores of submerged Cypress trees, which makes for quite the enchanting entry to Lake Marion, which if you weren’t aware, offers up 315 miles of shoreline, spans 110,000 square acres or 174 square miles and is the largest lake in South Carolina.
That said, IMHO Taylor’s Landing could use a serious bit of refurbishment and grooming, including the grounds themselves, which were quite overgrown when we stopped by. There is a general store of sorts on-site that sells sundries, ice and most camping needs as well as providing propane tanks for sale. Overall, this place is built more for the RV’ing crowd, although they do offer a few places for tent campers, but don’t offer much in terms of amenities. There was a communal dog area that was pretty worn down right near the area designated for tent camping, which given that most of the dog owners didn’t take their dogs for a walk, the smell emanating from this area was enough for us to decide not to camp here for the night. The entire CG is wide open without any benefit of shade or privacy between sites, although the perimeter has a nice treeline.
Insider’s tip? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a history buff, then you’ll be lured nearby to discover the Sunken Ghost Town of Ferguson, which was once a Congaree Indian Village, which we could access with our kayaks to explore; (2) There is a sandy beachhead that you’ll discover on one of the few trails you’ll come across here at Taylor’s Landing; (3) From an entertainment standpoint, this CG does offer up some interesting creative options during different times of the year – when we were there during the latter part of October, they offered up a ‘Trail of Terror’ for Halloween; (4) If you want to get your hike on, right nearby is Santee Cooper Nature Trail, which makes for some relative easy-to-modest hiking; (5) There’s nothing out in these parts, so if you want to grab a bite to eat, you’ll need to head back to Eutawville where there’s a few mom & pop joints like Tricia’s Café, Sweatman’s BBQ and Casters at Bells; (6) The fishing dock here is solid and offers great opportunity to reel in largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, crappie and panfish like bluegill; and (7) The best asset here at Taylor's Landing is the fairly EZ to access boat launch that will have you in Lake Marion in no time flat, whether you have a motorized boat or a simple kayak or canoe.
Overall, Taylor's Landing could be a nice place, just in dire need of some upgrades and overall maintenance.
Happy Camping!
Natalie T.TravelerMount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
One of the best!
We were traveling with two large dogs and looking for a pet friendly site. This is a people friendly site so many game playing areas swimming pool and clean manicured lawns with a lake view on some sites.
Thomas B.
RangerBlack Pearl Farms
Pleasant Farm Stay
Mike was proactive wirg communication and extremely easy to work with. Clear instructions and a unique assortment of goodies in the farm store. We enjoyed exploring the land too!
- mmari S.
GuideRemleys Point Public Boat Launch
No overnight here
Beautiful site at boat ramp but singns everywhere no camping no overnight
- RRichard B.Guide
Thousand Trails The Oaks at Point South
Good location
Nice staff, within an hour to Charleston and Savanna.
RennScoutTaw Caw Campground and Marina
Great getaway on the lake
This is a great location, tucked away beautiful serene views and pretty well maintained. Bath house is clean with clean showers. It seems like most of the occupants are long term and everyone including the staff is very friendly. The waters are great for boating, fishing, and swimming. Tons of beautiful birds in this area. The site i got does not have sewage hookup but they can come by and pump out your tanks upon request.
GREGG H.ScoutOutside Inn Campground
Excellent stop for overnight
Staff very friendly. Clean bathroom and showers. Farm animals around property and free eggs when available.
Guide to North Charleston
Camping options near North Charleston, South Carolina include rustic sites within Francis Marion National Forest and full-service campgrounds closer to major attractions. The area sits at sea level with marshy landscapes dominating the terrain east of the city. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without proper ventilation or shade.
What to do
Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer direct access to freshwater lakes or saltwater inlets. At Lake Aire RV Park, "there is a nice pond for fishing. The resident ducks entertained us everyday and would follow us around," according to one camper's experience.
Hiking trails: The regional campgrounds feature varied walking paths through coastal forest environments. Givhans Ferry State Park Campground offers "an easy trail and Geocaching," though some visitors note it "runs along the road and cars barrel down it," requiring extra caution with children.
Water recreation: Kayaking opportunities abound on the region's waterways. At Givhans Ferry, campers appreciate the "easy access to the Edisto River. We rented kayaks and had a great time," while noting that "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."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers praise the site layout and spacing at certain campgrounds. At Oak Plantation Campground, reviewers note "the sites are large and are not on top of each other" and that even during busy periods, "they spread everyone out so I had no immediate neighbors."
Wildlife viewing: Camping areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Hanscombe Point Campground, campers enjoy "waking up to cattle/water buffalo" and appreciate that "waterfowl, egrets and eagles were seen" during their stays.
Diverse site types: The region offers everything from primitive to full-hookup experiences. Oak Plantation provides "paved and grass sites" with "lovely, large oaks with gray moss" providing the "quintessential Charleston/Savannah setting," while Hanscombe Point offers more rustic options where "the campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones."
What you should know
Traffic considerations: Commute times to Charleston attractions can vary dramatically with traffic. Reviewers at Hanscombe Point note "drive time listed to Charleston is very low, due to severe traffic congestion in the region... it took us 45 min to the city in the mornings and usually an hour plus back at night."
Seasonal pests: Insects can be prevalent depending on season and campground location. At Hanscombe Point, "No-seeums were present when we stayed the last week of March, but no mosquitos yet - despite proximity of the site to Hut creek."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, but policies vary. At Campground at James Island County Park, one visitor mentions "sites are spacious and clean" but notes the park can get busy, suggesting early reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. James Island County Park offers "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."
Water activities: Family-friendly water features are available at select locations. James Island County Park includes "a Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure, kid's playground."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA provides "a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," making history accessible for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend specific sites at certain campgrounds. At James Island County Park, "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."
Utility considerations: Water access points vary by site and can require planning. At Givhans Ferry, campers note "They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity," while others mention specific site challenges like "Water is very close to front make sure you have enough hose."
Connectivity issues: Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds. Givhans Ferry campers report "no cell service at least for us and we use att and Google fi," while others mention "be prepared for almost zero cell service" - important for RVers who need to stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV campgrounds available in the North Charleston area?
Are there RV campgrounds available in the North Charleston area?
Foster Creek RV Park and Villas offers RV sites near North Charleston. While the sites lack shade trees, the park is notably quiet and convenient for exploring Charleston. All sites are back-in only. For military personnel, Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center provides excellent accommodations for those visiting the Charleston Air Force Base. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Cypress View Campground at Santee State Park offers spacious sites suitable for RVs with a variety of recreational activities available.
Where can I find campgrounds near North Charleston, SC?
Where can I find campgrounds near North Charleston, SC?
Several excellent campgrounds are located near North Charleston. The Charleston KOA is situated in North Charleston itself, offering clean facilities and family-friendly amenities, though it has limited shade and some traffic noise. For a natural setting, Buck Hall Recreation Area in Francis Marion National Forest is about 40 minutes northeast, sitting along the beautiful intercoastal waterway. Other nearby options include Oak Plantation Campground and the highly-rated Campground at James Island County Park, which provides convenient access to Charleston's attractions while offering excellent facilities.
What camping options are available near attractions like Boone Hall Plantation?
What camping options are available near attractions like Boone Hall Plantation?
For camping near Boone Hall Plantation, consider Campground at James Island County Park, which offers exceptional facilities within easy driving distance to Charleston's attractions. Campers consistently praise its cleanliness and amenities. Another excellent option is Edisto Beach State Park Campground, which features two camping sections – an oceanside area with refreshing breezes and a marsh side that's a quick bicycle ride from the beach. Both options provide a comfortable base for exploring area attractions like Boone Hall Plantation while enjoying South Carolina's natural beauty.
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