Cabin camping near Orangeburg, South Carolina offers affordable accommodations on Lake Marion with access to fishing, boating, and hiking trails. The region features several state parks with cabin rentals at varying price points and amenity levels. Located in the Midlands region about 50 miles southeast of Columbia, the area's subtropical climate creates a long camping season with mild winters but hot, humid summers that warrant advance planning for comfort.
What to do
Fishing opportunities year-round: Bell's Marina & Resort provides direct water access for anglers with multiple fishing spots on Lake Marion. "I loved the community barbecue and pizza oven, and the giant Ring of Fire with the spectacular water fountain in the middle was a great place to socialize and meet new friends," notes one visitor at Bell's Marina & Resort.
Hiking trail access: Poinsett State Park features interconnected trails suitable for different skill levels. "We enjoyed the variety of hiking options here. It would be great if the state parks service could direct some funding to repairing and widening the roads and repairing some of the trails that were damaged in the 2015 flood that are now impassible," one camper commented about Poinsett State Park.
Lake activities beyond fishing: Santee Lakes KOA offers swimming and boating options close to cabin accommodations. "Nice camping site off of I-95. The camping sites are nice, and some are level. Hookups are convenient, and work well. Lake is beautiful, and even had wooden chairs for use," according to a visitor at Santee Lakes KOA.
What campers like
Peaceful winter stays: December camping at Santee State Park offers quieter experiences with fewer crowds. "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore," reports a camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple parks offer opportunities to spot local wildlife from cabin porches or while exploring the grounds. "We had a great time hiking and fishing," notes one visitor about Santee State Park, while another camper at Poinsett State Park appreciated the "remote and natural setting" where they could observe local fauna.
Convenience for travelers: Many cabin locations provide easy access from major highways. "Bells Marina and Resort is an absolute gem for road stops off I-95. This lakeside campsite, perfectly nestled on the water, delivered stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The newly paved, smooth road leading to the campsite made our arrival effortless and stress-free," according to a recent guest.
What you should know
Maintenance varies significantly: Some cabin facilities require updates or repairs. "Needs Work - We stay here twice both times were just OK. The pool is crowded and murky, suggesting it good us a good cleaning," reports one camper about their experience at Santee Lakes KOA.
Seasonal crowding affects experience: Summer months bring higher occupancy and potential noise issues. "A beautiful location on the lake. All campsites can probably see the lake a little. Downside is that it's super crowded. Apparently all the fishermen drag their families in along with their boats. While they're fishing, Mom and the kids are left in the campground," notes a visitor to Santee State Park.
Site selection matters: Choose cabins away from highways for quieter stays. "The road going into the campground is horrible if you are towing a camper and full of potholes but is manageable," mentions a camper at Barnwell State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of researching access routes.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select cabins near play areas for easier supervision. "We really enjoyed this park! There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" shares a visitor about Santee State Park, making it ideal for families with younger children.
Swimming options: Colleton State Park offers river access for supervised water play. "This is a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing," notes a camper about water recreation options in the area.
Budget-friendly amenities: Barnwell State Park provides affordable cabin options with family activities included. "They offer rentals for John boats, paddle boats, and kayaks for a very reasonable cost. We rented two paddle boats and had a blast (it was exhausting though). There is wifi at the office and meeting building, which came in handy for communication since cell service was spotty at best," according to a visitor at Barnwell State Park.
Tips from RVers
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between parks for remote workers. "Great ATT phone service. Big lake. I've seen better bath houses," notes a visitor to Santee State Park, while a Givhans Ferry visitor cautions, "Nice campsite, full hookups, enjoyed the lightning bugs, great place to enjoy camping and getting away from electronics since no cell phone signal for T-Mobile and no wifi in campground."
Site leveling challenges: Some cabins and surrounding campsites require additional preparation. "The sites are large and far enough apart; but be mindful of the site you pick! Our sites were right next to the highway," advises a visitor to Palmetto Shores RV Resort.
Delivery services available: Some parks offer on-site food delivery to cabins. "We were impressed from our very first contact. They have a check in station at the gate so you don't even have to get out of your vehicle. They deliver firewood and pizza. The pizza was excellent. Customer service is outstanding!" shares a Santee Lakes KOA visitor, highlighting the convenience for travelers or families.
