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Best Camping in South Carolina: Beaches, Mountains & More

2,444 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

South Carolina's state parks and private campgrounds offer camping options ranging from oceanfront sites to mountain retreats, with choices spanning primitive tent sites to RV camping with full hookups. Campgrounds like Huntington Beach State Park and Edisto Beach State Park offer full-service camping with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several parks including cabin rental options for those seeking additional comfort. Many campgrounds are situated near water features, making them popular destinations for fishing and water activities.

Reservations are highly recommended at most South Carolina campgrounds, especially during the busy summer season when beachfront sites fill quickly. "This is a nice campground. For the most part quiet. Nice place to walk, tour, visit," notes one camper about Andrew Jackson State Park. The state's subtropical climate means hot, humid summers and mild winters, making camping viable year-round, though hurricane season (June through November) may affect coastal campgrounds. Most state parks maintain well-maintained roads accessible to standard vehicles, while some remote areas in national forests might require higher clearance. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near urban areas and limited or no service in more remote locations.

Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews from visitors across the state. Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort offer beach access that proves particularly popular with families. "Love all the daily activities and amenities. Bathhouse is always clean and staff is helpful," reports one visitor about Ocean Lakes. For those seeking more seclusion, dispersed camping options exist in areas like Sumter National Forest, where visitors appreciate the opportunity to disconnect. "No showers, no wi-fi or cell service, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot—just what I wanted," shared one camper about Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the state's campgrounds, with deer frequently spotted at parks like Santee State Park.

Best Camping Sites in South Carolina (369)

    1. Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

    103 Reviews
    Myrtle Beach, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5325

    "The downside, no seniors or military discount unless you are a South Carolina resident."

    "We'd never been to South Carolina before and had no idea what to expect. We were thoroughly smitten with the coast and the city of Myrtle Beach, but we really loved camping in the state park."

    2. Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Murrells Inlet, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 237-4440

    "One of the cleanest campgrounds I’ve been to in South Carolina. And only a short walk from the beach"

    "Huntington Beach State Park South Carolina. Stayed a week. Great campground. Trails, easy access to the most amazing beach. The nicest washroom facilities and laundry."

    3. Edisto Beach State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 869-2156

    "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."

    4. Hunting Island State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 838-2011

    "First South Carolina camp."

    "Campground Review: We cycled, kayaked, hiked and watched gorgeous sunrises over the Atlantic at this beautiful campground on the coast of South Carolina."

    5. Campground at James Island County Park

    61 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 795-4386

    $43 - $269 / night

    "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."

    6. Table Rock State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest."

    "South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get"

    7. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."

    "There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"

    8. Ocean Lakes Family Campground

    53 Reviews
    Jamestown, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5636

    "Playgrounds, summer concerts, dining etc is close by too. It buts up against Myrtle Beach Resort so our friends stayed there while we camped sometimes."

    "We just finished our stay at Ocean Lakes Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. We enjoyed it and will return."

    9. Pirateland Family Camping Resort

    53 Reviews
    Jamestown, SC
    Website
    +1 (843) 238-5155

    "It is situated right next to the beach. There is an indoor pool and a big splash park on the grounds. There is a big shower house, laundry facility, and an arcade club house."

    "It Is All About Close Proximity To The Beach Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot"

    10. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    Website
    +1 (803) 364-4152

    "This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"

    "I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made"

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Recent Camping Photos in South Carolina

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Recent Reviews in South Carolina

2444 Reviews of 369 South Carolina Campgrounds

  • Wendi R.
    Jul. 27, 2026

    Broad River Campgound

    Things you should know

    When I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by  myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.

  • Gail G.
    Jul. 20, 2026

    Santee Lakes KOA

    quick stopover

    Check in was easy, folks friendly. Water pressure to RV was weak, not sure we had 50 amp electric voltage, cause our battery level was down to 1/3 in am. It was very hot, ran two AC’s, and have electric fridge. Still trying to figure out why, when plugged into power, our battery level is lower then when we plugged into pole.

  • Stacey I.
    Jul. 18, 2026

    Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet

    It was quiet and plenty shaded with all the trees. A little stagnant with not a lot of breeze, though. The roads are also pretty narrow and they could cut back some of the trees to make it easier to back in the campers. It's tight in some spots!

  • EV M.
    Jul. 16, 2026

    Lake Hartwell State Park Campground

    A repeat favorite and easy camping site for beginners

    Stayed here a few times at different sites and always love it! I tent camp, so can't speak to the cabins or RV sites. Never too busy when I've gone in May and August. Tent sites are right on the water, so it's easy to move between swimming and your site. Other campers have been friendly. Water spigots near the campsites that usually run clear, I've drank from them with no issue. If you're keen on an air mattress, you can usually find an empty RV site to plug in your pump and then just carry the inflated mattress to your site. No drive ups, though sites like T10-13 are pretty darn close to the parking. T1-2 are a bit further from their closest parking, but still not bad. 1/2 are a bit set off from the rest with a fairly steep drop off that overlooks the beach, so be careful! Small trail leads you down to the water. 9 and 10-13 are close together, with 9 a bit set apart. Can't speak to the other sites personally. Boats don't come too close to the swimming sections by the campsites which is nice. Good mix of sun and shade. Got absolutely poured on (even inside my tent) one trip and still had a great time, easy place to have fun. Nearest grocery store is pretty far, so make one trip for supplies on the way up and enjoy camping the rest of the time.

  • C.J. C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2026

    Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lakeviews

    This is my favorite South Carolina Park. Most sites are waterfront. It's peaceful in the spring and beautiful in the fall. The pull-through sites are great for waking up to lake views and a sunrise or sunset over the lake

  • C.J. C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2026

    Lake Hartwell State Park Campground

    Shady sites with lake views

    Beautiful park with lake views. Some of the roads through the campground were bumpy. Views were worth it though. Most spots in the area of my site were shady, even if a bit close. It was hot in June, so the shade was welcome. Bathhouse was newer and clean.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2026

    Lake Jasper RV Park

    Lake Jasper RV park is top notch!

    The place is immaculate n well landscaped. The sites are clean n level. The showers n bathrooms are clean. The pool is great. The lake is pretty n you can fish.

  • Lauren M.
    Jul. 13, 2026

    Barnwell State Park Campground

    Quiet and Enjoyable

    Nice sites. Clean bathhouse. Great areas for biking or walking. Was able to find some fishing but main pond has been lowered.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2026

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    White Oak Campground

    Semi private campground, super clean bathrooms, cell signal is spotty and there are no trails or water nearby. So, some pluses and some minuses. Also, although our campsite was level (unlike some), it was quite muddy and the utility hookups and fire ring were on opposite sides of where they should be.

Guide to South Carolina

Camping in South Carolina offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

What to do

  • Explore the lakes: Many campgrounds, like Dreher Island State Park Campground, are right by the water. Campers love the chance to kayak and fish. One reviewer said, “We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, and kayaking.”
  • Hiking and biking: Trails are abundant, especially at places like Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park. A visitor noted, “There are a couple of hiking trails and a short nature trail, both accessible from the Islanders Camp Circle.”
  • Wildlife watching: Campers often spot various birds and other wildlife. One camper at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park mentioned, “Great day adventure... the nature facility provides knowledge of the area and the wildlife.”

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campgrounds like Lake Wateree State Park Campground offer stunning waterfront sites. A happy camper shared, “Site #1 on the lake. Level paved driveway lots of shade. Great campground.”
  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Poinsett State Park Campground said, “The toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice.”
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful rangers and hosts. A visitor at Colleton State Park Campground noted, “The rangers are very helpful and the camp host was terrific.”

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Brick House Campground, have basic facilities. A camper mentioned, “There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty.”
  • Seasonal crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Santee Lakes KOA said, “Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!!”
  • Weather considerations: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. A camper at Dreher Island State Park Campground shared, “There was a big storm for about an hour after we set up camp, but the site drained well.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like playgrounds. One reviewer at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground mentioned, “Has a splash pad and kayak rentals.”
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Cypress View Campground noted, “The campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site.”
  • Pack snacks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. One camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground said, “Not much near the site for supplies so bring your supplies if possible.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are paved, but don’t expect completely level.”
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Colleton State Park Campground offer full hookups, which many RVers appreciate. A camper said, “Every site is full hookup.”
  • Be mindful of road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads. A reviewer at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, “Roads were really heavy with potholes, so not the friendliest for RVs.”

Camping in South Carolina is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best state parks for camping in South Carolina?

Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers two excellent camping sections - an oceanside area with refreshing breezes and a marsh side that's a short bike ride from the beach. Huntington Beach State Park Campground is renowned for its cleanliness, exceptional washroom facilities, and easy access to pristine beaches. Other top state parks include Sesquicentennial State Park, which offers trailer sites, tent sites, and primitive camping within Columbia's metro area, and Lake Hartwell State Park, conveniently located just off I-85. Most state parks feature well-maintained facilities, but it's advisable to prepare for mosquitoes, especially during summer months. For the best experience, book waterfront sites well in advance.

What are the most popular camping areas in South Carolina?

South Carolina's coastal region draws many campers to Hunting Island State Park Campground, where you can pitch a tent just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. The Francis Marion National Forest area, specifically Buck Hall Recreation Area, is popular for its gorgeous intercoastal waterway access about 40 minutes from Charleston. Lake camping enthusiasts flock to Dreher Island State Park for its peaceful lakeside sites and fishing opportunities. For those traveling along I-95, campgrounds near Florence provide convenient overnight stops. Many popular areas fill up quickly during peak season (March-October), so reservations are highly recommended, especially for waterfront sites.

Are there private campgrounds in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina offers numerous private campgrounds. Mr. Levy's Riceland Farm provides a peaceful farm setting with fishing opportunities and proximity to Georgetown. For a unique experience, Pedro's Campground at South of the Border offers RV sites alongside roadside attractions just south of the North Carolina border. The Myrtle Beach area features several private options including Ocean Lakes Family Campground and Pirateland Family Camping Resort, both offering comprehensive amenities and beach access. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities than public sites, including full hookups, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and sometimes pools or entertainment facilities. Rates vary widely based on location, season, and amenities, with coastal and tourist areas commanding premium prices.

Keep Exploring

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