Camping cabins near Pinewood, South Carolina offer access to Lake Marion, part of the Santee Cooper Lakes system with over 315 miles of shoreline. The area sits within the High Hills of Santee region, characterized by sandy soil and diverse forest ecosystems mixing pine and hardwood species. Most rental cabins remain open year-round, with peak season between April and October when average temperatures range from 75-90°F.
What to do
Biking trails in natural surroundings: Poinsett State Park Campground provides excellent mountain biking options within and near the park. "This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby," notes one visitor. The trails offer varied terrain suited for different skill levels.
Fishing for record catches: Bells Marina & Resort provides direct access to fishing spots known for trophy catches. A visitor mentioned, "I even caught a trophy-sized bass that made my week." The marina offers convenient amenities for anglers including a fish cleaning station and boat launch facilities.
Swimming options beyond the lake: Palmetto Shores RV Resort features additional water recreation beyond lake access. "Palmetto shores has a nice outdoor activity area, a nice lake beach and a really nice pool and lazy River," reports one camper. These amenities provide alternatives when lake conditions aren't ideal.
What campers like
Secluded sites with trail access: Poinsett State Park Campground offers peaceful campsites with direct trail connections. "We stayed here for our son's first birthday, in campsite 30! It was beautiful and we felt like we had plenty of privacy. Our site had a trail attached to the back of it which was really nice for hiking," shares one visitor.
Exceptional customer service: Campers frequently mention the welcoming staff at various properties. At Santee Lakes KOA, a visitor noted, "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. Then they have people on golf carts take you to your site which is great!"
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Despite their remote location, most cabins maintain clean facilities. "They have all the amenities you need for a little getaway, including a fireplace," reports one Poinsett State Park visitor about the WPA era cabins. Regular maintenance keeps comfort levels high even in primitive settings.
What you should know
Road conditions affect larger vehicles: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. "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. It would be difficult to pull off to let another vehicle pass without fear of ending up off the road or hitting a tree," warns a Poinsett visitor.
Site sizes vary significantly: Not all cabin sites accommodate large camping setups. At Weston Lake Recreation Area, "I was in a spot that had the Hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side. I ended up buying an additional 20 ft. of dumping tubing ($60)." Measure your setup before booking.
Seasonal facility limitations: Water access may be restricted during maintenance periods. "The only thing that has really changed is the dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs are completed," reports a visitor about Weston Lake Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access considerations: Multiple campgrounds offer playground facilities. "There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!" notes a visitor about Cypress View Campground at Santee State Park.
Field areas for children: Look for campsites near open spaces where children can play. "The camp sites were on the smaller side but opened up to a large field area where the kids and dog could run around and play," shares a Poinsett State Park visitor.
Recreational building access: Mill Creek Marina and Campground and other properties offer common areas for family activities. One visitor noted Poinsett has "a nice recreational building available for campers to use, complete with games, books, tables, and electricity." These spaces provide backup entertainment during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: RVers should confirm utility locations before booking. "I was in a spot that had the hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side," notes a visitor about Weston Lake Recreation Area. Bring extension cords and hoses to accommodate varied setups.
Tree spacing affects larger rigs: Many campgrounds have heavily wooded sites that limit RV sizes. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," warns a Poinsett State Park visitor. Call ahead to confirm clearance for larger units.
Delivery services available: Some campgrounds offer convenience services for RVers. At Santee Lakes KOA, "They deliver firewood and pizza. The pizza was excellent," reports one camper. These amenities reduce the need to break camp for supplies.
