Camping in the Pinopolis region sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level, creating a unique blend of pine forest and wetland ecosystems surrounding Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion. Seasonal water levels fluctuate by 1-3 feet throughout the year, affecting shoreline access at some campsites near Pinopolis, South Carolina. The region experiences typical southeastern climate patterns with summer humidity levels regularly exceeding 80%.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Lake Moultrie supports multiple fish species with specialized access points at various campgrounds. At Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner, one visitor notes it's "a short distance from Charleston, SC. They have descent wifi and an pretty well stocked camp store, but the main attraction is huge Lake Moultrie. Great for fishing, swimming, camping, RV, and much more."
**Water recreation options: Beyond fishing, several campgrounds offer water-based activities with equipment rentals. "The main activity, of course, is the lake; however, there are other things such as a swimming pool and a basketball court," explains one visitor to Angels Landing Campground.
**Hiking trails: The Palmetto Trail access point sits approximately 5 miles from Johnston Landing, offering hiking through cypress forests and wetlands. A reviewer at Hill's Landing recommends: "One of the best hikes in all of South Carolina– the Palmetto Trial is just about 5 miles away, but is definitely worth the hike as here you'll be able to witness first hand the sunken giant Cypress trees, amazing bird watching (Ospreys and Herons in particular)."
What campers like
**Waterfront access: Direct lake access ranks as a top feature for most visitors. "I really enjoyed staying here. The campsites aren't huge, but you can fish and the scenery is great with the sites right against the lake," shares one camper at Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner.
**Security and facilities: Military campgrounds provide enhanced security features. At Joint Base Charleston, campers appreciate the safety aspects: "Also nice is the feeling of safety when the police cruise by regularly. We sleep comfortably feel very safe and secure."
**Restaurant access: Several lakeside campgrounds feature on-site dining options. At Hill's Landing & RV Park, a visitor commented: "Beautiful, clean, friendly and helpful staff! Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park. Restaurant has amazing food! Highly recommend for fishing!"
**Proximity to Charleston: Multiple campsites serve as convenient bases for exploring Charleston while maintaining lake access. "This RV park was very clean and the base offered a good amount of amenities. There were about 5 tent sites and the rest RV sites," notes a visitor to Joint Base Charleston.
What you should know
**Military ID requirements: Several campgrounds restrict access to military personnel. "This is a military-only campground on Charleston AFB. 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," explains a reviewer at Joint Base Charleston.
**Site privacy varies: Waterfront sites often trade privacy for water access. One Angels Landing visitor observed: "The campground landscaping is well-maintained. It does accept tent campers, but I would feel out of place if I were just tent camping. Most of the campers are large travel trailers and RVs, and most of those from what I can tell are permanent campers."
**Noise considerations: Airport proximity affects some campgrounds. "During the day there is the near by airport noise, but evenings are peaceful and relaxing. With 7 am revilee and evening taps, you know you're on a military base," reports a Joint Base Charleston camper.
**Seasonal conditions: Summer heat affects comfort levels significantly. At Givhans Ferry State Park Campground, a visitor noted: "Can be really hot in the summer with little breeze."
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas with varying amenities. At Campground at James Island County Park, one visitor shares: "Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous."
**Swimming options: Water features provide recreation beyond fishing. "We love camping at Short Stay. The only downfall is the geese. They leave a mess everywhere. But otherwise the people are friendly, the rates are great, and it's nice to be right on the lake," reports a visitor.
**Activity variety: Multiple recreation options keep families engaged. A Short Stay camper noted: "I have stayed at here several times over the years. I've done primitive camping as well as staying in the cabins. I really enjoyed the multitude of options when it comes to outdoor activities. Kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, and fishing just to name a few."
**Educational options: Several historic sites lie within driving distance. "In Charleston, we walked around downtown, took the ferry to Ft Sumter, toured the USS Yorktown, and visited Ft Moultrie," recommends a Joint Base Charleston visitor.
Tips from RVers
**Site spacing: RV campgrounds vary significantly in site dimensions and privacy. At James Island County Park, a visitor observes: "The sites aren't huge but are clean and convenient to camp store and trails. Our site was a pull through with some nice palmettos but not a lot of privacy."
**Long-term camping: Several campgrounds accommodate extended stays with additional facilities. "I absolutely love Short Stay! It is so laid back and peaceful. The only complaint I have is the WIFI. I am staying in the long term camping area and I have no WIFI connection. The short term area has an OK WIFI signal, but not the best."
**Flooding potential: Some sites experience water accumulation issues after rain. "We stayed in site C and it flooded a bit in the rain but the other sites seemed to do fine," notes a Joint Base Charleston visitor.
**Site selection strategy: Corner or perimeter sites typically offer better privacy. "If I stayed longer than one night, I'm sure I would discover much more. The campground is quiet, and the other campers seemed friendly," reports a visitor to Angels Landing.
