Cabin camping near Pinopolis, South Carolina provides access to Lake Moultrie's 60,000-acre freshwater reservoir with 135 miles of shoreline. Lake elevations typically range between 72-76 feet above sea level, creating varied shoreline conditions throughout different seasons. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F while summer months regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels that can make outdoor activities challenging without proper hydration.
What to do
Fishing excursions: Lake Moultrie near Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner offers abundant fishing opportunities. "Very quiet and secure great fishing and beautiful sunsets," notes Alan M. about the waterfront location. The area is known for bass, catfish, and crappie fishing year-round.
Water activities: Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins provides direct lake access for boating and swimming. "Once you successfully navigate all of the backroads past Lake Marion and directly on the shores of Lake Moultrie, you'll eventually find a small nook in the road where you'll discover Johnston Landing," explains Stuart K. who recommends bringing "a floating vessel of any type– fishing boat, kayak, canoe or whatever will stay afloat."
Nature trails: Explore the Palmetto Trail located approximately 5 miles from Johnston Landing. This trail system features sunken giant Cypress trees and excellent bird watching opportunities. "Ospreys and Herons in particular" can be spotted along these hiking routes according to visitors familiar with the area.
What campers like
Lake views: Many cabin campers appreciate waterfront accommodations at Santee Lakes KOA. "Worth the upgrade to the lake front sites," mentions John K., while another visitor states, "We had a beautiful lake front site. Right by the playground. Really nice facilities."
Military-exclusive options: Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner provides specialized cabin accommodations for qualified military personnel. "This campground is for Active and retired military and other qualified DOD employees," explains Alan M. A former visitor adds, "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."
Cabin variety: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA offers varied cabin accommodations near Charleston. "We stayed in a 2 bedroom cabin for this trip. It was a great campground. It had a pool, camp activities, hiking/nature trail," shares Susan P. The campground features a lake for fishing and water activities plus a dedicated dog park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, particularly during peak spring and summer months. At Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park, winter offers more availability. "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore," reports Mary G.
Site differences: Cabin conditions vary dramatically between locations. "The sites we had you could definitely have more than 6 people to a site and many sites did just that. Never far to a bathroom and easy access to the water," explains a visitor at Cypress View Campground.
Rental equipment: Several locations offer equipment rentals when cabins don't include recreation gear. "The good people here at Johnston Landing have you covered as they offer a paddle boat, kayaks and a row boat for rent," notes a visitor who appreciated not having to transport their own watercraft.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Campground at James Island County Park offers extensive recreation facilities. "Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous," says Greg S. The county park maintains a complete recreation complex surrounding cabin accommodations.
Safety considerations: Families should be aware of wildlife near waterfront cabins. "This campground is right on the shores of Lake Moultrie, which is set off immediately by what looks to be a small bayou playing home to likely some grizzly gators," warns Stuart K. about Johnston Landing, though he "never saw any while we were there."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer educational programs for children. At Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, a visitor mentions, "They also had a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week. We actually missed it but would really like to take the time to do it if we ever get back."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: For RVers who bring visitors, cabins provide overflow sleeping space. "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," shares Jessica S. about the Short Stay Navy Recreation Area where cabins complement RV sites.
Amenity comparisons: Givhans Ferry State Park Campground offers both RV hookups and cabins. "30 foot trailer backed in no issues with plenty of room to pull truck in beside rig. They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity. They have RV and tent only camping," explains John W. who appreciated the cabin options for non-RV visitors.
Seasonal considerations: RVers note significant seasonal differences in cabin availability. "There is a lot of noise from the highway, airplanes and workers getting up early (5:30am) to go to job sites. During high traffic times, it can take 30-45 min to get to downtown Charleston so be aware," advises Ashley S. about planning travel timing when cabins might offer a quieter alternative to RV camping.
