3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
James Island County Park Campground features a large dog park with lake access where pets can swim without alligator concerns. Full hookup sites accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin lodging, all with pet-friendly policies. The campground maintains pristine facilities with clean bathhouses and laundry services. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Ravenel, South Carolina. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA welcomes pets with a dedicated dog park that includes water access, making it popular among campers traveling with water-loving dogs. Oak Plantation Campground and Lake Aire RV Park also permit pets throughout their grounds, offering various accommodation options from tent sites to cabins.
Paved walking trails throughout James Island County Park provide excellent dog walking opportunities, with many campers noting the park's extensive trail system as ideal for daily pet exercise. The dog park spans a significant area with separate sections for large and small dogs, allowing off-leash play in a controlled environment. Sites are generally spacious and shaded, providing comfortable spaces for pets during hot South Carolina days. Charleston area campgrounds maintain good proximity to veterinary services, with most being within 15-20 minutes of emergency animal care. Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers another pet-friendly option with beach access approximately 30 miles from Ravenel, though campers should note that dogs must remain leashed on the beach and in camping areas at all times.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $38 - $219 / night
"I called day of visit decided to stay 2 night Very helpful staff Was given lots of information about area which was great as we had our dog and they mentioned several dog friendly parks We we’re camping"
"Nice place to walk the dogs. Nice pond for fishing. About a 50-50 mix of long term campers and short term but no issues at all. Works stay here again."
"There’s a small pool, dog park, pasture with cows, and a play area. My favorite feature was the recycling area! Almost no RV parks provide recycling, so the fact that this park does is really nice."
"Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."
"Nice dog park. Had a 30lb propane tank filled at what I would consider a decent price. There were other amenities, but we didn't use them. A little bit of a noisy area, but we've been in worse."
"This KOA is located 30-45 minutes from the city, if you have to be closer to the north area for family or just cause Charleston has limited availability for RV’s , this is the place."
"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."
"The campground is well kept with under 100 slots, it has an adjacent park, tennis and basketball courts. Next to both a frisbee and a nice golf course."
from $23 / night
"Close to mount p shopping. There’s an on site dog park that dogs can swing in the lake as well. There’s also frisbee golf on site."
"They even have a dog park that has access to the lake, so your water dogs can take a swim without the worry of alligators!!!"
from $68 - $300 / night
"I'm an Army Veteran and recently stay at the FAMP CAMP Located on the Joint Base Air Force Base located in Charleston S.C. "
"Traveling just me and my dog and the boat ramp parking lot felt private and safe. It’s in beautiful neighborhood and you can park right up by the water."
"We got to pet a mule and watch one of the horses and a donkey graze right outside our rv!"
"It would be near impossible to turn into the farm if you come from the west unless you have a van or very small camper."
from $45 / night
"IF you meet the qualifications to stay (military affiliated), this is REALLY close to the Navy Nuke School!"
TravelerFriendliest and most helpful hosts I've ever met. Stayed 1 night on a return trip from FL to ME. Ordered pizza that was delivered to our site (delicious) eating leftovers all the way home. I was at the dump station finishing up and ready to go when one of the crew asked if that was my water filter still at the site. Saved me the cost of filter, regulator, and quick disconnects. One more minute and I'd have been gone. Thanks for chasing me down.
ScoutAbsolutely run down. The showers are very dated and need maintenance. Each rv site has a sewer site, but half smell of sewage, badly. Website advertised wifi, but once I was booked, I was given a site map that had that feature crossed out with marker. No signal at all. The fire pit ring is so rusted it looks like lace. I am going to see about getting it replaced. All in all. NOT worth $300 for 4 nights.
ScoutThis campgrounds has an abundance of camp spots that are well spaced. About 1/4 of the spots appear to be occupied by long term guests.
It has an old swing set for kids and a large/life-size chess set near the pavilion. They also have a pool that closed Oct. 1st.
Some camp spots have a concrete slab, while others are only grass. The water faucet is old but functions and the whole place is just tired…like they are doing enough to get by.
The staff were polite enough but not overly helpful. They’ll answer questions, but if you need them to actually do something…they might get around to it but don’t hold your breath.
They have strict dog rules but yet have a few cats roaming freely. One cat perched itself on our steps, repeatedly meowing and wanting in. We shooed it away, but it kept returning. We talked to a few different staff about it and each said the cats were for the mice and dismissed our concern.
This place was priced higher than the other nearby places, but we gave it a chance because of higher reviews and supposed to be closer to Charleston. But the traffic is horrible on hwy 17, the place is rundown/tired, the staff lean on the side of indifferent and we’re still a good 45 minutes from most attractions.
I wouldn’t recommend staying here…there are better options.
ScoutGreat location. Great facilities
ScoutVery quiet campground. The campers and staff are all very nice. Will definitely come back!
GuideWe love the Live oaks campground in Edisto Beach State Park. Level sites with plenty of privacy. We are in site 120 this trip and we have stayed in sites 118 and 122 on previous trips. these sites back onto the salt marsh which gives you some incredible scenery just behind the site
ScoutNo camping signs all over the place and the old sites are now fenced off
GuideMost campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
LegendYou’ll find this hidden campground VERY far off the beaten trail (and trust me, this trail is as beaten up a road as you’ll find just about anywhere in South Carolina, so you'll want to drive down the lane here SLOW) on the easternmost side of Lake Marion off Ferguson Landing in southeastern part of the great Palmetto State. Given its direct access to Lake Marion, the place gets high marks for its location, but lower marks for overall upkeep and the basic downtrodden nature of the place. You’ll be impressed by the shallow water access and boat launch here, where you’ll have to maneuver around scores of submerged Cypress trees, which makes for quite the enchanting entry to Lake Marion, which if you weren’t aware, offers up 315 miles of shoreline, spans 110,000 square acres or 174 square miles and is the largest lake in South Carolina.
That said, IMHO Taylor’s Landing could use a serious bit of refurbishment and grooming, including the grounds themselves, which were quite overgrown when we stopped by. There is a general store of sorts on-site that sells sundries, ice and most camping needs as well as providing propane tanks for sale. Overall, this place is built more for the RV’ing crowd, although they do offer a few places for tent campers, but don’t offer much in terms of amenities. There was a communal dog area that was pretty worn down right near the area designated for tent camping, which given that most of the dog owners didn’t take their dogs for a walk, the smell emanating from this area was enough for us to decide not to camp here for the night. The entire CG is wide open without any benefit of shade or privacy between sites, although the perimeter has a nice treeline.
Insider’s tip? Here’s a few: (1) If you are a history buff, then you’ll be lured nearby to discover the Sunken Ghost Town of Ferguson, which was once a Congaree Indian Village, which we could access with our kayaks to explore; (2) There is a sandy beachhead that you’ll discover on one of the few trails you’ll come across here at Taylor’s Landing; (3) From an entertainment standpoint, this CG does offer up some interesting creative options during different times of the year – when we were there during the latter part of October, they offered up a ‘Trail of Terror’ for Halloween; (4) If you want to get your hike on, right nearby is Santee Cooper Nature Trail, which makes for some relative easy-to-modest hiking; (5) There’s nothing out in these parts, so if you want to grab a bite to eat, you’ll need to head back to Eutawville where there’s a few mom & pop joints like Tricia’s Café, Sweatman’s BBQ and Casters at Bells; (6) The fishing dock here is solid and offers great opportunity to reel in largemouth bass, catfish, striped bass, crappie and panfish like bluegill; and (7) The best asset here at Taylor's Landing is the fairly EZ to access boat launch that will have you in Lake Marion in no time flat, whether you have a motorized boat or a simple kayak or canoe.
Overall, Taylor's Landing could be a nice place, just in dire need of some upgrades and overall maintenance.
Happy Camping!
Camping near Ravenel provides convenient access to South Carolina's rich lowcountry ecosystems, situated at an elevation of just 25 feet above sea level in an area characterized by tidal marshes and maritime forests. The climate remains mild year-round with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Winter camping sees significantly reduced insect activity compared to the humid summer months when mosquito repellent becomes essential equipment.
Fishing opportunities: 1.5 miles of freshwater fishing at Oak Plantation Campground offers catch-and-release options in well-stocked ponds. "There were a lot of water around and some trees. We were very close to bathrooms that could have been handy," notes Lawrence Robert T., highlighting the easy water access.
Plantation tours: Historic tours within 20 minutes of camping areas provide educational outings. At Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, "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," shares Ashley W.
Disc golf course: 18 holes available for campers seeking active recreation options. "West of this Outdoor Zone is an 18-hole disc golf course and back towards the center of the park is a Splash Zone Waterpark," writes Stuart K. about the amenities at James Island County Park, making it an excellent option for varied outdoor activities.
Kayaking the Edisto River: Seasonal rentals allow for self-guided river exploration. "Edisto has a beach camping area and a wooded area. The option for RV or tent camping without all the excessive price," explains Karen G. from Edisto Beach State Park Campground, highlighting the accessibility to water recreation.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer optimal viewing times when staying at Edisto Beach State Park Campground. "We had a magical time at Edisto. The Beach campground was just steps from the ocean. Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75. Shelling was incredible-especially if you walk towards the inlet around low tide," says Katie F., pointing out the natural attractions.
Uncrowded beaches: Less populated shorelines provide a more peaceful experience than commercial beaches. According to Amy and I at Edisto, "We love it. Trails for bike rides or walks. Close to beach. Great staff. Private campsites. We stayed in site 94 this past weekend. Good sized site."
Shaded campsites: Oak and pine canopy at Lake Aire RV Park provides natural cooling during hot months. "Nice, quiet campground with plenty of tall trees surrounding, we didn't have any trees in our site, but it was pretty wooded, so full sun was long. The grounds were clean and well maintained," shares Brooke C.
Clean facilities: Recently renovated shower houses receive consistent positive feedback. "The shower house & bathrooms were clean. The people were friendly. The location was close to John's Island and 25 minutes from downtown Charleston. Hassle free camping at its best," notes Mike M., highlighting the practical amenities at Lake Aire RV Park.
Seasonal events affect traffic patterns: Holiday light shows at James Island County Park Campground create evening congestion from November-December. "So I stayed during November and December. County and state parks are usually relatively and expensive although this one is more on the higher end. And coupled with the fact that they have a light show through the park. The traffic was incredible at night," warns Tim.
Winter bookings recommended 3-6 months in advance: Peak season fills quickly, particularly for waterfront sites. "We were in a 30 foot 5th wheel and stayed in site 95. In my opinion it was one of the best sites there. Nice size and lots of vegetation surrounding. The beach was just over the dunes," notes Brenda L., suggesting the importance of securing preferred locations.
Tent sites prone to flooding: Heavy rains can impact lower elevation areas. At Lake Aire, Sara R. points out that "Very, very overcrowded. The tent sites were unlevel and muddy (since it rained before we arrived and all the water ran down hill to the tent sites)."
Cell coverage varies significantly: Service gaps exist at certain campgrounds. Deborah L. notes at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground, "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, definitely need to wear your bug repellent."
Playground accessibility: Request sites 40-55 at James Island to be within 100 yards of play areas. "Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous. The sites aren't huge but are clean and convenient to camp store and trails," advises Greg S.
Water activities for children: Schedule morning swims to avoid afternoon crowds at pool facilities. "We stayed here for a week in the summer and loved it. Our site was very close to the lake and we had a great view. We were also right beside the pool and playground area so it was convenient to walk over," shares Ashley W. about Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Pet-friendly beach options: Morning hours before 9am work best for dog-friendly beach access. Kevin A. notes, "My wife and I were visiting our son at Charleston AFB, and we spent a week and a half at Lake Aire. We couldn't have been happier with the campground. K1 is an outstanding, secluded site with plenty of room for the dogs to roam."
Nature programs: Free ranger-led activities available seasonally at state parks. "Beautiful park with plenty of amenities! We stayed here in October when the water park/pool was closed, but there was still plenty to do with bike rentals and the outdoor adventure area," mentions Nick & Allyssa S. about James Island County Park.
Site selection considerations: Choose perimeter sites for increased privacy and easier parking. "IMHO the best slots in this RV exclusive campground are those on the perimeter with the best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55," advises Stuart K.
Navigating tight entrances: Arrive mid-week before 2pm to avoid weekend traffic congestion at Hunting Island State Park Campground. "Like many state parks, the campground just wasn't built for 37' campers. It was super tight getting into our spots, but our neighbors were very helpful and the beautiful trees made for a cozy site," warns Molly F.
Utility connections: Bring extension cords and hoses as hookup placement varies widely. "Amy and I have camped at the Live Oak section of the park multiple times (twice this year). We love it. Trails for bike rides or walks. Close to beach. Great staff. Private campsites. We stayed in site 94 this past weekend. Good sized site. Water is very close to front make sure you have enough hose," advises Kevin A.
Local road navigation: Avoid Highway 17 during rush hour when traveling between dog friendly campgrounds near Ravenel. Joan from Oak Plantation notes, "The road in front of campground is extremely busy (Hwy 17) and I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out. It may take longer but worth your sanity."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ravenel, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ravenel, SC is Campground at James Island County Park with a 4.7-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ravenel, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Ravenel, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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