Ridgeville, South Carolina offers a range of camping experiences with proximity to both freshwater rivers and Charleston's urban attractions. Located in the state's Lowcountry region at an elevation just 75 feet above sea level, the area experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters that allow for year-round camping. Campers should prepare for encounters with local wildlife including deer, small mammals, and sometimes alligators in water areas.
What to do
River access for paddling: At Givhans Ferry State Park, visitors can enjoy the Edisto River for kayaking trips. "We rented kayaks and had a great time," reports Jamie W. The current is strong enough that paddlers should plan transportation accordingly: "There is access so you can float down the river on Kayaks or floats. Just make sure you have a car further down the road because the currents will not let you back up the river," advises Tracy F.
Geocaching adventures: Several campgrounds offer geocaching opportunities for tech-savvy explorers. "There is an easy trail and Geocaching," notes Tracy F. about Givhans Ferry. At Colleton State Park, one camper mentioned, "Trail leading off the campgrounds through the woods is very fun, saw a corn snake and found a geocache."
Climbing and outdoor challenges: For families seeking adventure, Campground at James Island County Park offers extensive outdoor activities. "Outdoor Zone featuring a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline that will have you and your brood enjoying these backwoods in no time," reports Stuart K.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and facilities. At Colleton State Park, "Bathrooms are heated/cooled and very clean," notes PattyD T. Another camper shares that "Park Ranger Larry is everything you would want in a ranger! He is proud of this park and it shows - everything is clean around the campground and in the bath house."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural surroundings provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. Roman C. writes about Colleton State Park, "Trail leading off the campgrounds through the woods is very fun, saw a corn snake and found a geocache." At Oak Plantation Campground, campers appreciate the "Huge oaks covered in Spanish moss and well shaded," according to Sean N., creating habitat for various creatures.
Quiet camping environment: Multiple campers note the peaceful atmosphere at several campgrounds. "Very peaceful and friendly atmosphere in a country setting," writes Jack M. about Jolly Acres RV Park. Oak Plantation Campground visitors appreciate that "The sites are large and are not on top of each other," providing some privacy between campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat can be intense. "Can be really hot in the summer with little breeze," warns one visitor to Givhans Ferry State Park. Visiting during spring or fall provides more moderate temperatures for outdoor activities.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Givhans Ferry, multiple campers mentioned limited connectivity: "The only issue is no cell service at least for us and we use att and Google fi," notes John W. Another recent visitor confirms: "No cell phone signal for T-Mobile and no wifi in campground, definitely need to wear your bug repellent."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas can experience water issues after rain. At Lake Aire RV Park, one camper noted, "The tent sites were unlevel and muddy (since it rained before we arrived and all the water ran down hill to the tent sites)." Michael R. observes about Colleton: "If it rains many of the sites flood but drain out fairly quick."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. "There is a large playground to let the kids run wild," notes Creighton C. about Givhans Ferry State Park. Tiny Town RV Campground provides "2 dog runs, fire pit, sand box for the kiddos," according to Alesha H.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences for children. One family mentioned, "We took the ferry to Ft Sumter, toured the USS Yorktown, and visited Ft Moultrie," during their stay at the Military Park Joint Base Charleston, making it a base for historical excursions.
Water activities for hot days: Swimming and splashing options help beat the heat. James Island County Park features a "Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure," making it popular with families during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking. At Charleston KOA, one camper advises, "If there has to be a next time, we would select the deluxe spot a little further up from C15, towards the middle of that row." Stuart K. suggests James Island County Park sites: "The best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Colleton State Park, visitors note "Some are very small and very unlevel." Bring leveling blocks to address this common issue across multiple campgrounds in the area.
Traffic management: Several campgrounds are located near busy roads requiring careful exit planning. About Oak Plantation, one visitor advises, "The highway and downtown Charleston is a left turn out of the entrance, but put your patient hat on and hope for the patience of the other drivers." Another camper recommends: "I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out."
