Ridgeville camping offers diverse experiences from rustic tent setups to full-amenity yurt and cabin options within a 30-mile radius. Situated in South Carolina's coastal plain at elevations around 50-75 feet, the area experiences humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with peak season running April through October when temperatures average 70-90°F.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Marion: Rocks Pond Campground & Marina provides direct access to South Carolina's largest lake with boat rental options. "This RV park is massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe," notes one visitor, who appreciated that the marina even has "their own gas pump - and according to the fisherman I spoke with, they don't gauge you on the price of gasoline."
Dog-friendly activities: James Island County Park features a comprehensive K9 park ideal for traveling with pets. According to a camper, "It has a fantastic dog park and several miles of paved walking/biking paths," making it suitable for both exercise and leisure with your canine companions.
Disc golf course: Recreation options extend beyond water activities at many campgrounds. James Island County Park offers "an 18-hole disc golf course" along with "a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline" for diverse outdoor entertainment options.
What campers like
Yurt camping convenience: Yurt camping near Ridgeville provides an excellent middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals. At Edisto Beach State Park Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to nature while enjoying solid shelter. One visitor remarks, "We had a magical time at Edisto. The Beach campground was just steps from the ocean. Opt for sites 1-12 or 50-75."
Fishing opportunities: Santee Lakes KOA offers excellent fishing access with comfortable shoreline facilities. "Nice dock for fishing. Great playground along the shore," reports one camper who visited with a travel trailer. The campground combines water activities with family-friendly amenities.
Spacious campsites: Many campers highlight the generous site dimensions at New Green Acres RV Park, where "These spots were huge right next to highway but noise doesn't bother us," and another notes the "All pull through. Easy Easy in and out" configuration that simplifies setup and departure for larger rigs.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: During off-peak seasons, some campground amenities may be limited. "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," reports a visitor to James Island County Park.
Cell service challenges: Givhans Ferry State Park Campground has limited connectivity according to several campers. "The only issue is no cell service at least for us and we use att and Google fi," notes one reviewer, while another mentions "definitely need to wear your bug repellent" suggesting insect protection is essential.
Alternative accommodation options: Beyond standard yurt camping in Ridgeville, South Carolina, many parks offer cabin rentals as well. However, quality varies significantly. One camper at James Island notes, "I would not recommend the cabins. They are not clean or updated. Which is a shame because they could be really cool."
Tips for camping with families
Beach-adjacent sites: For families wanting ocean access, specific site selections matter at Edisto Beach. "The tent camping area is awesome and has a great layout with lockable chuck boxes on each site along with power and water. There are several large fields to let the kids run wild," explains one visitor about the Givhans Ferry layout.
Playground and recreation access: Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers comprehensive recreation facilities according to campers. "Campground was a lot of fun and a lot to do. They had a play ground, cabins, games. Just a very woodsy cozy place," shares one recent visitor, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs and historical activities. At Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, "They also had a free wagon ride to a nearby plantation a couple of times a week," reports one family who stayed for a summer vacation, noting this educational opportunity for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend researching specific sites at James Island County Park. "The best sites 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."
Utility connections: At Givhans Ferry, RVers should note the water hookup placement. "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," reports one camper who successfully navigated the park with a larger rig.
Travel timing: Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA provides year-round camping but experiences significant seasonal fluctuations. "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," notes one RVer who benefited from reserving a premium waterfront location.
