Best Campgrounds near St. Matthews, SC

Camping near St. Matthews, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wateree State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing spots. One camper mentioned, "This is one of our favorite spots! We can boat, fish, ride our golf cart, hang out by the fire and just enjoy the moment."
• Hiking: Trails are available at places like Poinsett State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The park was cute but a lot of mosquitos, ants, bugs etc. and an Air Force training area nearby graced us the sound of heavy artillery late at night."
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park enjoy the natural beauty. One review noted, "Beautiful quiet place to camp, hike, or canoe/kayak."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Dreher Island State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "The bathroom facilities were just OK, but fairly clean and just a short hike from our campsite."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. At Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park, one camper said, "Camp Host was very helpful. Sites were spaced reasonably far apart but there is no privacy between."
• Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A review for Lake Wateree State Park Campground stated, "The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Givhans Ferry State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There is chain link fence surrounding the park. The 'hiking trail' runs along the road and cars barrel down it."
• Mosquitoes and Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, "There were lots of mosquitos, ants, bugs etc."
• Cell Service: Some areas have poor cell reception. A review for Givhans Ferry State Park Campground stated, "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park. A camper shared, "There are a couple of hiking trails and a short nature trail, both accessible from the Islanders Camp Circle."
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. One family at Dreher Island State Park Campground enjoyed, "We swam for an hour or two (ok, we just floated on our rafts!) and it was nice knowing that there are no alligators there."
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outings. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground mentioned, "Plenty of fishing areas. Not much near the site for supplies so bring your supplies if possible."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Charleston KOA noted, "Had enough room to stay hooked up to 36' 5th wheel, plus park a car sideways in front of truck."
• Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Colleton State Park Campground offer full hookups. A camper said, "Every site is now full hook up. The price to stay here is awesome too."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Charleston KOA mentioned, "The park is a little noisy with planes and faint traffic but not too bad."

Camping near St. Matthews, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!