Cabin accommodations near St. Matthews, South Carolina allow visitors to enjoy fishing, water sports, and hiking in the surrounding nature areas. The cabins are situated between the Midlands and Lowcountry regions with elevations ranging from 100-250 feet above sea level. Weather conditions remain warm through much of the year, with high humidity levels during summer months when mosquito protection becomes essential.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Marion: Bells Marina & Resort provides direct water access for fishing on Lake Marion, known for trophy-sized catches. "I had a great view of the water and was able to watch wildlife every day, from white herons to bald eagles. And the fishing was outstanding! I even caught a trophy-sized bass that made my week," reports one visitor to Bells Marina & Resort.
Hiking nearby trails: The trail system at Poinsett State Park offers varied terrain for hikers of all abilities. "The hiking was great! The camp sites were on the smaller side but opened up to a large field area where the kids and dog could run around and play," notes a camper at Poinsett State Park Campground.
Mountain biking excursions: Several trails at Poinsett State Park and surrounding areas cater specifically to mountain bikers. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many cabins offer more privacy than standard campsites. At Weston Lake Recreation Area, "The RV spaces had nice concrete pads and nice cabins. The roads had some serious potholes and the campground doesn't seem to be on a regular maintenance schedule but it was clean," according to one visitor at Weston Lake Recreation Area.
Water access and activities: Santee State Park offers excellent water recreation opportunities. "This is a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Camp sites are mostly level and have water and a variety of electrical hookup options," notes a visitor to Cypress View Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain their bathrooms and common areas regularly. "The bathrooms were clean A little outdated. Boat docks need help (I was told it was due to hurricane). WIFI worked half the time that we were there," reports a guest at Lake Marion Resort & Marina.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and insects can make outdoor activities challenging. "It was probably not the best idea to stay here during the summer time. July? Hottest month of the year? South Carolina? The bugs were massive. I probably could have been carried away by some of the horseflies I saw," warns a camper at Poinsett State Park.
Road conditions: Some access roads to campgrounds may present challenges. "The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes. The road to the campground is a little better, but also very narrow. It would be difficult to pull off to let another vehicle pass without fear of ending up off the road or hitting a tree," notes a visitor to Poinsett State Park.
Reservation timing: Santee Lakes KOA offers cabin accommodations but requires planning. "For our first time camping in our RV the staff was very friendly and helpful. The crew escorted us to our campsite, made sure we where happy. This was done with anyone who came in to camp." Many cabins book quickly during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families will find recreational areas for children at several locations. "The sites all look clean, as well as the facilities. All other guests are very quiet. The hiking/biking trails are fun too," reports a visitor to Poinsett State Park.
Swimming options: Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers water recreation for families. "Such a beautiful location but price doesn't match the upkeep. However, it is a nice location. Campground was a lot of fun and a lot to do."
Kid-friendly amenities: Pack appropriate gear for outdoor activities with children. "We stayed here for our son's first birthday, in campsite 30! It was beautiful and we felt like we had plenty of privacy. Our site had a trail attached to the back of it which was really nice for hiking and it was perfect distance from the bathroom!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on vehicle size and requirements. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," warns a visitor to Poinsett State Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. "The campsite I was at was not entirely level and was bordered by a drainage ditch filled with water. Mosquitoes would have been a problem had I not had mosquito repellent," notes a camper at Mill Creek Marina and Campground.
Utility placement: Check hookup locations when reserving. "I was in a spot that had the Hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side. I ended up buying an additional 20 ft. of dumping tubing ($60)," shares an RVer at Weston Lake Recreation Area.
