Campgrounds near St. Matthews, South Carolina include established sites and primitive camping areas across several parks and mixed-use recreation zones. The region includes Congaree National Park's Longleaf Campground, offering primitive tent camping with walk-in sites, while Poinsett State Park provides developed camping with tent, RV, and cabin options. Santee State Park features both Cypress View Campground and The Lakeshore Campground, both offering lakefront sites with multiple accommodation types. Several privately operated campgrounds like Sweetwater Lake Campground and Palmetto Shores RV Resort provide additional options with various amenities and waterfront locations.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with summer being the peak visitation period when reservations are strongly recommended. Many sites throughout the region feature water and electric hookups, though primitive sites in Congaree National Park lack these amenities. "There is no running water or electric. Take the 2-mile hike and head to Longleaf sites. It's only $5!" noted one camper about Congaree. Flooding can affect trail and campsite accessibility, particularly at Congaree National Park where water levels fluctuate considerably. Most campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, but visitors should verify seasonal closures or restrictions before traveling. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas like Congaree.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area, with lakefront sites at Santee State Park and Sweetwater Lake Campground frequently mentioned. Campers report high satisfaction with the boardwalk trails at Congaree National Park, which provide unique opportunities to experience the park's swampy ecosystem. "The boardwalk provides a unique experience!" shared one visitor about Congaree. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant throughout the region's camping areas, with birds, reptiles, and amphibians commonly spotted. During late May to early June, synchronous fireflies at Congaree National Park create a spectacular natural light show that draws many visitors. Temperature and humidity levels can be extreme during summer months, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping.
$15 - $25 / night
"Having been on the road for about three months before coming to Congaree, we were happy to arrive to such a quiet and tucked-away campground."
"We were at site 7, it took about 250 steps from the parking lot to our site. All sites have lots of shade. The campground is next to a pond that gets rather loud at night."
"It looks nothing like South Carolina as you enter the gates. After half a dozen ups and downs and right turns you find yourself in a clearing and a large parking lot, a lake and a ranger station."
"We recently visited South Carolina and after spending the weekend visiting nearby Congaree National Park, we opted to stay at Poinsett State Park for 4 nights in our Mercedes Sprinter campervan."
"There were not too many people camping during our visit, but it could be that not many people want to stand the South Carolina heat! Either way, it made the visit quiet."
"We were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind."
"Sweetwater Lake Campground is a small RV campground. There is electric and water hookup and a dump station. Lots are decent size and fairly level on grass or gravel."
"They allowed me to pitch my tent close to the lake, far away from the RVs."
"This 25 acre campground is tucked in on the North side of Lake Marion in SC. Great staff friendly and helpful. I'll will be back"
"This is a picturesque campground just across Lake Marion from Santee SC with water views and beautiful sunsets."
$40 - $60 / night
"This was our second visit to Outside Inn Campground and both times we stayed in the camper they offer as a rental."
"Unbelievable place to stay—from getting to feed the animals, the walking trails, the playground, Outside Inn is family friendly and our kids always have a blast!"
"The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups."
"The park is in Columbia SC, and is a great choice for families who may want to do things outside the park. The park is super close to the Riverbanks Zoo."
"It was a super spacious site with more than enough room for us to spread out and park our cars away from the site."
"Peaceful, quiet place remarkably close to I-95."
$48 - $55 / night
"Our sites were right next to the highway, I will say though we did tune the noise out the longer we stayed (and drank)."
"Great location! This RV Resort has great amenities and staff along with their location! Awesome gym and club house plus beautiful pool! Staff are very friendly and welcoming! Check them out!"
ScoutThe sites are among trees and blown leaves to identify your area. Fairly level. The rangers drive around frequently. My water was missing a knob and a ranger installed one right away.
ScoutUnbelievable place to stay—from getting to feed the animals, the walking trails, the playground, Outside Inn is family friendly and our kids always have a blast!
ScoutMy experience with Taylor's Landing was just when the doctor ordered it was everything that I needed quiet great fishing all around I highly recommend it
ScoutMy stay at Taylor's Landing was just what the doctor ordered. I needed a little R&R in my life and Taylor's Landing was just a place for me I highly recommend. Fishing is awesome campsites was clean and neat and the owner operator knew what they were doing to make things great and you're staying experience pleasurable
ScoutNice place to stop by! It has hot showers and full hookups everything works
TravelerWe’ve been here for about a month. It’s a teeny park, with a very narrow, curvy road lined with lots of trees, and EXTREMELY dark at night. Would not advise trying to enter after dark-you can’t even see the entrance from the road, and it’s tricky navigating around all the trees in the park. There is one 1/4 mile trail, and a couple of spots to launch kayaks, and that’s all. A fair amount of highway noise. The upside is they allow monthly stays for a discount in the winter. It’s still pretty expensive compared to RV parks, though.
TravelerThis was our second visit to Outside Inn Campground and both times we stayed in the camper they offer as a rental. It’s the first thing you basically see when pull into the campground and when we come back next time that’s where we want to stay again. It’s perfect for a family with multiple kids and for us we had 3 adults and 3 kids and we couldn’t have been more comfortable. The owners Chris and Clair are just the best. They are so accommodating and always there if you need anything. The kids really enjoy the animals and activities they provide, especially feeding the goats when they were babies. The facilities are in exceptional condition and especially if you may have forgotten something“fire wood for us” they have that available to you as well. We can’t wait for our next trip back and are really looking forward to seeing the new changes the have in progress like the Glamping Tents and pond. Overall this was one of our best experiences as a family camping in South Carolina. Thank you again Clair for being present and patient with Avery and Albie while they were around the animals! We look forward to seeing y’all again soon!
ScoutI live 10 minutes from Sesqui and visit the dogpark daily. I stay in the campsite are in my 20ft Travel trailer 2 or 3 times a year. Staff is responsive to camper needs. Plenty of drive-through, front entry and back-in sites, all with power and water. Excellent shower and toi l et buildings. Privacy and low noise are consistent. Price is low for us seniors and disabled. Small lake for paddle boating and fishing.
GuideDirt roads lead up to loop 2 which is where I stayed. Everyone was very friendly. I would definitely stay here again.
T-Mobile 3 bars 5g over 300mbps ATT 2 bars 5G over 300mbps Starlink - forget it. Too many trees :)
Camping sites near St. Matthews, South Carolina offer varied terrain spanning from pine forests to lakefront settings within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, while spring and fall provide milder conditions favorable for tent camping. Many campsites throughout the area maintain open status year-round, though seasonal flooding can impact accessibility, particularly in low-lying areas.
Hiking trails at Poinsett State Park: Multiple trails suitable for various skill levels with unique terrain features. At Poinsett State Park Campground, visitors find opportunities for both hiking and mountain biking. "The hiking trails are very nice. 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," noted one camper. The park's location in the sandhills creates distinctive trail conditions compared to other regional parks.
Fishing opportunities: Several waterfront camping locations offer bank fishing access without requiring boat launch. "We had an awesome view from our campsite of Santee Lake," reported one visitor at Palmetto Shores RV Resort. Fishing from the shoreline proves especially productive during early morning or evening hours when temperatures are cooler.
Swimming access: Multiple lakefront camping areas feature designated swimming zones, though availability varies by season. "The lake access had a beach area that the kids (3 and 1) loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs," mentioned one camper about The Lakeshore Campground. Swimming areas typically operate from April through September, weather permitting.
Lakefront views: Sites situated along Lake Marion provide direct water access and scenic views. At The Lakeshore Campground, campers appreciate the spacious waterfront locations. "Spacious, well wooded and there was a fantastic breeze all weekend with helped with the heat and bugs!" one reviewer stated. Waterfront sites typically fill quickly during peak season, particularly those offering flat terrain and shade.
Spacious, level sites: Several campgrounds in the area feature well-designed camping pads with adequate spacing. "Our full hook-up site was almost perfectly level with a fire ring and picnic table. We stayed in a back-in site, which we were grateful for since they are all in the shade," reported a visitor at Outside Inn Campground. Sites at this facility include amenities designed for longer stays.
Wildlife observation: Multiple locations offer opportunities to view wildlife in natural settings. "We saw other wildlife around the campground too. A lizard during a walk during the day. Many frogs during the rain at night," noted a visitor at Longleaf Campground. Wildlife viewing proves most productive during early morning hours or around dusk.
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can significantly affect camping conditions, particularly at lower elevation sites. "The first night got a lot of rain and storms and several of the campers from sites farther back left saying they were flooded out. Our site did have some water during the storm but it was gone by morning," reported one camper at Longleaf Campground. Sites situated on higher ground typically drain better after rainfall events.
Campground access considerations: Road conditions vary significantly among camping areas. "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," explained one visitor about Poinsett State Park. Larger RVs and trailers may encounter challenges on narrower access roads.
Bathhouse conditions: Facility maintenance levels vary considerably between campgrounds. "The vault toilet was disgusting, covered in splattered poop and very smelly. I sometimes drove to the visitor center to use the flush toilet and sink there," noted a camper at Longleaf Campground. More developed campgrounds typically offer better bathroom facilities than primitive areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Santee Lakes KOA, "Great playground along the shore" was highlighted by one visitor. These amenities provide convenient recreation options directly within camping areas.
Bug prevention: Insect protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. "Definitely bring a wagon for packing your stuff in and prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go! The heat in June is also pretty bad," warned one camper about Longleaf Campground. Bug spray with DEET provides the most effective protection against biting insects.
Swimming conditions: Beach areas offer water access but have varying conditions. "The lake access had a beach area that the kids loved to play at and there was no rocks around that area or dangerous drop offs," noted a visitor about The Lakeshore Campground. Swimming areas at more developed campgrounds typically receive more regular maintenance.
Site selection for large rigs: Choose locations carefully if traveling with larger vehicles. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," advised one RVer about Poinsett State Park. Many established campgrounds provide site dimensions online to assist with planning.
Utilities and hookups: Water quality and electrical service reliability vary across campgrounds. "Hookups are convenient, and work well," reported a visitor at Santee Lakes KOA. Full-hookup sites typically command higher fees but offer greater convenience for extended stays.
Level sites: Ground conditions impact setup time and comfort. "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not," noted one RVer at Santee Lakes KOA. Bringing leveling blocks or stabilizers proves helpful at many area campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near St. Matthews, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Matthews, SC is Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.
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