St. Matthews, South Carolina offers RV camping options within a 30-mile radius spanning from Lake Marion to the east and Columbia to the northwest. The area sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level in the Midlands region, experiencing hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters where freezing temperatures remain rare. Camping conditions typically feature sandy soil with occasional clay deposits, making site drainage an important consideration during the frequent afternoon thunderstorms in summer months.
What to do
Fishing access: Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins provides direct access to Lake Moultrie with boat rentals available on-site. "One of the best hikes in all of South Carolina—the Palmetto Trial is just about 5 miles away, but is definitely worth the hike as here you'll be able to witness first hand the sunken giant Cypress trees, amazing bird watching (Ospreys and Herons in particular)," notes a camper.
Flea market exploration: Barnyard RV Park sits directly behind a large flea market in Lexington. "They have a large flea market next door," confirms one visitor, making this an easy activity for those who enjoy browsing local goods and crafts.
Water recreation: Palmetto Shores RV Resort features both lake access and pool facilities. "Palmetto shores has a nice outdoor activity area, a nice lake beach and a really nice pool and lazy River," notes a camper, providing multiple options for cooling off during hot South Carolina days.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Big Rig Friendly RV Resort offers particularly large camping spots. "This RV Resort has the largest sites around and also great amenities including pool, 4 pickle ball courts, clubhouse with large meeting room, full gym and very nice bathrooms," explains a camper, highlighting the generous space allocation.
Fishing opportunities: Hill's Landing & RV Park sits on a canal connecting Lakes Marion and Moultrie. "Beautiful, clean, friendly and helpful staff! Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park. Restaurant has amazing food! Highly recommend for fishing!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Pond views and privacy: Several smaller parks offer more intimate settings with fishing ponds. At Magnolia Campground RV Park, a resident notes, "Nice view of pond (Can fish, catch and release) and large cookout area," providing a more secluded camping experience compared to larger resorts.
What you should know
Cell service variability: While the existing description suggests reliable cell service throughout the region, actual experiences vary by location and carrier. At RV's Acres, located in a more rural setting, connections may be less dependable during storms or peak usage times.
Restaurant options: On-site dining varies significantly between campgrounds. "Full-service restaurant (great breakfast, but the lunch/dinner menu is basically glorified bar food w/ burgers and wings) and a general store where they sell bait & tackle, gas, ice, snacks, sundries and all the other basics," reports a camper about Hill's Landing.
Monthly rates: For longer stays, several campgrounds offer monthly rates. "Call for prices, mine is below $400 a month," shares a camper at Magnolia Campground, where amenities include "50 AMP Hookups, City Water, Gray/Black Dump at each site, Cable TV, Internet."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Finding campgrounds with play areas helps keep children entertained. "They had a play ground, cabins, games. Just a very woodsy cozy place," notes a visitor to Palmetto Shores RV Resort, highlighting features beyond just the camping sites.
Pet considerations: Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific requirements. "The dogs loved the dog park and I appreciated having bags to pick up after them," shares a camper at Palmetto Shores, indicating thoughtful provisions for families traveling with animals.
Educational opportunities: Plan day trips to nearby historic sites. While camping at Hill's Landing, a visitor recommends, "I would definitely recommend a drive to Charleston where you can visit some of the oldest and most well-preserved plantations in the entire South," creating learning experiences during your camping trip.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At many campgrounds, choosing the right site can significantly impact your experience. "Our sites were right next to the highway... next time we will pick different sites!" advises a camper at Palmetto Shores, highlighting the importance of checking site locations relative to noise sources.
Maintenance considerations: Facility upkeep varies widely across the region's campgrounds. "Such a beautiful location but price doesn't match the upkeep. If you pay resort style prices (in which you do) you shouldn't have to work on shower heads in the bath house," cautions a visitor regarding Palmetto Shores, suggesting RVers with their own facilities may have advantages.
Off-season values: Edmund RV Park provides year-round accessibility with fewer amenities but potentially better availability during peak seasons. "Super quiet and nice; not weigh in much of amenities other than the bathhouse in the washer and dryer and Wi-Fi," notes a camper, making it suitable for those prioritizing peaceful surroundings over extensive facilities.
