The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Santee, SC

371 Reviews

Santee, South Carolina features several established campgrounds centered around Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie. Cypress View Campground at Santee State Park and Santee Lakes KOA provide developed camping experiences with multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping facilities. The area's campgrounds predominantly cater to water recreation enthusiasts with most facilities located along lakeshores or with boat access. The region includes both state park properties and privately operated resorts like Palmetto Shores RV Resort and Bells Marina & Resort, offering varying levels of amenities and proximity to water activities.

Camping facilities near Santee remain open year-round, though seasonal popularity fluctuates with water temperatures and fishing conditions. Most campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs with electric, water, and sewer connections available at sites like Santee Lakes KOA and Palmetto Shores RV Resort. Tent campers can find designated sites at multiple facilities, typically with picnic tables and fire rings. Many campgrounds feature sanitary dump stations, shower facilities, and potable water access. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area due to proximity to Interstate 95. One camper noted, "Located easily off I-95 this was a clean, well appointed, very nice campground with good facilities and kind staff."

Lakefront sites receive considerable praise from visitors, with numerous reviews highlighting the scenic water views and recreational opportunities. Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. The Lakeshore Campground at Santee State Park earns positive feedback for its spacious waterfront sites and beach areas suitable for families. Campers mention the benefits of evening lake breezes helping with both heat and insects during summer stays. Some visitors note variation in site privacy, with wooded areas offering more seclusion than open waterfront locations. Road noise can be a factor at facilities near highways, particularly at Palmetto Shores which sits close to major routes. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campground maintenance varies across properties, with some facilities needing bathroom updates or general repairs despite charging premium rates.

Map showing campgrounds near Santee, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Santee, South Carolina (69)

    1. Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park

    45 Reviews
    Elloree, SC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 854-2408

    "to Lake Marion that offers sweeping views of this incredibly beautiful, massive lake. "

    "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."

    2. Santee Lakes KOA

    27 Reviews
    Santee, SC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 478-2262

    "This is a picturesque campground just across Lake Marion from Santee SC with water views and beautiful sunsets."

    "We stayed at Santee Lake in a 37' travel trailer. Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not. Nice dock for fishing."

    3. Poinsett State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Wedgefield, SC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 494-8177

    "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."

    4. Outside Inn Campground

    6 Reviews
    Elloree, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 974-8585

    $40 - $60 / night

    "My family spent 8 days at Outside Inn Campground in Santee SC. This Campground is now our Campground #1.

    This is a new Campground that was developed with the Campers in mind. "

    "New hookups, easy access and being right next to the farm animals was very fun! The rooster was pretty expressive overnight too!"

    5. Palmetto Shores RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Santee, SC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 478-6336

    $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)."

    6. The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park

    3 Reviews
    Santee, SC
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 345-7275

    "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."

    7. Bells Marina & Resort

    5 Reviews
    Eutawville, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 492-7924

    $58 - $999 / night

    "I am on the lake and get to kayak or fish whenever I want. Lastly, this is a historical site. It is located in Eutawville."

    "This lakeside campsite, perfectly nestled on the water, delivered stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that made our getaway unforgettable."

    8. Taw Caw Campground and Marina

    3 Reviews
    Summerton, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 478-2171

    "The only drawback is the proximity to the fishing dock and cleaning station. The traffic is heavy at times with multiple golf carts invading your site. The other drawback is the noise at night."

    "Taw Caw is our close to home Staycation favorite spot. If you want to camp close to the water Taw Caw offers several spots. Bring your boat, Kayak or canoe and beach it at your campsite."

    9. Lake Marion Resort & Marina

    2 Reviews
    Santee, SC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 854-2136

    10. Lakeside Marina & Resort

    1 Review
    Eutawville, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 492-7226

    "You’ll find this particular destination tucked away in one of the crevasses of Lake Marion, just off Rt. 6 and a stone’s throw from Indian Bluff Recreation Area, which is a gem to go hiking around and"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Santee Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Santee, SC

92 Photos of 69 Santee Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santee, SC

371 Reviews of 69 Santee Campgrounds

  • Todd F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Edisto River Lodge

    Hidden Gem in Ridgeville

    This is an incredible hidden gem and I will be returning. Dustin is a great host. He met me when I pulled up and helped me back into my site. That was a little bit of a challenge but I made it. Site 2 has a great view of the pond, a gazebo, fire pit, lots of seating and nice picnic table. At night there is low-level lighting around the site that makes it beautiful. Now, let’s talk about the real surprise—the hot tub. What a find. After a busy Friday morning and then a drive out to Edisto River Lodge that hot tub was very welcome.

    The site is hardscaped (pavers) and easy to walk around. The gazebo and the fire pit were great places to hang out. The Wi-Fi was strong.

    There is a very nice bathroom with a washer-dryer (and even some soap). The shower is very private and outside.

    The electrical and power are on opposite site of what you would expect but I had no problem hooking up.

    Overall this is one of the nicest camp spots I’ve found in the past 10 years of camping. Highly recommended.

  • Rocky The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Home Away From Home

    We are newbies at this life and spent our first winter here. We are from Nova Scotia Canada and were just astonished at how everyone treated use like a long lost friend had returned home. The amenities were great and the temp was very comfortable. At the site we made a new friend the railway engineer who past by every day and whistled every time as we waved back. That was great as we only have one train for all of Canada (no joke). Our  pooch "Henry the Hound" also made friends and was a hit with everyone he met. We had thought about other resorts before we saw this one but being here once we have decided to make this our winter home from now on. Fuel, groceries, beverages, service stations hardware stores and mini malls are just a 10 min drive away and for those who want home delivery of groceries they are phone call away for a very nominal price. This is a must stay place.

    Rocky/Cathie

  • RAYMOND The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Santee Lakes KOA

    Needs Work

    We stay here twice both times were just OK. The pool is crowded and murky, suggesting it good us a good cleaning. We stay for 4th of July weekend and can only describe the experience as a free for all. With camper literally on top of each other and spreading into the next camp site. Our neighbor’s site consisted of a RV, a large six-person tent and a pick-up truck tent parked half on our site. We ventured down to the lake swimming area and doing doughnuts near or on top of the swim boundary line most of the day. To recap– can’t swim in the dirty pool and can’t swim in the lake. In fairness the KOA as made some improvement since our stay but not enough for us to go back.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Well spaced sites with good amenities. Set in the woods, making it easy to forget you're in Columbia! Quiet, lots of birds in the spring. Easy drive to Congaree, which we highly recommend.

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Bells Marina & Resort

    Perfect stop on i95

    Our road stop off I-95 at Bells Marina was an absolute gem! This lakeside campsite, perfectly nestled on the water, delivered stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere that made our getaway unforgettable. The newly paved, smooth road leading to the campsite—conveniently accessible from I-95—made our arrival effortless and stress-free. The well-stocked on-site store was a lifesaver, with their phenomenal pizza being the perfect quick and delicious meal after a long drive. Anglers in our group raved about the new fish cleaning station, a fantastic addition for preparing fresh catches with ease. With Food Lion just a 10-minute drive away, grabbing extra supplies was a breeze. The quiet, picturesque setting provided a rejuvenating escape from the road. Bells Marina is a must-visit for anyone seeking a convenient and exceptional lakeside camping experience!

  • Wilma K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    New Green Acres RV Park

    Nice campgrounds

    Nice, a bit rustic. Mostly drive through and all very long. FHU, all grass and gravel sites with lots of shade. Has a pool but currently being repaired. Animal friendly, nice dog park.

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Quiet, wildlife, pines

    After losing several nights of sleep at our previous campground, this one was a huge relief. Sites were spread out, but also the vibe was less “party all night” and more “sleep and then explore the park during the day.) Exactly my kind of vibe!

    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. The tent pad stayed fully drained.

    The fireflies were very pretty and interesting. We saw other wildlife around the campground too. A lizard during a walk during the day. Many frogs during the rain at night.

    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. I never did figure out where the spigot was at the visitor center, but I didn’t ask anyone (was going to fill up the morning we left, but they weren’t open/staffed yet).

    We had Verizon service. Enough to use Google image search to look up plants, animals, and mushrooms we had found.

  • RAYMOND The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Taw Caw Campground and Marina

    Another great stay

    Stayed for the Memorial Day weekend. As is usual it was a great stay. We were at Site J and I which continues to be a favorite. The only drawback is the proximity to the fishing dock and cleaning station. The traffic is heavy at times with multiple golf carts invading your site. The other drawback is the noise at night. During our stay there were young adults raising cane on the dock after 10pm. It’s not bad if you are in an RV, however if you are in a tent you will probably lose sleep.

Guide to Santee

Camping near Santee, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to all types of campers.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes. One visitor at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park mentioned, "This campground has a beautiful lake with a boat dock." You can also rent paddle boats and kayaks at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground, where another camper noted, "There’s a small lake that rents paddle boats and kayaks."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer at Poinsett State Park Campground 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." Just be prepared for some bugs!
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park have enjoyed spotting wildlife. One camper said, "You can see your neighbor, but a decent amount of space in between and not many campers overall."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Colleton State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms are cleaned regularly and showers are HOT!"
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Lake Aire RV Park said, "Great host, very helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A guest at Santee Lakes KOA noted, "We were on C5 which was a very large pull through and relatively level."

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes and Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A camper at Poinsett State Park Campground warned, "There were lots of mosquitos, ants, bugs etc."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have fewer amenities than others. A visitor at Charleston KOA mentioned, "It has the least amenities out of all the KOAs we have been to."
  • Noise Levels: Depending on the location, some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA noted, "The park is a little noisy with planes and faint traffic but not too bad."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and water activities. A reviewer at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "Nice pool, pet friendly."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites to give kids room to play. A camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park said, "Sites were spaced reasonably far apart."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray and nets to keep the little ones comfortable. A visitor at Poinsett State Park Campground advised, "The bugs love it!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for easier setup. A camper at Lake Aire RV Park noted, "Power was stable and water pressure was good."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can have narrow roads. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "Roads are very tight!"
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A camper at Colleton State Park Campground said, "Every site is now full hook up."

Camping around Santee, SC, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to pack accordingly and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Santee, SC?

Santee offers exceptional camping options for all preferences. Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park stands out with spacious sites, traditional amenities (water and electric hookups), and sweeping views of beautiful Lake Marion. For those seeking water views and beautiful sunsets, Santee Lakes KOA provides a picturesque setting just across Lake Marion with friendly staff and adequate WiFi. Other excellent options include Taw Caw Campground and Marina and Lake Marion Resort & Marina, which offer convenient access to the lake's recreational activities. The region is particularly popular with fishing enthusiasts and those looking to explore Santee Cooper's natural beauty.

What amenities are available at Santee State Park camping sites?

Santee State Park camping sites feature comprehensive amenities to enhance your stay. Sites come equipped with water and electric hookups, while the park maintains decent restroom facilities throughout the grounds. Cypress View Campground offers excellent grounds adjacent to Lake Marion with spectacular lake views. The park provides traditional camping amenities with well-maintained sites that accommodate various camping setups. Beyond the basics, the park features numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, lake access for fishing and boating, and plenty of space to enjoy outdoor activities. The campground's layout offers a good balance of convenience and natural beauty, making it suitable for both novice and experienced campers.

Are there lakefront camping options at Santee Cooper?

Yes, Santee Cooper offers excellent lakefront camping options for water lovers. Blacks Camp and Restaurant sits in the heart of the Santee Cooper area, providing direct access to Lake Marion with full-service facilities catering especially to fishing and hunting enthusiasts. Taw Caw Campground and Marina offers boat-in access along with drive-in options, making it perfect for those bringing watercraft. Additional lakefront options include Palmetto Shores RV Resort and Lakeside Marina & Resort, both providing water access and standard amenities. These waterfront sites allow campers to enjoy stunning lake views and easy access to water activities throughout their stay.

Keep Exploring