Santee, South Carolina sits along the shores of Lake Marion, the state's largest lake at over 110,000 acres with 511 miles of shoreline. The area maintains a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 35°F. Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, with higher water in spring months affecting shoreline camping areas and boat launch accessibility.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Marion offers year-round fishing with species like catfish, bass, and crappie. At Cypress View Campground, campers appreciate the convenient setup for anglers. "Had a great time hiking and fishing," notes Robert M., who enjoyed the combination of land and water activities.
Kayaking access: Multiple water entry points exist for paddlers seeking calm coves. The Lakeshore Campground provides excellent lake access with "super easy access to the lake for putting in the SUP and paddling around," according to Katherine, who added that "the view of sunset on the lake is absolutely breathtaking."
Nature exploration: The surrounding area contains wildlife viewing opportunities with several trails connecting camping areas. At Givhans Ferry State Park, visitors can explore the Edisto River ecosystem. Jamie W. mentioned, "Quiet spot, easy access to the Edisto River. We rented kayaks and had a great time."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lakefront camping provides direct water views and easy access for swimming or launching small craft. At Santee Lakes KOA, guests particularly value premium waterfront locations. John K. noted, "Nice campground on the water. Worth the upgrade to the lake front sites."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and shower buildings rate highly among visitors. Alfred H. appreciated the attention to detail at The Lakeshore Campground, noting, "Nice clean campground. Every employee was friendly and helpful. They have 4 separate bathrooms that are clean and well kept."
Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities create appeal for families. Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers numerous recreational options. Claire O. shared, "Palmetto shores has a nice outdoor activity area, a nice lake beach and a really nice pool and lazy River."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Peak season runs April through October with higher occupancy rates. Winter camping offers more solitude but fewer amenities. Mary G. at Cypress View Campground observed, "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking during summer months. The Lakeshore Campground has specific policies as Alfred H. explained: "You can only reserve a site for 14 days at a time. If you would like to stay longer you need to change sites."
Noise levels: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds with traffic sounds. At New Green Acres RV Park, Tracey S. found the "loud highway noise, but tolerable. Tall trees everywhere. Very pretty!"
Privacy variations: Site spacing varies considerably between venues. Nicholas L G. at Cypress View Campground noted, "Even with lots of people this park is quiet," highlighting how certain campgrounds maintain privacy despite higher occupancy.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Rocks Pond Campground & Marina, Stuart K. found it "perfect for kids - there's lots of places to go fishing, whether you are on a boat and want to venture further out, or don't want to leave land and just cast your line from one of the many points they have at this campground."
Swimming options: Designated swimming zones provide safer water recreation. Jessie N. appreciated that Cypress View Campground offered "boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!"
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer optimal wildlife spotting times around lake edges. Creighton C. mentioned that at Givhans Ferry State Park, "There are several large fields to let the kids run wild," providing space for outdoor exploration.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many lakeside sites require additional leveling equipment. At Palmetto Shores RV Resort, Linda H. found "large sites with full hook-ups" but noted that preparation was important for comfortable setup.
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections are standard, with sewer hookups more limited. John W. at Givhans Ferry State Park shared, "They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity. They have RV and tent only camping."
Pull-through availability: Certain campgrounds specialize in easy-access sites for larger vehicles. BC— G. found New Green Acres RV Park exceptionally convenient: "All pull through. Easy Easy in and out. Quiet even tho close to I95. Price very reasonable."
