Jane C.
Scout
ScoutSantee Lakes KOA
Santee Koa
Great service .Tent camp here every year .
Camping near Santee, SC
72 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Santee, South Carolina features several 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.
Best Campgrounds near Santee (72)
1. Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
"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
"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. Outside Inn Campground
"This was our second visit to Outside Inn Campground and both times we stayed in the camper they offer as a rental."
"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. "
from $50 - $66 / night
Check Availability4. Poinsett State Park Campground
"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."
5. Palmetto Shores RV Resort
"Our sites were right next to the highway, I will say though we did tune the noise out the longer we stayed (and drank)."
from $48 - $55 / night
Check Availability6. The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
"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
"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."
from $75 - $316 / night
Check Availability8. Taw Caw Campground and Marina
"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
10. Taylor's Landing
"My 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"
Drive Time
- 42 min from Sumter, SC
- 52 min from Charleston, SC
- 55 min from Florence, SC
- 59 min from Columbia, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Santee, SC
92 Photos of 72 Santee Campgrounds
Katherine
The Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
Claire O.
Palmetto Shores RV Resort
Daniel S.
Santee Lakes KOA
Whitney M.
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
Clair R.
Outside Inn Campground
ELLIOTTS C.
Elliott's Landing and Campground
Stuart K.
Bells Marina & Resort
Stuart K.
Hill's Landing & RV Park
Stuart K.
Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins
Jessica M.
Poinsett State Park Campground
Luke A.
Angels Landing Campground
Katie M.
Sweetwater Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Santee, SC
401 Reviews of 72 Santee Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendHarry's Fish Camp
A True South Carolina Fish Camp Experience
If you're looking for a rustic RV depot on the water's edge with limited amenities, but an absolutely pristine view of Lake Marion, Harry's Fish Camp is a great spot, as long as your expectations are managed, as this is more of an outdoor fishing paradise than it is a polished RV resort. So if your idea of the perfect camping trip starts with launching the boat before sunrise, spending the day chasing trophy catfish and striped bass on the legendary Lake Marion and returning to camp for a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the water, you'll feel right at home. Tucked away in the quiet community of Pineville, Harry's is one of those classic Santee Cooper fish camps that has earned its reputation through generations of anglers rather than flashy marketing. The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic and refreshingly unpretentious.
The campground caters to both RV campers and anglers, offering full-hookup RV sites, bathhouse facilities, showers, laundry, a dump station and pet-friendly accommodations. The real stars, however, are the waterfront amenities: two boat ramps, four fishing piers, a fish-cleaning station with running water and electricity, a well-stocked tackle shop and convenient boat storage. There's also a sandy swimming beach nearby with a designated swimming area for families looking to cool off after a day on the water. While the campground isn't luxurious, it delivers exactly what its guests come for: easy access to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Southeast.
Harry's location places you in the heart of the famed Santee Cooper lake system, encompassing more than 170,000 acres of world-class fishing and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, catfish, crappie or striped bass, you're launching directly into one of the country's premier freshwater fisheries. Birdwatchers and paddlers will also appreciate the surrounding cypress swamps and quiet backwaters. If you need supplies, Billy's General Store is just a short drive away for fuel, groceries and last-minute essentials, while Harry's own restaurant is well known locally for its fried catfish and traditional Southern cooking.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) Arrive early if you're planning to launch a boat during peak fishing weekends as this place turns into a 'traffic jam' on the water from 8am onwards; (2) If available, request one of the waterfront campsites for easy access to the marina and beautiful sunrise views; (3) Bring plenty of bug spray during the warmer months as mosquitoes can be incredibly active around the marshes; (4) Don't leave without trying the fried catfish dinner at Harry's restaurant ... trust me, it's part of the whole experience while staying here; (5) If you're bringing your own boat, take advantage of the on-site fish-cleaning station before heading home; and (6) If you're visiting for several days, consider hiring one of the area's experienced fishing guides to learn the seasonal patterns of the Santee Cooper lakes.
Happy Camping!
- SSherri B.
GuidePoinsett State Park Campground
Lovely but loud
This is a lovely park but construction in progress at campground during our stay so heavy equipment running during weekdays
Lauren M.
TravelerPoinsett State Park Campground
Very nice
Cute little park we really enjoyed it!
- Becky B.Scout
Bells Marina & Resort
Loving the Gators
It's been an amazing trip. Got to see a alligator for the first time in my life. It was awesome. The staff was awesome,had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature
Cheryl D.ScoutThe Lakeshore Campground — Santee State Park
Beautiful
Great spot. Beautiful views. Lots of shade. Spot 57 would be hard to park in with a trailer due to having to climb the embankment a bit.
- TTroli R.Guide
FamCamp Joint Base Charleston S.C
Nice place a smidge confusing
There are actually TWO bases here - the air base and the weapons station. We stayed at the air base but also visited the weapons station for some recreation.
Air base: close to downtown Charleston; great price for the amenities provided ($45 per night for full hookups - electric, water, and sewer); power/water pedestal was nice; shower and laundry facilities on site; all sites fairly level and mostly shady; playground, sand volleyball, golf, and indoor climbing wall within walking distance; beautiful trees, etc. All the normal base amenities, including bowling alley (check out galactic bowling if you have kids).
Staff was helpful. Camp host was… vigilant, but not super considerate with his leaf blowing pollen plumes around breakfasters.
Did not have pool. Fine.
DOES NOT HAVE FIRE RINGS. Or a grill. That was a disappointment. You can BRING a fire ring. But of course no open burning.
Also, the sites are a smidge close together. But not overly so. Ask for a perimeter site and not a middle pull through if you're looking for a little extra green space between. (Not sure if they'll honor that or not.)
The weapons station also has an RV park. (Forgot to look and see if they have fire rings.) If you are a trail runner or hiker or similar, this is the one you want to go to. There's an excellent trail system right off the RV park. The air base did not. They have plenty of sidewalks to run but no trails. However, if you're there to see Charleston, you want to stay at the air base. The weapons station is further away from downtown.
As other reviewers have said, these options are both on military bases and require an ID to access.
- ddavid H.Scout
Santee Lakes KOA
Quick One night stay
We arrived after hours and the ease of arrival and the spot we chose were amazing. We wish we had more time to spend with yall.
- aamanda F.Scout
Herd it Here Farm
Amazing!
The couple who owns this place are so kind and welcoming! We were having trouble with our trailer and our rv leading up to getting here and while we were here and they were so calm and helpful! We got to pet a mule and watch one of the horses and a donkey graze right outside our rv! Then, the owner took is around to see the other farm animals and we bought soap made by a local dairy farm wrapped in wool from the alpacas we met. What a great experience! I cannot recommend this place enough! 🫏💜
Guide to Santee
Santee, South Carolina sits at the convergence of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, part of the state's largest freshwater resource known as the Santee Cooper Lakes system. These bodies of water were created in the 1940s when the Santee River was dammed, resulting in over 450 miles of shoreline throughout the region. Camping sites near Santee remain accessible during winter months when temperatures typically range from 35°F to 60°F, making it a practical year-round destination.
What to do
Kayaking opportunities: Taw Caw Campground offers direct water access for paddlers with convenient beaching options near campsites. As one visitor notes, "Bring your boat, Kayak or canoe and beach it at your campsite. Not all sites are water front so reserve them while they last."
Wildlife observation: Bells Marina & Resort provides chances to view native wildlife from your campsite. A visitor reported, "I had a great view of the water and was able to watch wildlife every day, from white herons to bald eagles."
Fishing pier access: Taw Caw Campground includes dedicated fishing structures with practical amenities. "Outstanding opportunity to fish from the fishing pier that includes a cleaning station. The camp store offers live bait and limited tackle," according to a reviewer.
Island camping excursion: Lakeside Marina & Resort features a unique primitive camping experience. "The real find here is the small island that sits directly across from the marina, where there are endless tent camping options...a short little canoe ride and you're back in civilization."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cypress View Campground at Santee State Park receives praise for its maintenance. One camper mentioned, "Very nice campground. Has boat docks & launching ramp. Nice fishing pier. Clean bathrooms. Staff friendly and helpful."
Winter availability: The Lakeshore Campground provides spacious sites with minimal crowding during colder months. A visitor noted, "Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore."
Reliable hookups: Santee Lakes KOA offers well-functioning services for RVs. "The camping sites are nice, and some are level. Hookups are convenient, and work well. Lake is beautiful, and even had wooden chairs for use," according to one reviewer.
Trash services: Outside Inn Campground provides convenient waste removal. As mentioned in a review, "We had trash pickup and sites were easily navigable. Big park with a nice views of the water."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Poinsett State Park offers different levels of seclusion. "I stayed at tent site 36 and felt like I still had enough privacy from the sites beside me. The bathrooms were well taken care of," a camper reported.
Road conditions: Some access roads require careful driving. A reviewer at Poinsett noted, "It's not easy to get in here with anything bigger than a full size pickup. The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes."
Bathroom maintenance: Facility upkeep varies between campgrounds. A Lake Marion Resort visitor stated, "Bathrooms are clean A little outdated. Boat docks need help (I was told it was due to hurricane)."
Seasonal crowding: Some campgrounds become very busy during peak seasons. At Cypress View Campground, a reviewer observed, "Nice park but gets super crowded. The sites we had you could definitely have more than 6 people to a site and many sites did just that."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Palmetto Shores RV Resort provides dedicated play areas. A camper reported, "Palmetto shores has a nice outdoor activity area, a nice lake beach and a really nice pool and lazy River."
Farm animal interactions: Outside Inn Campground offers unique farm experiences. "Small RV park which also has a lot of animal's. There is a great trail walk and lots of animals bunnies, pigs, donkeys, chickens, goats and a guinea fowl!" one visitor shared.
Swimming opportunities: Different swimming options exist across campgrounds. At Cypress View Campground, a reviewer noted, "Never far to a bathroom and easy access to the water. Needs a good cleaning as the trails were very littered."
Hiking trails: Several parks offer walking paths suitable for children. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA wrote, "We were impressed from our very first contact. They have a check in station at the gate so you don't even have to get out of your vehicle."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: The Lakeshore Campground requires minimal adjustment for many units. "Spacious, well wooded and there was a fantastic breeze all weekend with helped with the heat and bugs! The lake access had a beach area that the kids loved to play at," according to one RV camper.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road sounds. A Palmetto Shores visitor warned, "Our sites were right next to the highway, I will say though we did tune the noise out the longer we stayed."
Check-in procedures: Campgrounds offer varying arrival processes. A Santee Lakes KOA visitor explained, "They have people on golf carts take you to your site which is great! No need to drive around and find your spot. Not only that but they bring you the best route to park your RV in your site."
Trees and awning clearance: Some sites have limited space for extensions. At Poinsett State Park, a camper noted, "Our camper is 29 ft, with no slide outs and just an awning. There was no way to extend our awning, because the trees were too close."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Santee, SC?
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?
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?
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.
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