Camping options near Coward, South Carolina center around sandhills, wetland environments, and managed pine forests at elevations between 100-150 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, while winter nights can drop to the low 30s. Most campgrounds maintain sand-based sites characteristic of the area's natural terrain.
What to do
Equestrian activities: Lee State Park Campground offers designated horse trails and stables for riders bringing their own horses. "Hosts were super nice, even when we got in late. Was wonderful to wake up and see the horses. Also dog friendly which is a plus," notes one visitor to Lee State Park Campground.
Water recreation: The region offers multiple options for water activities despite limited swimming areas. "Awesome park with many trails and a pond for the kids to swim!" writes one camper about Lee State Park, while another mentions that Lynches River County Park provides "kayak loading dock" access.
Hiking trails: Poinsett State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks through varied terrain. A visitor notes, "Car camped here to see Congaree NP in the middle of a heatwave, unfortunately. Great news—my site had lots of trees, there's a lake to swim in, and the showerhouse had A/C!" Another camper adds that "Poinsett State Park has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Palmetto State."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. At CrossRoads Coach Resort at the ROB, one reviewer writes, "The resort is the cleanest property we have ever stayed at. The restrooms/shower facilities (free) are beyond first class."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer ample room between sites. "The sites are very spacious and are staggered so each RV is not looking into another," notes a visitor to CrossRoads Coach Resort, while a reviewer at Lynches River County Park mentions, "The RV/Tent sites were all sandy and shaded and very spacious."
Nature education opportunities: "Lynches River County Park has an environmental learning center. A canopy boardwalk in the trees. Kayak loading dock. And small campground with archery course," writes one camper. Similar educational facilities exist at Little Pee Dee State Park, where a ranger station provides nature information.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. At CrossRoads Coach Resort, a visitor warns, "If you are looking for quiet—look elsewhere. The train traffic is constant and loud." Another notes, "The rails are within one block of the campground and the trains run frequently, day and night and use their horns A LOT."
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary dramatically by season. A visitor to Little Pee Dee State Park Campground notes, "You'll fall asleep to a chorus of frogs every night!" while a Poinsett visitor recommends, "I prefer to stay at Poinsett State Park in the fall, winter, or spring as it is located in the sandhills and it can be pretty hot and buggy in summer."
Road conditions: Access roads to some parks require careful driving. "The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes," writes one Poinsett visitor. Another camper at Little Pee Dee notes, "Road to campground is horrible! Very narrow, trees hanging over it, dirt, but huge holes!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Multiple campgrounds offer family-friendly facilities. A visitor to Swamp Fox Campground notes, "Clean and nice playground for kids," while another praises the "super friendly staff."
Kid-friendly hiking: Several parks feature accessible trails for younger hikers. "We did a hike everyday that we stayed here, for a total of 3 hikes. The scenery is gorgeous, especially the hikes that overlook the lake," shares a Little Pee Dee visitor about experiences with children.
Splash parks: During hot summer months, water features provide relief from the heat. A Little Pee Dee visitor mentions, "If you have kids they will love the playground that is in the campground," while others note the availability of splash pads at several county facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," warns a Poinsett State Park visitor, while another notes, "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."
Hookup options: Country Lane offers more primitive camping with few amenities. The owner states, "We are fenced in on all sides and surrounded by woods! There is a public landfill 1/2 mile away and there is a Dollar General 1/2 mile away!" For full hookups, CrossRoads Coach Resort provides comprehensive services including sewer connections.
Site surfaces: Most sites in the region have sand or dirt surfaces. "Loose dirt but fairly level," notes one RVer about Little Pee Dee, while another mentions that at Florence RV Park, "Campground is beautiful and clean, with a pond, park, large laundry room, and easy access dump station...Only downside is it gets a bit messy/muddy if it's raining."
