m
mari S.
Scout
ScoutRemleys Point Public Boat Launch
No overnight here
Beautiful site at boat ramp but singns everywhere no camping no overnight
Camping near Sullivan's Island, SC
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Sullivan's Island camping options include a mix of established campgrounds and limited dispersed camping areas along the South Carolina coast. The campground landscape features several full-service options within a short drive, including the James Island County Park Campground, Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, and Oak Plantation Campground, all offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional RV and tent sites. Most campgrounds in the region provide water and electric hookups, with many offering sewer connections for extended stays. Caper's Island, accessible only by boat, represents one of the few dispersed camping opportunities in the coastal area.
The Sullivan's Island area experiences typical coastal Carolina weather patterns with humid summers and mild winters, making camping possible year-round. Sites within established campgrounds typically require reservations, particularly during peak tourist season between March and October. "The location is very convenient to most areas in town. We enjoyed the Fun Park next door. Our campsite was extremely close to the neighbor so a fire was out of the question," noted one visitor about the Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA. Public boat launches occasionally permit overnight parking for self-contained vehicles, though regulations may change without notice. Cell service remains strong throughout the region, as most camping areas are within proximity to Charleston metropolitan infrastructure.
Several campgrounds near Sullivan's Island feature waterfront access, with lakefront sites commanding premium pricing at facilities like Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA. Visitors frequently mention the convenience of nearby urban amenities while still enjoying natural surroundings. According to one camper, "We had a great site and was surprised how much room for a KOA. Loved being able to explore the city with the help and guidance of the staff." Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators in freshwater lakes and various coastal birds. Most established campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities and offer amenities like swimming pools, though site spacing varies considerably between properties. Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the Sullivan's Island area, with facilities balancing recreational amenities with natural settings.
Best Campgrounds near Sullivan's Island (53)
1. Campground at James Island County Park
"When making reservations at James Island County Park we had modest expectations, but we were going to tour Charleston most of the time, so we decided anything close to the city would be good enough."
"The park does allow pets and has a dog park with a beach; it seems like the pups were having a marvelous time playing chase on the beach.This is a County Park with trails for walking or leisure biking."
from $38 - $219 / night
Check Availability2. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
"There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by. We are already planning a return trip."
"Lots of places close by to eat at but this feels so tucked away all at the same time."
from $68 - $300 / night
Check Availability3. Hanscombe Point Campground
"The campsite is at the edge of a livestock pasture, though most of the sites are within a pine grove with a dense floor of needles and cones. "
"Minutes away from typical groceries or dollar stores. Self check in and check out. Only reason why it's not a full 5 stars is simply having to move cow droppings for set up. Definitely would go back!"
from $30 / night
Check Availability4. Lake Aire RV Park
"Santee State Park is a beautiful forested park by the lake."
"Plenty of trees and grass, a picnic area, a couple of hammocks, and lakes that host a large population of Muscovy ducks. These were fun to watch. They're quite tame and will come right up to you."
5. Oak Plantation Campground
"Beautiful location! Easy spots to get in and out of, not on top of each other. Great WiFi. Super pleasant and helpful staff. Clean bathrooms, Nice dog run, great food truck."
"Close proximity to a lot of fun things to do."
6. Remleys Point Public Boat Launch
7. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
"The campground is located near the golf course and outdoor recreation center, providing close access to golfing, soccer golf, disc golf, a climbing wall, and archery range."
"The campground is well kept with under 100 slots, it has an adjacent park, tennis and basketball courts. Next to both a frisbee and a nice golf course."
from $23 / night
Check Availability8. Edisto Beach State Park Campground
"It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."
"It is very private and secluded, but right around the corner from the beach."
9. Charleston KOA
"It is clean and close to shopping and close enough to Charleston which is full of history with lots of touristy things to do."
"This KOA is located 30-45 minutes from the city, if you have to be closer to the north area for family or just cause Charleston has limited availability for RV’s , this is the place."
10. Caper's Island
"Caper's Island is a boat-in beach/camping area located on the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Charleston, SC."
Drive Time
- 11 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 40 min from Myrtle Beach, SC
- 1 hr 45 min from Sumter, SC
- 2 hrs 2 min from Hilton Head Island, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Sullivan's Island, SC
136 Photos of 53 Sullivan's Island Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
Campground at James Island County Park
Caper's Island
Hanscombe Point CampgroundG
Oak Plantation Campground
Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center
Lake Aire RV Park
Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping
Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Buck Hall Recreation Area
Honey Hill Campground
Honey Hill Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Sullivan's Island, SC
461 Reviews of 53 Sullivan's Island Campgrounds
- BBarbara S.
GuideCampground at James Island County Park
Busy but fun!
We stayed here while attending the Highwater Music Festival. We brought our bikes, but it’s not safe to ride out if the campground to the festival or the beach, so we drove them to a spot outside of the grounds and then ride from there.
So much to do inside this campground and park! It was very busy, but we didn’t feel it was too loud - still plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature.
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!
Lucinda P.ScoutLake Aire RV Park
Avoid Lake Aire Campground!
My husband had a course to take in the Charleston area and we booked Lake Aire Campground from June 15- 20 while he attended that course. What a disappointment Lake Aire CG turned out to be. The two designated dump stations were not working therefore two RV sites were set up for that. Neither of them were easy to get to upon leaving the campground. The bathrooms were not that clean, nor was the laundry facility. We don't use the showers, etc. on site, but we judge the way a campground is run on whether these facilities are kept clean and tidy. According to the full-time resident next to our site, the washers and dryers are often out of order. The pool was not open either. We couldn't wait to leave and did so a day early. Lake Aire in general is run-down and in need of better management.
- MMaggie C.Legend
edisto state park
Beachfront camping
The beach campground has Nice campsites just behind the dunes. State park staff are very responsive and so kind. Access to the beach is ADA approved with the blue access mats. You can also drive your gold cart to the beach to set up your stuff. Bathrooms are clean and showers are hot! No shade at most of the sites and it is very windy here.
- LLisa W.Guide
Edisto Beach State Park Campground
Beach Campground -- It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This!
This is our absolute favorite campsite of all time! It is very private and secluded, but right around the corner from the beach. It is for tents and small campers only, as we barely had enough room to get our pop up backed up in the site with the truck. The site slopes up, evens out, and then slopes right back down to the fire ring and picnic table. Our pop up is a 10-foot box and it was just enough room to get it on the level spot without sloping one way or the other. It was also just wide enough for our awning to be set out with a little room to walk around. Once situated, there is plenty of room at the picnic table and fire ring to sit around and park bikes, etc.
There is plenty of shade and you can hear the waves crashing on the beach. The site also has water and electric hookups, but we try to bring our own water since you can still taste the salt. It is so relaxing!
This is on the Beach Campground and the only problem we noticed it is that the outdoor shower for washing off sand from the beach has low visibility because it is on the road side of the bathhouse and not the beach side. The result is people clogging up the showers with sand because they don't even see the outdoor shower in some cases.
The park has some amazing nature trails to bike and hike as well as a nice educational nature center.
We always enjoy our stay here and will definitely continue to book here as long as we can.
- 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.
- RReed B.Scout
Remleys Point Public Boat Launch
NOT an overnight camping spot
Clear signage indicating NO overnight parking allowed. Good spot for free day parking.
Edward S.
TravelerMount Pleasant-Charleston KOA
Great location and well kept
We stayed here for a week to attend a wedding. The place was well kept, nice and clean. Lots of walking areas and pet spots.
Super close to everything you could ever need, but deep enough into the woods to feel that break away from the noise of the road.
Guide to Sullivan's Island
Sullivan Island camping options extend beyond established campgrounds to several distinct overnight stays within 20-30 miles of this coastal South Carolina destination. The camping season runs year-round, though spring and fall bring more moderate temperatures and fewer insects than the humid summer months. Most sites require advance booking through recreation.gov or private campground websites, with typical rates ranging from $25-70 per night depending on amenities and proximity to the ocean.
What to do
Boating adventures: Hanscombe Point Campground offers unique access to coastal waterways where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "Very nice bucolic setting in the pine woods on the edge of a cow meadow. One very clean outhouse. No problem getting out in our 2wd Sprinter van," notes one visitor about this rustic Hanscombe Point Campground.
Water activities: At the Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, water recreation options include fishing, kayaking and paddle boats. "They offer kayak and bike rentals. There's a beautiful lake that allows catch and release fishing. Some tent sites and cabin sites are right along the water and offer nice views," explains a camper at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Disc golf and climbing: James Island County Park offers diverse recreational opportunities beyond standard camping amenities. "Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous," reports one visitor who enjoyed the varied activities.
What campers like
Military base security: Joint Base Charleston provides a secure camping environment with well-maintained facilities. "Wonderful RV park. During the day there is the near by airport noise, but evenings are peaceful and relaxing. With 7 am revilee and evening taps, you know you're on a military base. Also nice is the feeling of safety when the police cruise by regularly," says one camper at Military Park Joint Base Charleston.
Boat-in camping experiences: For those seeking seclusion, Caper's Island offers primitive camping accessible only by boat. "It is no frills, pack it in, pack it out camping with no amenities beyond what you bring with you...we went on a long walk down the boneyard beach for firewood and sea shell hunting (tons of conch shells and sand dollars)," reports a visitor to Caper's Island.
Spacious campsites: Oak Plantation Campground provides roomier sites compared to other local options. "Large park with paved and grass sites. I stayed in a paved full hookup site P2 and, even though there were a fair amount of guests, they spread everyone out so I had no immediate neighbors," notes one camper about the private setting.
What you should know
Overnight parking options: Remleys Point Public Boat Launch offers free overnight parking for self-contained vehicles, though noise can be a factor. "Public boat ramp so people will be in and out of the water at all hours of the day, not quiet. Beautiful sunsets if you can arrive in time for them," advises one visitor to this alternative Remleys Point Public Boat Launch.
Wildlife considerations: Local campgrounds often host wildlife, including alligators in freshwater areas. "The lake had a little dock and we my husband and son fished off of it. There were alligators in the lake and they actually caught one," reports a summer visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Traffic congestion: During peak travel times, traffic can significantly extend travel times to downtown Charleston. "Drive time listed to Charleston is very low, due to severe traffic congestion in the region. Not the farm's doing, but it took us 45 min to the city in the mornings (~9:30AM) and usually an hour plus back at night (2-4PM)," notes one camper at Hanscombe Point.
Tips for camping with families
Adventure zone access: James Island County Park features dedicated recreational areas for children and families. "Wonderful park with plenty of amenities! We stayed here in October when the water park/pool was closed, but there was still plenty to do with bike rentals and the outdoor adventure area," shares a visitor to James Island County Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances for children to observe local animals. "Nothing could be better than waking up to livestock outside your window grazing. They are so beautiful and the view from every angle is amazing," notes a camper at Hanscombe Point about the farm animal encounters.
Playground proximity: Consider site location in relation to play areas when booking. "Located only 15 minutes from downtown Charleston and 10 minutes from Shem creek this campground is gorgeous and spacious... There are multiple playgrounds and many kid friendly activities to do including corn horn and other games," advises a visitor to Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Lake Aire RV Park, certain sites offer better positioning and amenities. "We enjoyed being right next to the pond. The resident ducks entertained us everyday and would follow us around. We were right next to the playground, but there weren't a lot of kids there, so didn't have any issues in that regard," notes a reviewer at Lake Aire RV Park.
Ant prevention: Several campgrounds require preventative measures for insects. "We got a tip from a neighboring RVer to spray for small ants anywhere that the RV touches the ground so the ants won't crawl up and get in our RV as it did theirs. We promptly went to buy ant spray and never had a problem," advises an Oak Plantation visitor.
Navigating park entrances: Some campgrounds have challenging access points due to traffic patterns. "The road in front of campground is extremely busy (Hwy 17) and I wouldn't attempt ever turning left to get out. Just take a right and another right behind campground to get you out. It may take longer but worth your sanity," suggests a camper at Oak Plantation Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I park when visiting Sullivan's Island beach?
Where should I park when visiting Sullivan's Island beach?
Sullivan's Island has free public street parking available on a first-come, first-served basis, primarily along Atlantic Avenue and cross streets. Arrive early during summer months and holidays as spaces fill quickly. There are no dedicated public parking lots on the island. Be mindful of residential areas with parking restrictions, and always check for signage indicating time limits or permit requirements. All beach access paths have small street-side parking areas. For visitors staying at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA or Oak Plantation Campground, consider carpooling or rideshare services to minimize parking challenges.
Where can I find camping accommodations near Sullivan's Island, SC?
Where can I find camping accommodations near Sullivan's Island, SC?
Several excellent camping options exist near Sullivan's Island. The Campground at James Island County Park offers a well-maintained camping experience close to Charleston with easy access to Sullivan's Island. For RV travelers, Foster Creek RV Park and Villas provides a quiet location, though it lacks shade trees. Buck Hall Recreation Area in Francis Marion National Forest is another popular option about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston along the Intracoastal Waterway, but reservations are essential during peak season.
Is camping allowed on Sullivan's Island beach?
Is camping allowed on Sullivan's Island beach?
Camping is not allowed directly on Sullivan's Island beach. The island enforces strict regulations that prohibit overnight camping on its beaches to protect the natural environment and residential character. For beach camping experiences near Sullivan's Island, Edisto Beach State Park Campground offers oceanside sites where you can camp with the Atlantic waves as your soundtrack. Another coastal option is Hunting Island State Park Campground, where some sites are just steps from the breaking waves. Both parks require reservations, especially during peak season.
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