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Best Campgrounds near Sullivan's Island, SC

433 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Sullivan's Island, South Carolina (50)

    1. Campground at James Island County Park

    60 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 795-4386

    $38 - $219 / night

    "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."

    2. Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA

    26 Reviews
    Mount Pleasant, SC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 849-5177

    $68 - $300 / night

    "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."

    3. Hanscombe Point Campground

    12 Reviews
    Folly Beach, SC
    12 miles
    +1 (843) 514-1215

    $30 / night

    "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!"

    4. Lake Aire RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 571-1271

    "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

    13 Reviews
    Johns Island, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 766-5936

    "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

    4 Reviews
    Charleston, SC
    5 miles
    Website

    7. Military Park Joint Base Charleston Outdoor Recreation Center

    9 Reviews
    North Charleston, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 963-1672

    $23 / night

    "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."

    8. Edisto Beach State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Edisto Island, SC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 869-2756

    "It's South Carolina in the summer, so there are mosquitoes."

    "The campsite pad has a plug and faucet right next to you and you're on the other side of a sand dune from the beach. The restrooms are close by to every site."

    9. Charleston KOA

    19 Reviews
    Goose Creek, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-5812

    "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

    1 Review
    Isle of Palms, SC
    10 miles
    Website

    "Caper's Island is a boat-in beach/camping area located on the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Charleston, SC."

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Recent Camping Photos near Sullivan's Island, SC

135 Photos of 50 Sullivan's Island Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sullivan's Island, SC

433 Reviews of 50 Sullivan's Island Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Tidy campground near the river

    We spent three nights here as a base for our trips into Charleston. With our America the beautiful senior pass. I think it was only like $50 for three nights. Park did have a boat ramp. There were only about 20 or so spaces so the campground was not huge. All the spaces had water and electric. The showers were nice and tidy and the water pressure in the showers was great. Nice hiking through the forest as well on some trails.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Totally impressed

    Great place, no complaints. Nice campstore, showers & laundry facilities. If there is a "d" by the site number, that means you share a driveway, fyi.

  • 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.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Good for boating and fishing

    Calm campground, with good ramp for boating and a pier for fishing. Don't forget your bug-spray, mosquitos are aggressive here.

  • L
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Santee Coastal Reserve

    Pretty

    Pretty campground. Good for an RV but lots of mosquitoes. We stayed inside.

  • Cori B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful area

    I stayed out here for a full night. The area has been cleaned up and a few times during the day and night a police officer patrolled the area. Just smiled and waved.

  • Greg S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Campground at James Island County Park

    4.7 stars

    Pretty fantastic place for families. Awesome trails, huge playground, water park, fishing, rock climbing walls, and very close to folly Beach, which is gorgeous. The sites aren't huge but are clean and convenient to camp store and trails. Our site was a pull through with some nice palmettos but not a lot of privacy. Best sites looked to be the 40s and 50s. Campground is 15 minutes to downtown. Squirrels chewed through our propane hoses, which wasn't great. Overall this is a heck of a place to stay and play.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner

    Nice and relaxing on the waterfront of Lake Moultrie

    This campground is for Active and retired military and other qualified DOD employees. Very quiet and secure great fishing and beautiful sunsets

  • Stephanie W.
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Hanscombe Point Campground

    And Amazing Space

    Nnothing could be better than waking up to livestock outside your window grazing. They are so beautiful and the view from every angle is amazing. Loved that we still had our own space vs being packed in like other campgrounds. We will be back most definitely!

Guide to Sullivan's Island

Camping near Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For example, at Edisto Beach State Park Campground, visitors love that it's less than a minute walk to the beach, with the sound of the surf at night adding to the charm.
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are available for walking and biking. One camper mentioned, "There are trails for walking and biking that are well kept and are ADA accessible" at the Edisto Beach State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Wildlife Watching: Campers at Hunting Island State Park Campground enjoy the pristine beach and the chance to see local wildlife, saying, "We enjoyed watching the bird life and being in easy walking distance to the beach itself."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Hunting Island State Park Campground noted, "Restrooms nice and clean with hot water in the shower."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Colleton State Park Campground said, "The sites are quite large and lots of trees."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Lake Aire RV Park, one guest said, "Very helpful staff was given lots of information about the area."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground mentioned, "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent" due to the lack of connectivity.
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or airports. A review for Charleston KOA noted, "The park is a little noisy with planes and faint traffic but not too bad."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper at James Island County Park said, "I was so lucky to get a spot for two nights in this campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-oriented activities. At James Island County Park, one review highlighted, "Fishing, kid friendly, climbing wall, rope course, water park."
  • Spacious Areas for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with open spaces. A parent at Lake Aire RV Park mentioned, "Our visit here was peaceful, quiet and enjoyable."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground advised, "Definitely need to wear your bug repellent."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to pick a level site for easier setup. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA said, "We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A review for Point South KOA mentioned, "The campground had a very relaxing atmosphere given the cleanliness and surrounding trees."
  • Plan for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can be crowded. A camper at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA noted, "Our campsite was extremely close to the neighbor so a fire was out of the question."

Camping near Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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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