Located near Charleston, South Carolina, Sullivan's Island sits at the entrance of Charleston Harbor and experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The region's coastal location offers direct access to waterways and marshlands, with camping options typically sitting at elevations below 20 feet. Seasonal considerations are crucial as summer humidity levels often exceed 80% while winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
What to do
Nature trails and biking: James Island County Park offers over 5 miles of paved paths for hiking and biking through woods and open areas. "There's a fantastic dog park and several miles of paved walking/biking paths," notes visitor Terry J. The park serves as an excellent base for outdoor activities beyond just camping.
Kayaking and canoeing: Buck Hall Recreation Area provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway for paddling adventures. "We had a blast kayaking around and had some awesome dolphin encounters," shares one camper. The area allows visitors to explore marshlands and waterways with rental equipment available at some locations.
Fishing opportunities: Lakes and waterways near camping areas provide excellent fishing. At Rocks Pond Campground & Marina, "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." The campground even has a dedicated fishing pond just for children.
What campers like
Historic attractions: The proximity to Charleston's historical sites appeals to many visitors. One camper at James Island County Park mentions, "Great local restaurants, carriage tours, forts, shopping and more!" This location provides easy access to cultural and historical experiences while maintaining a natural setting.
Pet-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds in the area welcome pets with designated areas for them to play. "There are waste bags scattered throughout the park and a huge dog park," notes a visitor about Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, making the area suitable for those traveling with four-legged companions.
Off-season experiences: Winter camping has advantages in this region. A visitor to Edisto Beach State Park Campground mentions, "We camped here during the winter and had fun. This campsite is perfect for riding bikes around." The milder winter temperatures make year-round camping viable while avoiding summer crowds.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds and events: Holiday weekends and special events can dramatically impact campground availability and atmosphere. At Edisto Beach State Park Campground, "On Easter weekend, there was only one empty site. Most campers seem to be in RVs," reports one visitor. Making reservations well in advance is essential during peak periods.
Wildlife considerations: The coastal environment hosts various wildlife including alligators. "There were alligators in the lake and they actually caught one," shares a camper about their experience at Mount Pleasant-Charleston KOA, emphasizing the importance of wildlife awareness and safety.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant seasonal variation. "Very buggy" conditions are reported at Buck Hall Recreation Area, especially in warmer months, while humidity and heat can be challenging in summer. Proper clothing, shelter, and insect repellent are essential for comfortable glamping in Sullivan's Island, South Carolina area.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for younger visitors. At Givhans Ferry State Park Campground, "There are several large fields to let the kids run wild," according to one review. These open spaces provide safe areas for children to play.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences beyond traditional camping. A visitor notes, "The nearby Sewee Visitor Center has red wolves and is free to visit... if you have kids I think it would be a must do! You can call ahead and find out when they will be feeding the wolves."
Water safety: While water activities are popular, supervision is crucial. Buck Hall Recreation Area has limitations, as one camper points out: "This campground is located directly adjacent to the Intercoastal Waterway, and there is a boat ramp located nearby but there is no access to go swimming here." Always check water access policies and safety guidelines at each location.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When glamping in luxury RV sites around Sullivan's Island, choosing the right spot matters. At Honey Hill Campground, "You drive in and there's multiple campsites for your tent, Car or RV," with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Corner and perimeter sites typically offer more space and privacy.
Hookup availability: Full-hookup options vary between campgrounds. "They have some full hookup sites which is what I got. Most have water and electricity," reports a visitor to Givhans Ferry State Park. Checking utility specifications before booking ensures compatibility with your equipment.
Parking considerations: Some locations have specific parking arrangements. At James Island County Park, if "the slot you've been given doesn't adequately provide enough space for everything including your RV... there's substantial, additional parking that exists right in front of the Group Camping area." Understanding the parking layout helps maximize comfort during your stay.
