The camping areas surrounding Hampton, South Carolina feature diverse terrain with a mix of riverfront properties and wooded inland sites across elevations ranging from 50-100 feet above sea level. The region sits at the edge of South Carolina's coastal plain, with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Camping options within 30 miles of Hampton include both commercial RV parks and more rustic sites with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Kayaking on the Edisto River: Access river paddling from Colleton State Park Campground where site options include river views. "Great bathhouses. Very clean! The rangers are SUPER nice! Very helpful! Also a nice place to launch your kayak. Very clean and up-kept campground," notes one camper.
Bird watching near lakes: Lake Jasper RV Park provides access to wetland habitats with diverse bird species. "This is a beautiful campground clean, friendly, and the lake-side sites are really pretty. The sun sets right over the lake and there's a small walking path part way around the lake too," according to a visitor.
Explore historic sites: Several campgrounds offer access to regional history. As one camper at Point South KOA mentioned, "We went on a walk with our girls around the camp site, to the doggy area, around the lake, and read the historical signs."
Blueberry picking: Seasonal fruit picking available at certain farms in the area. A visitor to Black Pearl Farms simply noted, "Fresh blueberries!" and recommended visiting in May for the best experience.
What campers like
Privacy at small campgrounds: Some locations offer more secluded camping experiences. At Black Pearl Farms, a camper described it as a "Beautiful, well maintained site beside the Edisto river, just as advertised! Private, peaceful, just what we were looking for."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and shower areas. A visitor to Lake Jasper RV Park reported, "Pool was fantastic and clean. Bathrooms were new and clean. Showers were well lit and clean. Staff was super friendly and helpful."
Level sites: Travelers appreciate sites that require minimal setup time. At New Green Acres RV Park, a camper noted, "These spots were huge right next to highway but noise doesn't bother us. Stayed for a week. Really close to town."
Strategic location: The position between major destinations is valued. One camper at Point South KOA shared, "We took day trips to Hilton Head, Savannah and Charleston, each about an hour away. We highly recommend this KOA. We can't wait to go back!"
What you should know
Composting toilets: Some properties use alternative facilities. A visitor to Heirloom Hamlet explained, "Toilet is liquid in the front and solid in the back, so everyone has to sit down to use the toilet. The shower is outside, with an open bottom. Heated water and changing room with a mirror."
Wildlife awareness: Alligators are present in lakes and waterways. A visitor to Lake Jasper RV Park cautioned, "I saw a few alligators in the lake. Fairly peaceful, besides the fact we were right next to the pool so it got loud at times."
Road noise variations: Highway proximity affects some locations. A camper at Colleton State Park observed, "I didn't realize it was a very busy highway. Why they put all those campsites along a highway is just beyond me. None of us slept well being constantly woken up by the sounds of transport trucks."
Cell service quality: Connectivity varies throughout the region. A visitor to Point South KOA noted, "We had a solid T-mobile signal while there," which is important information for remote workers or those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. A camper at Point South KOA reported, "We stopped for one night, very convenient location right off the highway. Our kids loved the gem mining and playground. The staff are friendly and accommodating."
Swimming options: Pools provide recreation for children during hot months. A visitor to Colleton State Park Campground shared, "Park Ranger Larry is everything you would want in a ranger! He is proud of this park and it shows - everything is clean around the campground and in the bath house."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation teaches children about local ecosystems. A camper at Point South KOA mentioned, "My children also loved the playground and the Alligator walk. It was a great experience."
Entertainment options: Some parks offer game rentals for families. As noted by a Colleton State Park visitor, "The office has games available to borrow, there's a playground, and the river's edge is fun to explore."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for varied terrain when setting up. A camper at Thousand Trails The Oaks at Point South advised, "off 4 inches on the left, so bring extra blocks to help level. Friendly guests and decent amenities."
Hookup positioning: Some parks have unusual utility placements. A visitor noted, "Hookups are mounted very low to the ground," suggesting RVers bring flexible connections or extension cords.
Space between sites: Site width varies significantly between locations. At New Green Acres RV Park, an RVer shared, "Very nice and clean. Easy access, friendly and helpful. These spots were huge."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts ground conditions at certain times. A camper at Thousand Trails mentioned, "When it rained the byproduct was mud. However, the sites all had live oaks with spanish moss, there was a large pond(s) with great walking trails."