Poinsett State Park Campground
Very nice
Cute little park we really enjoyed it!
Camping near Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion around Bonneau, South Carolina features several waterfront campgrounds offering access to these popular fishing destinations. Short Stay Navy Outdoor Recreation Area provides waterfront sites with full hookups, though military affiliation is required for access. Other mixed-use campgrounds in the area include Francis Marion National Forest, Angels Landing Campground, and Johnston Landing, all providing various combinations of tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in the region cater primarily to RV campers and those with boats, reflecting the area's strong fishing culture.
Water access dominates the camping experience in this region, with most campgrounds situated along Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, or the connecting Diversion Canal. Many sites require advance reservations during peak fishing seasons, and several campgrounds primarily serve longer-term campers. Most developed campgrounds provide full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections, though amenities vary considerably between locations. Cell service can be inconsistent in more remote areas, especially within Francis Marion National Forest. A visitor noted, "Having difficulty deciding between Lake Marion or Lake Moultrie? Well then, finding a spot here at Hills Landing and RV Park might just allow you to have the best of both worlds as this spot is perfectly situated between the two."
The lakefront campgrounds in this region are primarily designed for fishing enthusiasts, with boat launches, tackle shops, and fishing piers available at many locations. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, though several mention limited privacy at more developed RV parks. Several visitors highlighted the importance of mosquito repellent when camping near the water in this region. While most campgrounds offer basic amenities like showers and restrooms, their quality varies considerably between locations. A recent review described Rocks Pond Campground as "massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe," though the reviewer also noted it consists of "seemingly endless barren rows full of slanted parking spots" with limited shade, making it noisy during busy weekends. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Francis Marion National Forest provides more rustic camping options with greater privacy.
$21 - $630 / night
"Short-stay is a beautiful camp right on Lake Moultrie a short distance from Charleston, SC."
"The campsites aren't huge, but you can fish and the scenery is great with the sites right against the lake."
"Super friendly staff, great location, waterfront camping and I can bring my boat. We had a great time. The problem is all the annual residents don’t follow their own rules."
"Several businesses nearby usually have workers who lunch there regularly. There is a boat launch, and bait and tackle shop adjacent to the restaurant."
"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."
$60 / night
"Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park. Restaurant has amazing food! Highly recommend for fishing!"
$15 - $85 / night
"Situated on 8 acres, there is plenty of room for everyone here. Take your boat, go fishing, go hiking, there is SO much to do and explore. Check them out and leave them a review here!"
"Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."
"This 25 acre campground is tucked in on the North side of Lake Marion in SC. Great staff friendly and helpful. I'll will be back"
"This is a picturesque campground just across Lake Marion from Santee SC with water views and beautiful sunsets."
$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."












Cute little park we really enjoyed it!
It's been an amazing trip. Got to see a alligator for the first time in my life. It was awesome. The staff was awesome,had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature
Great spot. Beautiful views. Lots of shade. Spot 57 would be hard to park in with a trailer due to having to climb the embankment a bit.
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.
Clear signage indicating NO overnight parking allowed. Good spot for free day parking.
We arrived after hours and the ease of arrival and the spot we chose were amazing. We wish we had more time to spend with yall.
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.
The couple who owns this place are so kind and welcoming! We were having trouble with our trailer and our rv leading up to getting here and while we were here and they were so calm and helpful! We got to pet a mule and watch one of the horses and a donkey graze right outside our rv! Then, the owner took is around to see the other farm animals and we bought soap made by a local dairy farm wrapped in wool from the alpacas we met. What a great experience! I cannot recommend this place enough! 🫏💜
We stayed here during the week for spring break with our son and our two dogs. Both campgrounds was full but thankfully we booked ahead! So definitely make reservations if it’s busy season. Our spot was PRIME view of the lake and the sites are separated apart enough. Hot showers! And great areas to walk around the campground and to the water.
I picked up a lot of trash by the water(the lake is busy for fishing) so do your part and pick up too. Definitely coming back. Pick site 34 if you can!
Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie dominate the camping landscape near Bonneau, South Carolina. These interconnected lakes span over 110,000 acres of water surface with 450 miles of shoreline. Seasonal water levels fluctuate by 1-3 feet depending on dam operations and rainfall patterns. The region maintains warm temperatures year-round with summer highs consistently reaching 90°F from June through September.
Kayaking access points: Short Stay Navy Recreation Area provides multiple lake entry points for smaller watercraft. "The main attraction is huge Lake Moultrie. Great for fishing, swimming, camping, RV, and much more. There is a swimming beach and the camp store has boat kayak rental and propane tank refill," notes Thom C. about Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner.
Hiking the Palmetto Trail: Located approximately 5 miles from Johnston Landing Campground, this trail features sunken cypress trees and bird watching opportunities. "One of the best hikes in all of South Carolina—the Palmetto Trial is just about 5 miles away, but is definitely worth the hike as here you'll be able to witness first hand the sunken giant Cypress trees, amazing bird watching (Ospreys and Herons in particular)," according to a review of Johnston Landing Campground & Cabins.
Wildlife observation: Francis Marion National Forest offers significant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna. So bug spray is recommended to the unfortunate of us that are preyed upon by mosquitoes and the like," advises Caleb from his experience at Francis Marion National Forest.
Proximity to multiple lakes: Hills Landing RV Park sits between both major lakes. A camper described it as "perfectly situated between the two on a tributary of a slow-moving waterway dubbed Diversion Canal that connects the two" and mentioned it's "located about 1.5 hour northwest of Charleston."
Waterfront access: The ability to camp directly on the water appeals to many visitors. "The campsites aren't huge, but you can fish and the scenery is great with the sites right against the lake," says Matthew S. about Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner.
Family-friendly facilities: Santee Lakes KOA provides amenities specifically for families. "Great playground along the shore. If it wasn't near freezing, there was a nice spot for swimming. Ordered pizza and had it delivered to the campsite! Nice touch!" reports Molly F. about Santee Lakes KOA.
Military restrictions: Short Stay Navy Recreation Area limits access to military personnel. "This campground is for Active and retired military and other qualified DOD employees. Very quiet and secure great fishing and beautiful sunsets," explains Alan M. Additionally, another reviewer notes, "Recent changes allow active military to stay maximum of 30 days per year."
Variable site quality: Angels Landing Campground reviews indicate inconsistent camping experiences. "The sites are not all that spacious or private, and the bath house really needed updating. I guess most people use the bathrooms in their RVs, but still, I was a little disappointed," mentions Myron C. about Angels Landing Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bonneau, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bonneau, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Bonneau, SC and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bonneau, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bonneau, SC is Short Stay Navy Outdoor Moncks Corner with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bonneau, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Bonneau, SC.
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