7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
from $21 - $630 / night
"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."
"Out in the country located on a canal! Peaceful and quiet park. Restaurant has amazing food! Highly recommend for fishing!"
from $60 / 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!"
from $440 / night
from $49 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $38 - $219 / night
ScoutAbsolutely run down. The showers are very dated and need maintenance. Each rv site has a sewer site, but half smell of sewage, badly. Website advertised wifi, but once I was booked, I was given a site map that had that feature crossed out with marker. No signal at all. The fire pit ring is so rusted it looks like lace. I am going to see about getting it replaced. All in all. NOT worth $300 for 4 nights.
ScoutThis campgrounds has an abundance of camp spots that are well spaced. About 1/4 of the spots appear to be occupied by long term guests.
It has an old swing set for kids and a large/life-size chess set near the pavilion. They also have a pool that closed Oct. 1st.
Some camp spots have a concrete slab, while others are only grass. The water faucet is old but functions and the whole place is just tired…like they are doing enough to get by.
The staff were polite enough but not overly helpful. They’ll answer questions, but if you need them to actually do something…they might get around to it but don’t hold your breath.
They have strict dog rules but yet have a few cats roaming freely. One cat perched itself on our steps, repeatedly meowing and wanting in. We shooed it away, but it kept returning. We talked to a few different staff about it and each said the cats were for the mice and dismissed our concern.
This place was priced higher than the other nearby places, but we gave it a chance because of higher reviews and supposed to be closer to Charleston. But the traffic is horrible on hwy 17, the place is rundown/tired, the staff lean on the side of indifferent and we’re still a good 45 minutes from most attractions.
I wouldn’t recommend staying here…there are better options.
ScoutHunting camp with good level camping spots. Vault bathrooms and potable water. We still used filter. Dirt road and trails to hike. Ranger stops by daily which makes it safe
ScoutGreat location. Great facilities
TravelerSuch a gem & so much fun! Farm animals galore! As you pull in, you are greeted by some friendly feathered friends (chickens galore) & and an adorable barn with all the other farm friends. Camp host is the sweetest; she is the icing on the cake!
ScoutVery quiet campground. The campers and staff are all very nice. Will definitely come back!
GuideClose to I95 & I26. Great stopover when passing through. Family owned farm and campground combined. Easy check in. Clean and private bathhouse.
ScoutNo camping signs all over the place and the old sites are now fenced off
GuideMost campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
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 74 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.
Keep Exploring
