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Facilities

Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground

Cypress View Campground, near Santee, South Carolina, is a cozy spot that offers a peaceful escape for campers year-round. With a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations, and even cabins, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it a versatile choice for families and solo adventurers alike.

The campground is known for its beautiful lake views and easy access to fishing, swimming, and picnicking. Many visitors have highlighted the well-spaced sites, which provide a sense of tranquility, although some noted that privacy can be a bit limited. As one camper mentioned, “The campground is small and quiet,” making it a great place to unwind after a long day on the road.

Amenities include clean restrooms and hot showers, which are always a plus after a day of outdoor activities. Campers have also appreciated the friendly camp host and the availability of firewood and other essentials at the on-site store. If you’re looking to explore, the surrounding area offers hiking and biking trails that lead to stunning views of Lake Marion.

While some facilities could use a little TLC, the overall vibe is welcoming and relaxed. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Cypress View Campground is a solid choice for those seeking a laid-back camping experience.

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Location

Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground is located in South Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-95: Take exit 98 to Hwy 6 toward Elloree, the park is located 1 mi. W. of the town of Santee. From Columbia: Take I-26 to Hwy 6, exit 136, travel through St. Matthews, continue on Hwy 6 for approximately 15 mile to Elloree and follow signs.

Address

251 State Park Rd
Santee, SC 29142

Coordinates

33.55018993 N
80.49991827 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

43 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 13, 2024

Small and peaceful under the pines

We stopped heading south and north along I-95 to and from Florida.  Very easy off and on I-95.  Plenty of available spaces in off-season.  The campground is small and quiet.  Camp Host was very helpful. Sites were spaced reasonably far apart but there is no privacy between.  Not all sites have a water view, but most appeared fairly level. Not all sites have sewer access.  Our only complaint was lots of smoke from campfires and grills. Would stay again.

Reviewed Dec. 7, 2023

Peaceful, good trails

We were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind. Site has good trees for a hammock and near a path down to the lake for fishing/picnic/swimming. Beware there is a sharp drop off across from the site, so make sure whoever is backing in has a spotter out front.

Site46
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Kristen S., December 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Kristen S., December 7, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2023

Nice peaceful setting

Nice campground. Campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site. Shower house was less than perfect, but adequate.

Site37
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Brian B., November 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Brian B., November 1, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 11, 2022

Beautiful Lake

This campground has a beautiful lake with boat dock. A nice little bait shop with firewood for sale. Bathroom facilities weren’t great, but overall fantastic spot. My family will return.

Site91
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Josh H., April 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Josh H., April 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Josh H., April 11, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 5, 2022

It was okay

It was okay roots all in the site but a lot of shade

Site155
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by cameron , April 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by cameron , April 5, 2022
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by cameron , April 5, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 15, 2022

Huge Park , nice wooded sites.

I chose the lakeside tent sites section. I wish I knew that the Cypress side was open to tents also. It is much further from I-95. I can clearly hear roadway noise from this side. I visited the other side tonight and it is a much greater diatance from the highway and faces away from the noise. It is more popular over there so tonight, I have more isolation here. Good for tents all tbrough park.

Site153
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Mark L., March 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Mark L., March 15, 2022
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Reviewed Nov. 14, 2021

Tired, but beautiful and quiet.

The grounds and facilities at Cypress View are in need of a refresh (no attempt to remove fall leaves, “tennis courts” a joke, playground covered with pine needles, fishing pier splintering, bathroom ceilings mildewed, etc.) but the location is superb. The lake is beautiful and is visible from many sites. Sites are spacious and well planned. No contact checkin was a bonus. Excellent place to roam and fish for a great price.

Quiet all week but got pretty full and loud on Friday night. Other campers were respectful.

Long story short: don’t expect much for amenities, but expect a great time!

SiteCypress View 30
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 30, 2021

open with nearly complete tree canopy

Staff very helpful and accommodating.  Very clean camp grounds, good clean bathrooms.  Sites are randomly laid out and spaced well.  The camp grounds boarder the large man made lake.

Reasonably close to I95 and camp sites are $20/day.  If you do not want to camp, they have nice cabins for $30/day.  

they offer two camping areas, one near the camp store and office.  The other is a few miles away and isolated, where we stayed.

Site158
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David L., October 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David L., October 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David L., October 30, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

Lakeside Paradise

This State Park has a lot to offer from plenty of campsites with all of the traditional amenities(water, electric hookups), decent (OK, not great) restroom facilities and excellent grounds running adjacent to Lake Marion that offers sweeping views of this incredibly beautiful, massive lake. 

There's EZ access to the lake with a great boat launching area. The only downside is the foliage isn't terribly dense at the campground, so you'll basically be seeing all of your neighbors (and I mean all of them - from the far side to the near front) for as far as the eye can see, so if the lack of privacy and seclusion doesn't bother you, then you should be alright. 

Insider's Tip?  If I was to book a campsite here at Santee SP, it would be this one -#100 (nice and private, further away from the other campsites) with direct lake access, plus, it's got some really great trees and shrubs all the way around it.

Lots to explore, see and do here at Santee State Park. Happy Camping!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Stuart K., October 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Stuart K., October 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Stuart K., October 29, 2021
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2021

Great stay

Loved the campground. Spread out, nice and peaceful. Bathrooms and showers were not the cleanest, but you are camping. We had site 88 which was great. Plenty of room for two trucks, 32 foot camper and a 19 ft boat. I will say it would have been much nicer if they would cut the shoreline to give you a nice view of the lake. Maintenance was needed to the back in spot at 88 as it has some really deep ruts.

Site88
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jonah J., October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jonah J., October 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jonah J., October 10, 2021
  • (25) View All
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2021

Beautiful but way to quiet

This Campsite is absolutely beautiful, we stayed during labor day weekend so it was really crowded and we like that because it makes us feel safer. Well we came home and everyone was gone except for 5 campers. We decided to go out to dinner and when we came back we immediately noticed that our tent strings were tied around 2 trees, this occurred around 10pm and there was no way I was going to be out and about. Me and the husband decided to stay in the car and wait it out but we just didn't have a very good feeling. I know it maybe just a prank but it still scared us. I will say this camp is absolutely stunning and has the best scenery. Even a gorgeous golfcourse across from us.

Site#63
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Smol W., September 7, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Smol W., September 7, 2021
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Reviewed Jun. 23, 2021

Quiet stay

Stayed here for four nights! The first night was on a Saturday and it was really crowded. Sunday when everyone left we got to enjoy some stillness and quietness. We were at cypress view side, right near the water and trails. Good bike trails, but was a little disappointed at the area they say is for swimming. Great spot to do some fishing.

Site26
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jacqueline F., June 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jacqueline F., June 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jacqueline F., June 23, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2021

Cypress View Campground

This is one of the two campgrounds at Santee State Park, and it is as different from the other as night and day. Unlike the dirt roads at Lakeshore Campground(the other campground in the park) the roads in Cypress View are paved. The sites are gravel, and many of them are pull-through sites. Although tent camping is allowed in Cypress View, I would feel out of place since most of the campers are RVs. However, our teardrop camper fits right in. Cypress View is a much smaller campground than Lakeshore Campground, but the amenities are the same. Every campsite is a short walk from the lake, and the campground is closer to the store than Lakeshore Campground. Unlike Lakeshore Campground, Cypress View Campground’s sites are much closer together, so there is not as much privacy. The campground is quiet, other than the noise from the highway.   That may be one reason to be in an RV or a travel trailer--to cut out some of the noise at night.

Close to the campground, there is a tennis court, a boat launch, Fisheagle Tours, a picnic shelter, kayak rentals, hiking trails, and more. It is conveniently located to most of the state park’s attractions without having to drive so far. Cypress View Campground is also close to the main office and the boat dock. 

If you had rather stay in a cabin, there are cabin rentals on the water. They are accessed by way of a boardwalk across the water. The bath house is modern and has hot showers. It is centrally located so that it isn’t that far of a walk from any of the campsites. 

Overall, I do recommend this campground, especially if you are in a travel trailer or an RV. If you are tent camper, you would probably better enjoy being at the other campground in the park.

Site32
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., May 31, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., May 31, 2021
  • (18) View All
Reviewed May. 24, 2021

Clean, quiet and beautiful

The park is located down a long, wooded road on the edge of a beautiful lake. Campsites are adequately spaced apart giving a fair amount of privacy. The bathrooms seem to be clean and tidy, although we didn’t actually use them except to drop off some trash. Very quiet and peaceful with the exception of a few passing boats from the nearby boat ramp.

Site33
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 11, 2021

Beautiful

This is a very nice place and well maintained. We had a great spot on the lake with a great view of sunrise. There are cypress trees in the lake and nice wildlife.

Site35?
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

This campground can be for everybody, especially those who like the water.

I hardly ever give five stars to a campground. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it a 9 because of the background road noise from the highway, but my wife and I had such a great experience. It was everything we wanted… and needed. 

Lakeshore Campground is one of TWO campgrounds at Santee State Park, and they are very different from each other. Lakeshore has dirt paths and sandy sites. I realize some people had rather have paved roads and RV sites with hard surfaces, but I prefer a more natural site. The spaces are large and fairly level. Although there may be some roots onsite, they were not really a problem. I don’t remember there being lantern hangers, but there were picnic tables and fire pits. We stayed in Santee for four days, so we were able to relax without feeling as if we were rushing, which reflects the whole essence of Lakeshore Campground. We booked for two nights, but we loved it so much we booked two more nights. Unfortunately, we had to move to another site in order to stay longer. 

Our first site was a little closer to the bath house, and we stayed in a teardrop camper. Knowing what I know now, I would do a little more research to see if I could get closer to the lake next time, although most of the sites between us and the lake are reserved for tents only. Still, the lake was visible from our campsite. 

The main reason people visit here is the lake, whether they want to fish for huge catfish or just want to boat on the water. Within the park, there are several “fishing holes” to explore and several trails as well. When hiking the trails, however, you have to constantly be on the lookout for alligators. We came across one on one of our hikes, and it was huge. I guess it was probably at least ten feet long if not longer. We also came across turtles, ducks, and other animals. Although I didn’t have any luck while fishing, it didn’t matter. I just enjoyed wetting a hook. 

The bath house has tiled floors, and it had hot showers. For a state park, it had above average facilities. Would I recommend this campground? Absolutely!!!!

Site73
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., April 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., April 30, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Myron C., April 30, 2021
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Lakeshore #94 Apr 2021

We stayed in the Lakeshore side, and after viewing the Cypress View campground, we made the right choice.

Cypress view is nice, and closer to the camp store, but is geared more toward RV campers, and we are tent campers.

The drive in is mostly paved. The road in is bumpy in spots, but easy to navigate in any vehicle.

The sites are spacious and not right on top of each other. Our site had a good view of the lake. We have Verizon, and had no issues with service here.

The town of Santee is close by, about 10-15 mins away. We did go into town to purchase firewood at the Santee General Store. A bundle was about $6, stored under cover, and dry.

Some of the neighbors were loud at the campground, but we consider this more of an inconvenience of rude people and not the parks fault. When camping at state parks, the noise levels are hit and miss depending on the people camping.

We would have given this park 5 ⭐️ if it weren’t for the bathrooms. They did have plenty of hot water, and were kept clean, they were just dated. Old facilities, no mirrors, etc. but clean.

There is a boat ramp close by and trails to explore, although we did neither. We just relaxed, enjoyed the weather, and decided we would definitely come back since it is only a little over an hour from our home.

Site94
Month of VisitApril
  • View from site 94
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  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jay B., April 18, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2021

Amazing Park

Camper Van Excellent Verizon coverage. Water and Electric. Site #100 (best lake front site in Eastern Loop). Direct access to Small beach for swimming from this campsite. Direct access to lake front trail. Bath house clean but grade C.

Site100
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Lisa S., April 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Lisa S., April 16, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Lisa S., April 16, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2021

Crowded but quiet

Even with lots of people this park is quiet. Great ATt phone service. Big lake. I’ve seen better bath houses.

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Pretty

Beautiful tall trees. Lots of pollen so beware if you have allergies. We went in April.

Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Pretty Good Camp

Only my second time camping so I don’t have much comparison. However, the park and bathrooms were clean. The lake was beautiful and calming. I had a good time.

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Brandi T., March 28, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Brandi T., March 28, 2021
Reviewed Mar. 20, 2021

There’s so much geocaching in this park!

We stayed in the southern campground, right across from the water. We needed a campsite that was inexpensive with good data connection for working. The site was clean. The cleanliness of the women’s bathroom by site 95 was split: the toilet side and sinks were VERY clean but the showers looked like they needed some grout mold control. The bathrooms never smelled like bleach but a cleaner I haven’t smelled before. So it’s possible the cleaner wasn’t a mold fighter. Also, the lake waterline/beaches were lined with small bits of trash so that kind of took away some of the magic of the park.

On the recreational side of things, there are hiking trails between the two campgrounds with TONS of geocaching! I wish I had more time to explore and find them all.

For those who work and travel like us, on Speedtest at 12pm on a Thursday–Verizon via iPhone 12: 14 mbps down and 2 mbps up with 41 ms ping; T-Mobile via Nighthawk MR1100: 22 mbps down and 2 mbps up with 96 ms ping.

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Mea H., March 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Mea H., March 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Mea H., March 20, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2020

Right on the lake

Campground had tons of room in December. We were right on the lake. Easy park to walk and explore.

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2020

Good Enough!

The campground sits beside a very large lake and many of the campers had boats in tow. We stayed at site #53....not a great site by comparison, but did have water and electrical hook ups. Backed to wooded area.

Facilities were fine.

From this state park you can drive to Congaree National Park. This park was just ok. The boardwalk trail winds through the wetlands along with a few other trails. One half day was plenty.

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Beautiful place to camp on the shores of Lake Marion

This is a great campground for anyone who enjoys watersports. Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Camp sites are mostly level and have water and a variety of electrical hookup options. Some fun but easy hiking trails link the two campgrounds in a loop. Very pet friendly.

Site7
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jason F., September 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jason F., September 21, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Lakeshore

We usually go to Santee lakeshore campground - it’s very shady and next to the lake with lake access for swimming and kayaking - a few trails around the campground too (sinkhole) - beautiful sunsets - facilities are fine (normal state park standard) - we love it here (family with 2 kids)

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Karo , August 23, 2020
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Karo , August 23, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Great family park

We really enjoyed this park! There was boat access, a playground, nature trails and everyone was so friendly!

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jessie N., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jessie N., June 19, 2020
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Jessie N., June 19, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Feb. 19, 2020

Two Parks in One

There are two separate campgrounds at this park. The smaller park is nicer and paved. The larger park isn’t paved and has a few sites that are difficult to get in to. Overall though I’d recommend this park to stay at.

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2019

Santee State park

BE CAREFUL EROSION IS SEVERE IN SECTIONS OF THE PARK. We stayed here for a week to take care of some medical issues. VA healthcare is difficult on the road. Anyway the campground is ok, nothing amazing. The location is nice. They have a boat dock. Cabins and 2 RV camping areas. The bugs are plentiful. The shoreline is difficult to reach from the campground. I see the lots are mowed after the campers leave. The grass gets mowed and anything left on the ground gets chopped up, small trash included. When we arrived with our RV we were neve directed to check in. We found our site and on the pole was a small tag with our name and a checkout date. We have been here 5 of the 7 days and we have yet to see the camp host unless he IS the "Mad Mower" even so we didnt get as much as a wave. My wife did venture over to the restroom / showers and refuses to return. She said they were not clean and had bugs everywhere and it was disgusting.  I figured she was exaggerating so I checked the men's room. It really needs some help. I would be happy to spray down a bath house or 2 but since I haven't seen a camp host I will leave it be. It's amazing how much fellow campers will help out if they have the opportunity,  I was ready to help and even have everything needed to help out. Maybe I will see him this weekend before I get busy with other things. Anyways this came was not a bad experience so far but I think they really need some better hosts and maybe set up some kind of activities. They have nothing going on here other than the lake. UPDATE: Before we left our week stay in santee we were able to visit the other campground connect to the same park to get to this side you must turn right. They were collecting a $2 fee. At 1st everything seemed ok. Minor road damage, downed trees here and there, nothing that 2ould keepme away. It seemed like the permanent camps were here. Some of the camps appear to have been set up for a very long time. As we went back the roads got worse and worse. I would not take my rig into the back 2 loops without locking in 4 wheel drive and riding on the "grass" to go around. The road in the back has some major road erosion going on. I suggest you walk back before taking a rig of any size back there. With the leaves on the ground it does not look bad. I saw drops of at least 12" BE VERY CAREFUL, THE ROAD EROSION IS SEVERE.

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David M., September 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David M., September 27, 2019
  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by David M., September 27, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2019

Keep going back

This campground offers wildlife and great views. We were able to go hiking and kayaking at this park and saw deer while at our campsite in the evenings. We’ve stayed twice now and enjoyed it both times in different sites.

  • Review photo of Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground by Kara’s  C., July 12, 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground?

    Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground allows vehicles up to 42 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is available.