The Edisto River defines the camping experience at Givhans Ferry State Park Campground in Ridgeville, South Carolina. The river draws paddlers and floaters throughout the warmer months, with kayak rentals available on-site and a put-in point for those who want to drift downstream. No boat ramp exists, so powerboats are out. The park sits within a compact footprint, and the campground reflects that: sites are close together, particularly in the inner RV loop where back-to-back positioning leaves little buffer between rigs.
The campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers across separate areas. Full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer are available for RVs up to 45 feet, though at least one reviewer found that listed site dimensions did not match reality on the ground. Tent sites in the walk-in area provide water and electricity at each site, and John W. notes there are "lots of trees and shade" throughout. Hammock campers will find enough mature trees to work with. A separate primitive section offers a more removed experience with fire rings and picnic tables, though no electrical hookups at the sites themselves.
Cell coverage is consistently poor across most of the property, with WiFi available only near the park office. Weekends bring full capacity and activity from day-use visitors sharing the restrooms, while weekdays run noticeably quieter and less crowded. Poison ivy is widespread, including within campsites, and mosquitoes can be severe enough to limit time outdoors, especially in summer. Courtney B. advises campers to "steer clear of the poison ivy, which is everywhere." Bug spray is not optional here.
Reservations are accepted and recommended. The park is open year-round and sits within driving range of Charleston for day trips. Givhans Ferry is located just northwest of the campground, and the Edisto River Lodge provides another option along the same waterway for those who want to compare setups before booking. Campers who come for the river access, shade, and manageable amenities, and who plan around the bugs and limited connectivity, tend to leave satisfied.
Description
Camping at Givhans Ferry
Camp along the shore of the Edisto River in one of the 25 campsites provided. Quiet, peaceful meadows on either side of the campground provide an ample opportunity to spot wildlife and wildflowers.
Spend a day hiking along the Old Loop Trail, an easy 4 mile. Cyrpress trees give way to a surrounding dense woods before opening to the spare pine trees. Birds and wildlife are plentiful, with the chance to see an alligator in the lowland area.
Also: available at Givhans Ferry: Cabins | Day-Use Facilities
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGivhans Ferry State Park Campground is located in South Carolina near Ridgeville
Directions
From I-95: Canadys exit. Turn left and drive 17 mi. Cross the Edisto River and take the first left onto Givhans Ferry Rd. From I-26: Take exit 187 onto Hwy 27 towards Ridgeville and go 1 mile to Hwy 78. Take a left and go approximately ¼ of a mile and take a right on Hwy 27. Stay on Hwy 27 for 7 miles to Hwy 61. Take a right on Hwy 61 for 3 miles to Givhans Ferry Road. Turn rt and park entrance is ¼ mile on the left.
Address
746 Givhans Ferry RD
Ridgeville, SC 29472
Coordinates
33.0272194 N
80.38541830000001 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 41 min from Charleston, SC
- 1 hr 23 min from Sumter, SC
- 1 hr 25 min from Columbia, SC
- 1 hr 35 min from Hilton Head Island, SC














