This article about camping near Charleston is brought to you by Tentrr. Check out Tentrr if you need any camping tent rentals before visiting any of these campgrounds.
Charleston, South Carolina, is a gorgeous antebellum city steeped in cultural and historical heritage. While Charleston is widely known for it’s classic southern architecture and charm, it also offers unique camping by the coast and forested spots perfect for a family vacation.
There are loads of great camping opportunities in and around Charleston, South Carolina, from primitive sites in pine tree forests to privately run RV resorts a few minutes from downtown.
1. James Island County Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Terry J.
This large campground is situated in the 643-acre James Island County Park, around 6 miles southwest of downtown Charleston. The RV sites are large, and the surrounding oak trees provide ample shade for a secluded and relaxing stay.
Young families with kids can appreciate the nearby Splash Zone Waterpark, where you can float along a 500’ lazy river and speed down a 200’ tube slide. There’s free Wi-Fi on-site and a convenient shuttle service that takes you to Charleston’s various historical places.
“They have bike trails, a dog park, a water park (which is obviously closed in the winter), laundry, a camp store, and a very clean bathhouse!” – Deanna G.
Campground Details:
- Price: $35-66
- Number of sites: 125
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
2. Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA
Image from The Dyrt camper Brunella C.
If you follow the US 17 north from downtown Charleston for around 9 miles, you’ll come to the Mount Pleasant/ Charleston KOA. This campground lies on the banks of a 30-acre lake, and you’ll love fishing or boating on its calm waters.
The site lies on the grounds of a pre-war slave plantation, and you can ride an old wagon to the nearby Oakland Plantation to get more of a feel for this area’s complex history.
“There was a nice walking/biking path around the campground, and downtown Charleston and Isle of Palms beaches were both close by.” – Crystal C.
Campground Details:
- Price: $40-100
- Number of sites: 62
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
3. Oak Plantation Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper School for Youngbloods
This large and shaded campground has several well-equipped and paved RV sites and is just over 10 miles east of central Charleston. There’s a pool on-site, and the restrooms are well-maintained and regularly cleaned.
If you’re looking for a cathartic natural experience, take a walk among the ancient and plush oak trees that tower over everything else on this campground. You can walk your dog in the nearby dog park.
“The sites are roomy, the bathrooms have been recently updated and are very good. The grounds were tidy, and the front desk folks were very helpful.” – Hattie S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $50-70
- Number of sites: 200
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
4. Buck Hall Recreation Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
This ever-popular campground is located around 30 miles northeast of Charleston, just off US 17. When you stay here, you can visit the stunning Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge, a 65,000-acre marshland that’s home to nearly 300 different species of birds and just under 40 species of mammals.
The campground is small yet affordable, with well-maintained toilets and drinking water available. Campers have boat access to the nearby lake.
“Excellent place to trailer your boat, cook over a campfire and have a shower to wash the salt off at the end of the day. Views of the Intracoastal waterway are nice, watching the variety of boats pass by.” – Eric K.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-35
- Number of sites: 20
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
5. Edisto Beach State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Melissa H.
It will take you just over an hour by car to get to this campsite from Charleston, and you’ll find a well-equipped campground that lies right on the oceanfront, facing out across the Atlantic.
There’s a little gift shop on site, and wildlife enthusiasts love walking along the nearby trails and spotting ospreys, alligators, and various species of fowl and marsh birds.
“Gorgeous campground with some sites backing up to the marsh. All sites were well spaced out.” – Kim S.
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-44
- Number of sites: 130
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
6. Lake Aire Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Casi O.
You’ll find this family-friendly campground just over 14 miles west of downtown Charleston. Kids and adults will enjoy playing cornhole and horseshoes on-site.
If you’re searching for something less active, head to the nearby swimming pool with its sunning deck and work on your tan. The campground offers free Wi-Fi, so you can kick back and surf the web after a long day of exploring.
“We couldn’t have been happier with the campground. K1 is an outstanding, secluded site with plenty of room for the dogs to roam, and there was plenty of shade during the day.” – Corby M.
Campground Details:
Price: $25-55
Number of sites: 112
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Honey Hill Recreation Area
Image from The Dyrt camper Adam V.
This small, primitive camping site is just under an hour’s drive north of Charleston. The surrounding pine trees provide plenty of shade for a calming and quiet stay.
It’s completely free to stay at this campground, although you can’t remain for longer than 14 days. There’s a clean vault toilet on-site, and you can hear wild owls calling to each other at night.
“There are 12 fairly large sites spaced well apart, so you avoid that parking lot feel. Lots of trees. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.” – Adam V.
Campground Details:
- Price: Free
- Number of sites: 12
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
There are loads of exciting camping opportunities in and around Charleston, and these are only a few of the places you can head to for a fun and relaxing outdoor experience. To check out the other options, head to The Dyrt’s list of the best camping in Charleston.
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