25 Best South Carolina Camping Spots

By VacationIdea Staff on August 24, 2022 - Updated

Courtesy of Carol - Fotolia.com

Visitors can choose from historic sites, sites with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or other natural wonders, or campsites filled with activities that interest you. Fun things to do while camping in South Carolina include fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and much more.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Andrew Jackson State Park

Combining history, art, and family-friendly community activities, Andrew Jackson State Park is one of the most popular places to spend the day when in South Carolina. Visitors are invited to go walking, hiking, boating, fishing, camping, or simply come enjoy a picnic. There’s even a cool museum filled with artifacts from the Revolutionary War as well as on the life of Andrew Jackson. People love to paddle around the 18-acre lake and observe the many migratory birds or try to catch a fish. You’re also welcome to walk the Garden of the Waxhaws Trail, which is a beautiful 1-mile-loop around the lake.

196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720, Phone: 803-285-3344

2.Buck Hall Recreation Area

A part of the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina, the Buck Hall Reception Area is a premier location to spend the day relaxing surrounded by natural beauty. The site is located right along the Intercoastal Waterway and has various tidal creeks, beaches, and marshland to explore. Fishing and shrimp baiting are extremely popular in the area, and anglers can expect to catch a huge variety of fish, from bass and flounder to shrimp and clams. Amenities include showers and toilets, designated picnic areas, a basketball court, a boat ramp, campfire rings, a fishing pier, grills, a horseshoe pit, event pavilions, and parking.

Buckhall Landing Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458, Phone: 843-336-2200

3.Camping in South Carolina: Burrells Ford Campground

Open all year round, visitors are invited to come explore and have fun at Burrells Ford Campground for absolutely no cost. From the designated parking area, visitors will have to walk a quarter mile along the scenic Chattooga River to get to the campgrounds. The gravel surface makes it an extremely easy hike and is the perfect place for first-time campers. Facilities at the riverside campground include picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and pit toilets. While there, you should definitely take the time to walk to the picturesque King Creek Falls Trail or the Foothills Trail.

Mountain Rest, SC 29664

4.South Carolina Camping: Calhoun Falls State Park

One of the most coveted parks in South Carolina, Calhoun Falls State Park is fitted with several amenities and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. There are 86 standard campsites offering forested shoreline views of the lake as well as spacious RV sites and walk-in tent sites. Visitors are invited to spend time in the day-use area and have a picnic, go swimming, or play basketball or tennis. There is also the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail, which is a 1.75-mile loop through the park. Other activities include fishing, boating, hiking, birdwatching, or traveling on the 10-mile equestrian trail.

46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628, Phone: 864-447-8267

5.Campground at James Island County Park

Explore historic Charleston and the Lowcountry during a trip to the Campground at James Island County Park. The 643-acre private retreat offers an amazing campsite complete with 24-hour seating, an activity center, ceramic bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, and a full-service campground store as well as laundry facilities, picnic tables, fire rings, and much more. There are even wheelchair-accessible sites for those who may need it. Activities you can partake in while there include walking the open meadows or the paved trails, biking and skating, fishing on the freshwater lakes, pedal boating, kayaking, or playing in the playground area or the seasonal Splash Zone Waterpark.

871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412, Phone: 843-795-4386

6.South Carolina Camping: Cheraw State Park

Camping at Cheraw State Park is one of the best outdoor experiences in South Carolina. There are 17 gravel-packed campsites situated on the shore of Lake Juniper, each of which have individual water and electrical hookups; the site can also accommodate recreational vehicles up to 40 feet. Camping reservations at Cheraw must be made for a minimum of two nights, and site amenities include hot showers, restrooms, and waterfront views. Activities at the park vary, and visitors can go fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, swimming, birdwatching, biking, and hiking on the 4.5-mile Turkey Oak Trail loop.

100 State Park Road, Cheraw, SC 29520, Phone: 843-537-9656

7.Cherry Hill Campground

Open from April to October, Cherry Hill Campground gives you the opportunity to set up camp right beside the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. There are many campsites, some of which need to be reserved in advance and some that don’t. Use of the site is only $10 a night and includes access to amenities such as restrooms, showers, a bath house, centrally located drinking water, a dump station, fire rings, garbage cans, and sites that are a short distance from the parking area. While there, you’ll be able to drive the scenic route, go hiking, go fishing, and even visit the fishing hatchery.

SC-107, Walhalla, SC 29691, Phone: 864-638-9568

8.Croft State Park

Croft State Park is a 7,000-acre land that has a rich history, including having been a former army training base. The park has space for picnicking, fishing, boating, biking, hiking and, of course, camping. There is a boat ramp with access to Lake Tom Moore Craig and there are non-motorized fishing boats, canoes, and kayak rentals during the day. There are 50 campsites for both RV or tent camping, each of which is packed with gravel and has electric and water hookups. The entire campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers. The park store is a great place to pick up necessities such as firewood, ice, fishing gear, or snacks.

450 Croft State Park Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29302, Phone: 864-585-1283

9.Devil's Fork State Park

Devil’s Fork State Park has beautiful landscapes surrounding 9,000-acre Lake Jocassee and several mountain streams and waterfalls. There are two campgrounds located near the park’s shores, both of which are conveniently near to restrooms and hot showers. The main lakeside campground is paved and comes with electric and water hookups. Check in is at 2:00 p.m. while check out is at noon, and there are two vehicles permitted per campsite. There is a two-night minimum when reserving space; during peak months, reservation minimums may go up to three or more nights. Visitors there can spend their time hiking the Oconee Bell Trail, the Bear Cove Trail, or driving up to Jumping Off Rock for stunning views of the lake and the Jocassee Gorges.

161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, Phone: 864-944-2639

10.South Carolina Camping: Edisto Beach State Park

One of South Carolina’s four oceanfront state parks, Edisto Beach State Park is a beautiful camping location rich with Native American history. While there, visitors can hike or bike through the trails or head to the park’s environmental education center to learn about the island’s natural history. Overnight accommodations include rental of furnished cabins or one of the 112 campsites. All the campsites can accommodate tents or RVs, are beside the ocean or the salt marsh, and are conveniently located near hot showers and restrooms. There is a two-night minimum with site rental ranging from $21 to $55.

8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, Phone: 843-869-2156

11.Hickory Knob State Resort Park

71,000-acre Hickory Knob State Resort Park is a stunning campsite and golf resort complete with a rolling, wooded shoreline. The park is serene and remote and has many recreational opportunities, such as a full-service restaurant, a boat ramp, skeet shooting, an archery range, 70 lodge-style rooms, and 16 cabins that can hold up to six people each. The stunning campground sits on the banks of the Strom Thurmond Reservoir and has individual water and electrical hookups as well as picnic tables. The sites are gravel packed and are within walking distance to hot showers and restrooms.

1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC 29835, Phone: 864-391-2450

12.South Carolina Camping: Huntington Beach State Park

One of South Carolina’s most recognizable landmarks, Huntington Beach State Park offers one of the most picturesque camping sites in the state. Designated tent and RV sites may have water, electrical, or sewer hookups, while all are convenient to restrooms and hot showers. Campers who don’t want to stray too far from the everyday world will revel in the fact that all sites have complimentary Wi-Fi access. There are many things to do while at the park, including freshwater and saltwater fishing, boating, swimming in the designated spots, birdwatching, geocaching, or picnicking in the sheltered areas.

16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, Phone: 843-237-4440

13.Camping in South Carolina: Keowee Toxaway State Park

At Keowee Toxaway State Park, campers will not only be in one of South Carolina’s most scenic places, they will also get incomparable views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are 14 sites for tent camping only and an additional 10 campsites for RVs or tents. Most of the sites have individual tent pads, fire rings, and access to central water and restroom facilities with hot showers. A three-bedroom cabin that overlooks Lake Keowee and can accommodate up to 10 people is also available on the grounds; the cabin is fully furnished, temperature controlled, and comes with linens, cooking and eating utensils, washer/dryer, satellite televisions, Wi-Fi, two fireplaces, and a private boat dock.

108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, Phone: 864-868-2605

14.Lake Aire Campground

Lake Aire RV Park and Campground is located just 15 minutes away from historic downtown Charleston. The 35 acres of camping grounds is filled with quality amenities campers can enjoy in the park, and it also provides easy access to nearby attractions such as Charleston Aquarium, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Magnolia Plantation, and much more. The campsites have full-service RV pull-throughs, picnic tables, fire rings, and much more. The on-site lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with no license required; other activities include relaxing by the lake, swimming in the pool, or getting up close and personal with birds, ducks, and other wildlife.

4375 SC-162, Hollywood, SC 29449, Phone: 843-571-1271

15.Lake Greenwood State Park

Popular as the site for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathlon, Lake Greenwood State Park is an excellent space for shoreline camping. There are 125 paved campsites accessible to both RVs and tents, each with electrical service and a picnic table. The sites rent for approximately $24/night, depending on the season. While there, campers will be able to enjoy fishing in Lake Greenwood or off the fishing pier for catfish, bass, and much more. Other activities include swimming, birdwatching, geocaching, boating, or playing at the playground. Walking or hiking through the nature trail is a fun way for the entire family to spend the day.

302 State Park Rd, Ninety Six, SC 29666, Phone: 864-543-3535

16.Lake Wateree State Park

If you’re looking for a fun and memorable way to spend a day, or many days, while in South Carolina, look no further than camping at Lake Wateree State Park. Many of the Lake Wateree camping sites come with water and electric hookups and can accommodate both tents and RVs. Campsites surround the lake, which is a popular location for fishing tournaments hosted throughout the year. Site amenities include designated picnic areas, wooded nature trails, a boat ramp, tackle shop, and refueling dock. Popular activities include fishing, biking, hiking, playing in the playground, or enjoy slushies and ice cream treats on the warm, sunny days.

881 State Park Rd, Winnsboro, SC 29180, Phone: 803-482-6401

17.Little Pee Dee State Park

With 50 campsites for both tents and RVs, Little Pee Dee State Park is one of the calmest and most relaxing camping sites in South Carolina. The campgrounds can be found on the edge of 54-acre Lake Norton, which is perfect for catfish or bass fishing. Many of the campsites have both water and electric hookups and are also convenient to hot showers and restroom facilities. Standard sites rent for anywhere between $9 and $20, and reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights. Popular activities at the park include fishing from the banks or by renting a canoe or kayak, exploring the mysterious sand rim, and hiking the Beaver Pond Nature Trail.

1298 State Park Rd, Dillon, SC 29536, Phone: 843-774-8872

18.South Carolina Camping: Myrtle Beach KOA

Myrtle Beach KOA is one of the best camping locations on the East Coast and is often called a vacation mecca. The site was established over 40 years ago and has a relaxing setting that is also near tons of fun activities. Sites and amenities within the campground include playgrounds, Kamp K9, a Big Bouncer, an outdoor movie cinema, the Kampfire Theatre, hay wagon rides, and much more. Additionally, the camping grounds is within walking distance to two amusement/water parks, miniature golf courses, restaurants, beaches, as well as the NASCAR SpeedPark. Those who do not want traditional tent campsites can choose to rent out one of the grounds’ camping cabins or deluxe cabins instead.

613 5th Ave S, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, Phone: 843-448-3421

19.Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park has a gorgeous campground that sits right along the oceanfront maritime forest. Filled with lush greenery, campers can enjoy a serene atmosphere complete with stunning ocean views, beachside swimming, and an array of activities. There are 204 campsites, many with full hookups for electricity, water, and sewage; additionally, there are six beachside cabins to rent out as well. Activities include fishing or crabbing from the pier or surf fishing for trout, king mackerel, flounder, and other fish. There are fishing rod rentals at the pier gift shop and fishing from the pier does not require a state fishing license. Additional amenities and activities include a playground, picnic area, birdwatching, biking, hiking, and geocaching.

4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, Phone: 843-238-5325

20.Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Ocean Lakes Family Campground was built in the 1970s with only 30 campsites and one bathhouse. Today, it is one of the largest camping grounds in the United States and has over 859 campsites. The grounds are managed by an award-winning team and it has become a popular year-round resort destination that is fun for the entire family. Visitors can choose to utilize the campsites, beach houses, or RV parks, most of which are located right on the oceanfront. Campground amenities include beach swimming, workout stations, and outdoor game sites for basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard. You can rent a bicycle to go exploring or spend the day in the fun Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center, complete with mini golf, a lazy river, tube slide, and much more.

6001 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, Phone: 843-238-5636

21.South Carolina Camping: Oconee State Park

With all the perks of a relaxing mountain getaway, Oconee State Park is perfect for a family holiday complete with camping, hiking, fishing, boating, or just relaxing in nature. There are 139 standard campsites with water and electrical service, 15 designated rustic tent sites, and 19 historical cabins for visitors to rent out. There are lots of unique activities available at the park; in addition to cooling down in the old-fashioned swimming hole, campers can also play a round of mini-golf, have a picnic in one of the shelters, or even try square dancing during the summer months.

624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, Phone: 864-638-5353

22.Springfield Campground

Located on the shore of South Carolina’s Hartwell Lake, Springfield Campground is one of the most visited recreational areas and campgrounds in the state. The lake reaches into both South Carolina and Georgia and has a shoreline that is 962 miles long. Visitors are welcome to camp within the thickly forested lake shore, which is filled with pine trees. There are so many things to see and do while in the park, including exploring the many coves and inlets, fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, or other species, and looking out for birds that consider the campground home, such as waterfowl, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. Other popular activities are motor boating, canoeing, sailing, and swimming in the designated areas.

1950 Providence Church Rd, Anderson, SC 29626, Phone: 888-893-0678

23.South Carolina Camping: Table Rock State Park

With Table Rock Mountain towering in the background, Table Rock State Park has one of South Carolina’s most scenic and most beautiful campgrounds. There are 94 camping sites spread throughout the park; each of them has a picnic table and individual electrical and water hookups. Campers have easy access to restrooms and hot showers; those camping with RVs will find sites that accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet. While camping at Table Rock you can enjoy fishing from the pier on Lake Oolenoy or renting a boat and fishing from Pinnacle Lake. A boat ramp is available for those bringing private boats, while fishing boats, pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes can be rented at the park.

158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, Phone: 864-878-9813

24.Camping in South Carolina: Twin Lakes

Located at Hartwell Lake, Twin Lakes is one of South Carolina’s largest and most popular recreation areas. The spacious waterfront campground gives campers an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, with panoramic views of the lake, water bodies, and enchanting woods. There are 102 campsites, with 89 of them near the waterfront. Facilities and amenities include beaches, swimming, picnic areas, and boat ramps – there’s even a playground for little kids to enjoy. Hiking and biking on the park’s multiple trails are a popular pastime for those who visit there. Many of the campsites offer electric and water hookups, drinking water, showers, and flush toilets for everyone to enjoy a convenient camping experience.

140 Winnebago Trail, Pendleton, SC 29670

25.Camping in South Carolina: Yemassee KOA Journey

Open all year, Yemassee KOA Journey is a wonderful campsite for both tents and RVs. The award-winning grounds is an excellent choice, whether you want to get away for one night or many. There are many activities that campers can partake in, including taking a walk, hiking, gem mining, or having a swim. Check in and check out are both at noon, but if you’re looking to rent out one of the site’s accommodations or cabins, check in is at 3:00 p.m. and check out is at 11:00 a.m. Camping out at the deluxe cabin is a luxurious experience complete with kitchenette, full bath, linens, and even Wi-Fi and digital cable.

14 Campground Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, Phone: 843-726-5733