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5 Best Campgrounds in South Carolina State Parks
Updated: Sep 1
South Carolina is a naturally diverse state on the east coast of the US. From wetlands to beaches, the nature here is stunning, which makes the campgrounds in South Carolina some of the best in the country! With so many places to choose from, I've narrowed it down to the best campgrounds in South Carolina.
I highly recommend splitting your time between at least two places. Experiencing various environments is the best part of camping. It’s all about the outdoors, right?! While the beach camping in South Carolina is unbeatable, you do not want to miss out on the inland camping either!
You can plan an epic South Carolina road trip and camp at some of these great campgrounds. From amazing amenities to beautiful scenery, these South Carolina campgrounds have it all.
So if you’re going tent camping in South Carolina, or calling your RV home while exploring these campgrounds, you’re bound to have a blast. Check out the best camping in South Carolina below. They’re all dog-friendly campgrounds too!
In this article...
Best Time to Go Camping in South Carolina
The best time to go camping in South Carolina depends on your weather preference. Summer is hot and humid and winter is cool and dry. Summer months, June through September, are typically the rainiest months.
To experience mild temperatures and little rain, the best time to go camping in South Carolina is in May or October.
Best Campgrounds in South Carolina
Santee State Park
251 State Park Rd, Santee, SC 29142
Located in the middle of South Carolina, Santee is a great State Park to camp at if you want to enjoy Lake Marion and Congaree National Park as well. From fishing to hiking, Santee is a great place if you want to spend a lot of time outside while you’re camping in South Carolina.
Out of the 158 sites available (between 2 campgrounds), 146 of them have water and electric hookups, and 10 sites are designated tent sites. There are also bathrooms and showers at Santee State Park.
Fishing, boating, playground
Park store with wifi lounge
30 cabins available to book
10+ miles for hiking/biking
Edisto Beach Campground
8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438
If you want to enjoy some beach camping in South Carolina, then Edisto Beach is a great option for you! Be aware that there are 2 campgrounds at Edisto Beach State Park; the Beach campground, which is right on the beach, and Live Oak Campground about a half mile off shore located on a beautiful salt marsh.
Both campgrounds are well worth staying at, but it’s definitely easier to stay at Live Oak if you have a car to get to and from the beach. The half mile is walkable (we did it on a hot day), but it is on a busy road with no sidewalk.
Both campgrounds have water and electric hookups as well as showers. There is obviously the beach here to enjoy, as well as hiking, fishing, and biking.
Beach and saltwater marsh access
112 sites with water / electric, & tent specific sites
4 miles of ADA accessible trails
Park store and free wifi
Read Also: 7-Day South Carolina Road Trip
Devils Fork State Park
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676
If you would like a more relaxed, intimate camping scene in South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park offers smaller campgrounds and even lakeside villas available for booking.
Here you can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Jocassee, which offers picturesque views as well as fishing and boating opportunities.
Kayaking and canoeing are very popular here as this is such a pretty lake. If you don’t have your own, you can even rent one through Eclectic Sun!
Kayaking and canoeing (rentals too)
Lakeside villas & designated tent sites
Relaxed, quieter campground
Wildlife of Lake Jocassee
Huntington Island
2555 Sea Island Pkwy, St Helena Island, SC 29920
If you enjoy hiking around your campground while camping, walks on the beach, and enjoying views from a picturesque lighthouse, then Huntington Island is a great option for you!
There are over 100 sites with water and electric hookups, as well as designated tent sites and cabins available for booking. Being another beachfront campground, Huntington Island is popular and fills up quickly, so make sure to book in advance!
Beachfront campsites & designated tent sites
Multiple hiking trails
Swimming, hiking, fishing
Picturesque lighthouse with views
Paris Mountain Campground
2401 State Park Rd, Greenville, SC 29609
Located further inland, Paris Mountain is a perfect mix of city and nature. With eight notable hiking and biking trails, paved campsites with electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a park store and gift shop, Paris Mountain has plenty of activities to keep you busy while camping.
This campground is unique from the others; however, because it is located in an ever-growing city: Greenville, South Carolina! So if you want to enjoy a mix of nature and city while on your South Carolina camping trip, then Paris Mountain is the place for you!
39 paved sites & amenities, 13 with tent pads
Close to nature and the city
Lake Placid and its waterfall dam
Beautiful hiking/biking trails
What to Bring Camping in South Carolina
Make the most of your camping trip in South Carolina and prepare with the ultimate camping checklist. You'll have everything you need to stay safe, eat well, be comfortable, and have fun!
You can read my full guide on what to bring camping. But below are a few essentials you don't want to go without.
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Camp Stove
Lighter
Pot
Food
Water
Bug Spray
The Best Campgrounds in South Carolina Recap
Whether you're bringing your RV, tent camping, or beach camping, South Carolina has the perfect campground for you! The nature here is incredible and so diverse, which is the main reason these are the best campgrounds in South Carolina.
You can have access to the beach, the marsh, ADA hiking trails, beautiful forests, and more at these campgrounds. If you enjoy camping but prefer being closer to a city, there's even a great option for you.
Or maybe you prefer a smaller, more private campground. South Carolina is a state you want to go camping in, and if you have the time, I recommend staying at multiple campsites and enjoying the different environments of this east coast state.
Read Also: Congaree National Park Guide, South Carolina
Book the campground, or campgrounds, above that best fits your needs, and admire all the beauty that South Carolina has to offer! My biggest tip for you when it comes to South Carolina State Parks Camping? Book your campsites early!
So now you know what the best campgrounds in South Carolina are, where are you going to be camping? Do you enjoy hiking, fishing, relaxing, or another activity when you camp? Let us know in the comments!
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