Camping in South Carolina is one of the best ways to experience all the beauty that the state has to offer. From sleeping on the beach next to the sound of the roaring ocean to waking up to a magnificent sunrise over Table Rock, some of the best memories can come from camping in South Carolina.
South Carolina offers a haven for those who love the great outdoors, stretching from the Atlantic Coast to the Georgia border. Despite being overshadowed by western US outdoor destinations, South Carolina boasts a plethora of hiking trails and breathtaking waterfalls.
Of course visitors can opt to stay in a hotel, beach resort, or log cabin, but camping in South Carolina is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the state’s natural beauty – not to mention, it’s an affordable option!
Thanks to its mild climate, camping in South Carolina is possible all year round. While there are many excellent camping sites to choose from, we’ve curated a shortlist of our favorites to help you decide.
Different Places to Camp in South Carolina
- State Parks: There are 47 state parks, and many of them offer great camping in South Carolina. From beachfront campsites to mountain retreats, state parks offer a range of outdoor experiences. Some popular state parks for camping include Huntington Beach State Park, Table Rock State Park, and Edisto Beach State Park.
- National Forests: South Carolina has two national forests, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests which both offer camping options, including RV parks, and campgrounds with amenities. Popular camping areas include Enoree Ranger District, Long Cane Ranger District, and Andrew Pickens Ranger District.
- Private Campgrounds: Many private campgrounds offer amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and laundry facilities. Popular private campgrounds include Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Lakewood Camping Resort, and Willow Tree RV Resort.
- RV Parks: South Carolina has many RV parks that offer full hookups, showers, and other amenities. Check out Myrtle Beach Travel Park, KOA Campgrounds, and Ocean Lakes Family Campground for some of the best RV Parks in South Carolina
- Backcountry Camping: South Carolina has several multi day hiking trails that offer backpacking opportunities. Backpacking permits are often required, and with most backcountry camping areas there are typically very few amenities. The Foothills Trail, Palmetto Trail, and the Bartram Trail are all popular backcountry destinations.
Where To Go Camping in South Carolina
1. Devil’s Fork State Park
- Website: Devil’s Fork State Park
- Address: 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: For reservations, check it here.
- Amenities: Tent pad, electricity and water, laundry facilities, dump stations.
Situated near Salem, Devil’s Fork State Park is a scenic area on the shores of Lake Jocassee. Within this park, there are two campsites and both are very close to the lake and also close to the park’s washrooms and showers.
The main campsite has more modern amenities, while the other one is more suited to those who prefer roughing it outdoors. As you explore the park, you’ll find beautiful streams, waterfalls and hiking trails including Oconee Bell Trail and Bear Cove Trail.
2. Andrew Jackson State Park
- Website: Andrew Jackson State Park
- Address: 196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd, Lancaster, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50
- Amenities: Water and electrical hookups, and picnic table, laundry facilities, dump stations.
Andrew Jackson State Park in Lancaster, less than 30 minutes from Rock Hill, is a great place for families and anyone who wants access to a variety of attractions, amenities and services. The park showcases the history and art of the area at a museum that highlights the Revolutionary War and the life and times of Andrew Jackson.
Outdoor lovers have access to hiking trails such as the Garden of the Waxhaws Trail, and a fairly large lake that’s popular for fishing and boating. Camping is available at the onsite campsite with features sites with water and electrical hook-up and easy access to full bathrooms with hot showers.
3. Table Rock State Park
- Website: Table Rock State Park
- Address: 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: Minimum rate is $10 -$12.50
- Amenities: water and electrical hookups, and picnic table, laundry facilities, dump stations.
Located in the foothills of Table Rock Mountain in Pickens, Table Rock State Park is home to one of the state’s prettiest campsites.
With almost 100 full–service sites to choose from and an array of amenities including boat rentals, picnic tables and full bathrooms with hot showers, visitors are sure to find fun and relaxation here without sacrificing too many of the comforts of home. On-site, enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hiking.
4. Buck Hall Recreation Area
- Website: Buck Hall Recreation Area
- Address: 999 Buckhall Landing Rd, McClellanville, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: Check nightly/Daily rates here.
- Amenities: Shower, dump station, electricity hookup, picnic table fire pit, etc.
At Buck Hall Recreation Area, you get the best of both worlds; you get a pristine wilderness area near the Intercoastal Waterway in the Francis Marion National Forest and you get a camping area that’s surrounded by nature but also home to comfort amenities such as full bathrooms and hot showers.
On-site you’ll also find fire pits, picnic areas with grills, a basketball court, a horseshoe pit, a boat ramp and a fishing pier. The area itself is home to a variety of ecosystems including beaches, tidal creeks and marshlands which can be explored during your visit.
5. Cherry Hill Campground
- Website: Cherry Hill Campground
- Address: SC-107, Walhalla, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: $10.00
- Amenities: Drinking water, cooking grills, tables and lantern posts as well as a restroom with flush toilets and hot showers.
Located in the small South Carolina town of Walhalla, Cherry Hill is a seasonal campsite where campers can set up next to the lovely Chattooga River. For the affordable price of only $10.00, you’ll have access to full bathrooms with showers, drinking water, fire pits and of course, your scenic site.
Nearby, you’ll find a popular scenic route that is great for exploring the area. Hiking and fishing are common activities in this region and there are plenty of trails and fishing holes to indulge in both!
6. Lake Aire Campground
- Website: Lake Aire Campground
- Address: 4375 SC-162, Hollywood, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: From $26.50- $58.00
- Amenities: 2 cornhole boards, 2 sanitary disposal stations, public use charcoal grills, Laundry facilities, propane, Clean, tiled bathrooms with hot showers, Picnic tables & fire rings at each site and etc
Lake Aire Campground is a full-service campsite with many amenities and a central location close to Charleston and its popular attractions. Some of the amenities you’ll find on-site include picnic areas, fire pits and a swimming pool.
Fishing is popular at the lake that’s located on-site and there are plenty of opportunities to view many bird species and local wildlife.
7. Calhoun Falls State Park
- Website: Calhoun Falls State Park
- Address: Calhoun Falls, SC (GPS)
- Campsite Price Per Night: Closed for renovations beginning December 1 ,2022
- Amenities: Standard Sites with Elec. & Water, laundry facilities, dump stations, etc.
If you’re looking to spend some time in a place where you can enjoy a range of activities including hiking, nature viewing, fishing, kayaking, swimming and horseback riding, perhaps you should consider setting up your tent or RV at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Many of the campsites have views of the lake but the scenery all around is quite nice! On-site, you’ll find many amenities including picnic facilities, sporting facilities and an almost two-mile-long nature trail that snakes through the park.
8. Myrtle Beach State Park
- Website: Myrtle Beach State Park
- Address: 4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC (GPS)
- Amenities: Standard Sites with Elec. & Water, laundry facilities, dump stations, etc.
Myrtle Beach is another one of South Carolina’s top vacation destinations and even with world-class resorts and hotels, camping is still the preferred accommodation of many who visit this area.
At Myrtle Beach State Park, there is a lovely campsite near the ocean. It’s central but the natural surroundings make it seem like you’re a world away from one of America’s top destinations!
The campsites are full-service and there are also several cabins for rent for those who like to take their comfort level up a notch. Picnic areas, a playground, nature trails and a fishing pier are located on-site but, of course, the beach is the shining star
9. Jocassee Gorges
- Address: 1344 Cleo Chapman Hwy, Sunset, SC (GPS)
Jocassee Gorges is a pristine wilderness area that’s run by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. While there are some more developed campsites in the area, most are primitive.
Sites are located at Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park. Hiking is the most popular activity here and while a few trails intersect the park, most hiking is done on the Foothills Trail which stretches for 80 miles. Be sure to check the fine print for the campsite you plan to stay at as some require permits and others don’t!
10. Huntington Beach State Park
- Website: Huntington Beach State Park
- Address: Murrells Inlet, SC (GPS)
- Amenities: Standard Sites with Elec. & Water, laundry facilities, dump stations, etc.
Huntington Beach, near Pawleys Island, is one of the most popular beaches in South Carolina, but not everyone who visits wants to stay in a fancy hotel or resort. Those who want to remain close to nature without sacrificing too much of the modern world can stay at the beautiful campsite in Huntington Beach State Park.
There are both tent and full-service RV sites available and full bathrooms with hot showers are conveniently located. Even free Wi-Fi service is available! Some of the fun activities that are popular in this area include swimming, kayaking, fishing and nature viewing.
Want More Camping?
I love reading your posts.
My husband and I love RV camping and visiting state parks in SC. We have ventured to other states parks as well.
We also are foodies and loved the articles you have written with visits to several of them.
Hope you continue with these post because I will be reading them and recommending them to others.