Camping in South Carolina: Best South Carolina Campgrounds 2025

United States
—
South Carolina

93% (5454 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Carolina

Dog-friendly getaways

Top camping destinations

Edisto Beach State Park

242 campgrounds

Myrtle Beach State Park

287 campgrounds

Easley

220 campgrounds

Huntington Beach State Park

278 campgrounds

Hunting Island State Park

250 campgrounds

Landrum

291 campgrounds

Star Hosts in South Carolina

96%

(530)

Hanscombe Point Plantation

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Johns Island, SC

Hanscombe Point Plantation is a 300 acre working farm that has been in the Legare family for 9 generations. We raise beef cows, heritage breeds of pigs, laying hens, and water buffalo. Additionally, we raise vegetables and do a lot of agri-tourism including: summer camps, school field trips, and a large pumpkin patch maze each year.Our accommodations include a vintage camper, primitive campsites along a salt water creek, and an RV area on our farm.We are located just 30 minutes from nearby beaches and downtown Charleston. Use our property as your base of operation as you have fun at the beach or tour the historic city, or just stay for a quiet get away in the woods.There is also a lot of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, woodstorks, raccoons, and alligators. Fishing and crabbing are available on the salt water creek next to the campsite as well.We look forward to hosting you!

Heirloom Hamlet

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Ridgeland, SC

Why buy a home when you can build a fairytale? Hi, I'm Curt. My wife Ani, son Fitch, and I are your average, everyday nonconformists who have been running an experiment. We are trying to figure out if a family can use their own hands and some grit to handcraft a life that you don't need a vacation from. Or better yet, that you would vacation to. Have we done that? You be the judge. About 4 years ago we left our South Florida handcrafting furniture business to pursue this new goal. We set out to build an inspiring experience in simple, eco-friendly living that would find a harmony between some of the old fashioned world that we'd found ourselves missing, and the handful of modern advancements that were actually beneficial. All while keeping it classy. At Heirloom Hamlet, you will see us designing unique, functional cabins, installing solar, composting, planting, and building toilets that are better for our environment. We're bread baking, pasta making, timber milling, woodworking, clay-forming and metal pounding. The goal is to evolve into a small world of self-reliance and harmony with nature. Ani and I are big believers in being mindful and respectful of our environment wherever reasonable. So, we are incorporating both alternative and municipal utilities as they can fit into our homestead design and limited budget. Through good design, our goal is to show just how "normal" small living can feel. We all have personal priorities and those will vary greatly, and that's okay. But no person should be so self-absorbed that we have completely shut out the importance of being respectfully mindful to the earth and to our fellowman. After all, if we don't have that, what do we have? To be completely transparent, though, the creatives in us also would like it if we inspired onlookers to possibly look at their own space and life a little bit differently. We've personally found it to be so fulfilling to distinguish real desires and needs from the ones we've been groomed to pursue, and then work to make them a reality. We've found it energizing to witness our fellowmen and women pursuing a dream. We'd like to be a stimulating memory along any person's journey. Visiting with us, we sure hope our guests don't expect to find a corporate approach to life here, and that they can appreciate some of our old-fashioned ways. That, as our paths cross, we won't be held to a business-first standard that we have worked hard to remove ourselves from. We realize everyone has a right to be themselves, but our presentation at Heirloom Hamlet has been purposefully designed to be a refreshing hideaway from the norm.

Great Dane Lane

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Ridgeland, SC

35 Feet ****- MAXIMUM LENGTH INCLUDING PULLING VEHICLE IS 35 FEET. We are not a pull thru site, some backing will be required. - 35 Feet**** Long term stays (7 or more nights) please make contact before booking. I was the first person to purchase property here in 1995 in what is known as Moultrie Plantation. This is a private property community with its own private dirt road. The plantation is rich in Civil War history and people still find arrowhead 's, Civil war buttons and other Civil War related items on the dirt roads where the soldiers marched through the plantation. It is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood where owners enjoy the country life.

Edisto River Luxury RV Resort

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ridgeville, SC

Locate on a riverfront property on the Edisto River. Very quiet and beautiful pond view, full hookup luxury RV sites. Amenities include private furnished screened Gazebo with mini fridge, tv and wifi, shared bath with free laundry and the most amazing outdoor shower. The pond is stocked with fish and has a beautiful fountain which produces white noise during the evening and most of the night. Just 1 hour from Downtown Charleston and 20 minutes to Walterboro and I-95. Nearby is Givhans Ferry State Park great for swimming, and the popular river tubing or The nearby Bee City Zoo which has a wide selection of fun and exciting exhibits for adults and children. Built by hand from scratch, we tried to think of everything you would need to leave you rested during your journey. Designed specifically for Motorhome's but we can also accept tow behind campers, roof top tents and tent camping. This is an upscale resort for those who want a quiet and peaceful experience vs the crammed and crowded commercial campgrounds.

Private Oasis In The Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Irwin, SC

Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others!

12 top campgrounds in South Carolina

96%

(530)

Hanscombe Point Plantation

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Johns Island, SC

Hanscombe Point Plantation is a 300 acre working farm that has been in the Legare family for 9 generations. We raise beef cows, heritage breeds of pigs, laying hens, and water buffalo. Additionally, we raise vegetables and do a lot of agri-tourism including: summer camps, school field trips, and a large pumpkin patch maze each year.Our accommodations include a vintage camper, primitive campsites along a salt water creek, and an RV area on our farm.We are located just 30 minutes from nearby beaches and downtown Charleston. Use our property as your base of operation as you have fun at the beach or tour the historic city, or just stay for a quiet get away in the woods.There is also a lot of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, woodstorks, raccoons, and alligators. Fishing and crabbing are available on the salt water creek next to the campsite as well.We look forward to hosting you!

Edisto River Luxury RV Resort

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ridgeville, SC

Locate on a riverfront property on the Edisto River. Very quiet and beautiful pond view, full hookup luxury RV sites. Amenities include private furnished screened Gazebo with mini fridge, tv and wifi, shared bath with free laundry and the most amazing outdoor shower. The pond is stocked with fish and has a beautiful fountain which produces white noise during the evening and most of the night. Just 1 hour from Downtown Charleston and 20 minutes to Walterboro and I-95. Nearby is Givhans Ferry State Park great for swimming, and the popular river tubing or The nearby Bee City Zoo which has a wide selection of fun and exciting exhibits for adults and children. Built by hand from scratch, we tried to think of everything you would need to leave you rested during your journey. Designed specifically for Motorhome's but we can also accept tow behind campers, roof top tents and tent camping. This is an upscale resort for those who want a quiet and peaceful experience vs the crammed and crowded commercial campgrounds.

Heirloom Hamlet

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Ridgeland, SC

Why buy a home when you can build a fairytale? Hi, I'm Curt. My wife Ani, son Fitch, and I are your average, everyday nonconformists who have been running an experiment. We are trying to figure out if a family can use their own hands and some grit to handcraft a life that you don't need a vacation from. Or better yet, that you would vacation to. Have we done that? You be the judge. About 4 years ago we left our South Florida handcrafting furniture business to pursue this new goal. We set out to build an inspiring experience in simple, eco-friendly living that would find a harmony between some of the old fashioned world that we'd found ourselves missing, and the handful of modern advancements that were actually beneficial. All while keeping it classy. At Heirloom Hamlet, you will see us designing unique, functional cabins, installing solar, composting, planting, and building toilets that are better for our environment. We're bread baking, pasta making, timber milling, woodworking, clay-forming and metal pounding. The goal is to evolve into a small world of self-reliance and harmony with nature. Ani and I are big believers in being mindful and respectful of our environment wherever reasonable. So, we are incorporating both alternative and municipal utilities as they can fit into our homestead design and limited budget. Through good design, our goal is to show just how "normal" small living can feel. We all have personal priorities and those will vary greatly, and that's okay. But no person should be so self-absorbed that we have completely shut out the importance of being respectfully mindful to the earth and to our fellowman. After all, if we don't have that, what do we have? To be completely transparent, though, the creatives in us also would like it if we inspired onlookers to possibly look at their own space and life a little bit differently. We've personally found it to be so fulfilling to distinguish real desires and needs from the ones we've been groomed to pursue, and then work to make them a reality. We've found it energizing to witness our fellowmen and women pursuing a dream. We'd like to be a stimulating memory along any person's journey. Visiting with us, we sure hope our guests don't expect to find a corporate approach to life here, and that they can appreciate some of our old-fashioned ways. That, as our paths cross, we won't be held to a business-first standard that we have worked hard to remove ourselves from. We realize everyone has a right to be themselves, but our presentation at Heirloom Hamlet has been purposefully designed to be a refreshing hideaway from the norm.

Private Oasis In The Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Irwin, SC

Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others!

Great Dane Lane

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Ridgeland, SC

35 Feet ****- MAXIMUM LENGTH INCLUDING PULLING VEHICLE IS 35 FEET. We are not a pull thru site, some backing will be required. - 35 Feet**** Long term stays (7 or more nights) please make contact before booking. I was the first person to purchase property here in 1995 in what is known as Moultrie Plantation. This is a private property community with its own private dirt road. The plantation is rich in Civil War history and people still find arrowhead 's, Civil war buttons and other Civil War related items on the dirt roads where the soldiers marched through the plantation. It is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood where owners enjoy the country life.

Rustic Natural Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent11 acres · Santee, SC

We are located on 11 acres. Wooded areas, hiking trails on-site. Perfect place to watch for deer and other animals including our 6 on-leash dogs! It is a train lover's dream because we are close to the tracks and enjoy watching the train come and go so much so that the conductor toots and waves to us!! The Santee State Park has many water activities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. There are several golf courses nearby, and a local restaurant/bar within walking distance which often offers trivia, karaoke, pool tables, and live music. Just be careful as you will be walking on the side of a main road as well as over train tracks.

98%

(260)

Black Pearl Farms

7 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Branchville, SC

Pitch your tent on one of our private campsites, or enjoy the comforts of our beautiful guest house. Located across 180 picturesque acres of Black Pearl Farms, a working organic blueberry farm. A half mile of water frontage tucked along the gnarls of the Edisto river, provides serine river views with boating access, fishing, breathtaking sunsets over the orchards, and crystal clear star gazing.

97%

(284)

Friendly Fowl Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Saint Helena Island, SC

The farm was once a portion of the McTureus Plantation. Tony's family members were once enslaved on the plantation. Upon Emancipation a family member bought land and it remained in the family. Tony is a descendant of those family members whose foresight allowed us to be here today. Tony's parents entrusted the care and preservation of the property to us and we are doing our best to be good stewards and teach the value of this property to our children and young grandchildren.

99%

(51)

Hidden Acres

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Charleston, SC

grand oaks, 1 mile to downtown Charleston(there is NO campground closer to downtown Charleston) PETS ARE ALLOWED, 1/2 mile to James Island county park, 4 miles to Folly Beach, Central to everything Charleston,SC and James Island,SC. Hiking, swimming, walking trails, climbing park, are all within a mile or two. all grocery stores, including a Walmart are within 1 mile. This property offers dry camping only. Best suited for Rv's that are self-contained.There is a dump station at the county park one half mile away. If you contact me with an ETA, the gate will be open when u arrive. Follow the road to your right, around the Grand Oak to the back of the property..You will see an ORANGE CONE, just past that,look to your right, there is an alcove with a gravel pad.At this time, I am clearing 2 acres of the 8. When you are staying on the property please close the gate as you come and go. When your stay is done, DO NOT worry about closing the gate, I will take care of it.Please clean up after your pets.

94%

(35)

Happy Camper!

5 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Beaufort, SC

Welcome to The Happy Camper, where raw natural beauty meets serenity in a picturesque marshland setting. Situated amidst the stunning landscape, our primitive camping option offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. As you pitch your tent in our designated area, you'll be treated to unobstructed views of the expansive marsh stretching as far as the eye can see. During high tide, witness the water levels rise, creating a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for your camping adventure. Relax and unwind in the tranquility of nature as you sway gently in the provided hammock, soaking in the sights and sounds of the marshland. As the day transitions to evening, gather around the community outdoor fire pit to share stories, roast marshmallows, and bask in the warmth of the crackling flames. For those seeking moments of mindfulness and rejuvenation, our community yoga deck offers the perfect space to practice yoga and meditation amidst the natural beauty of the marsh. Awaken your senses to the mesmerizing sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues, creating a truly unforgettable experience. At The Happy Camper, we invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the simplicity and wonder of the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking solitude, adventure, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation, our marshland sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor escapades. Come experience the magic of The Happy Camper and create memories that will last a lifetime.

98%

(143)

Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC

12 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Saluda, SC

Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC is a private lodging establishment offering short term sites to campers, transient guest and outdoor enthusiast who desire rest, relaxation and recreation. The fringe land is old farm land now being repurposed for outdoor activities. The RV Park is the developed part of an old Farm planted in pines bordering Big Creek/Lake Murray.

96%

(37)

Too Many Oaks Plantation

4 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Swansea, SC

We have 21 acres in the sand hills of Calhoun county just outside Columbia S C. Apply named Too Many Oaks Plantation, a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy time in your hammock reading by day and a roaring bonfire by night, We are planting a small mixed fruit orchard and building a chicken coop and garden to enjoy fresh eggs and whatever is in season. Close to Columbia ( 30 minutes ) for a nice trip to the zoo or a float down the Saluda River with Adventure Carolina. A perfect mix of nice and quite but still close to town.

Under $50

96%

(200)

Private Oasis In The Forest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Irwin, SC

Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others!

Rustic Natural Campsite

1 site · RV, Tent11 acres · Santee, SC

We are located on 11 acres. Wooded areas, hiking trails on-site. Perfect place to watch for deer and other animals including our 6 on-leash dogs! It is a train lover's dream because we are close to the tracks and enjoy watching the train come and go so much so that the conductor toots and waves to us!! The Santee State Park has many water activities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. There are several golf courses nearby, and a local restaurant/bar within walking distance which often offers trivia, karaoke, pool tables, and live music. Just be careful as you will be walking on the side of a main road as well as over train tracks.

Great Dane Lane

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Ridgeland, SC

35 Feet ****- MAXIMUM LENGTH INCLUDING PULLING VEHICLE IS 35 FEET. We are not a pull thru site, some backing will be required. - 35 Feet**** Long term stays (7 or more nights) please make contact before booking. I was the first person to purchase property here in 1995 in what is known as Moultrie Plantation. This is a private property community with its own private dirt road. The plantation is rich in Civil War history and people still find arrowhead 's, Civil war buttons and other Civil War related items on the dirt roads where the soldiers marched through the plantation. It is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood where owners enjoy the country life.

Hanscombe Point Plantation

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Johns Island, SC

Hanscombe Point Plantation is a 300 acre working farm that has been in the Legare family for 9 generations. We raise beef cows, heritage breeds of pigs, laying hens, and water buffalo. Additionally, we raise vegetables and do a lot of agri-tourism including: summer camps, school field trips, and a large pumpkin patch maze each year.Our accommodations include a vintage camper, primitive campsites along a salt water creek, and an RV area on our farm.We are located just 30 minutes from nearby beaches and downtown Charleston. Use our property as your base of operation as you have fun at the beach or tour the historic city, or just stay for a quiet get away in the woods.There is also a lot of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, woodstorks, raccoons, and alligators. Fishing and crabbing are available on the salt water creek next to the campsite as well.We look forward to hosting you!

Heirloom Hamlet

5 sites · RVs5 acres · Ridgeland, SC

Why buy a home when you can build a fairytale? Hi, I'm Curt. My wife Ani, son Fitch, and I are your average, everyday nonconformists who have been running an experiment. We are trying to figure out if a family can use their own hands and some grit to handcraft a life that you don't need a vacation from. Or better yet, that you would vacation to. Have we done that? You be the judge. About 4 years ago we left our South Florida handcrafting furniture business to pursue this new goal. We set out to build an inspiring experience in simple, eco-friendly living that would find a harmony between some of the old fashioned world that we'd found ourselves missing, and the handful of modern advancements that were actually beneficial. All while keeping it classy. At Heirloom Hamlet, you will see us designing unique, functional cabins, installing solar, composting, planting, and building toilets that are better for our environment. We're bread baking, pasta making, timber milling, woodworking, clay-forming and metal pounding. The goal is to evolve into a small world of self-reliance and harmony with nature. Ani and I are big believers in being mindful and respectful of our environment wherever reasonable. So, we are incorporating both alternative and municipal utilities as they can fit into our homestead design and limited budget. Through good design, our goal is to show just how "normal" small living can feel. We all have personal priorities and those will vary greatly, and that's okay. But no person should be so self-absorbed that we have completely shut out the importance of being respectfully mindful to the earth and to our fellowman. After all, if we don't have that, what do we have? To be completely transparent, though, the creatives in us also would like it if we inspired onlookers to possibly look at their own space and life a little bit differently. We've personally found it to be so fulfilling to distinguish real desires and needs from the ones we've been groomed to pursue, and then work to make them a reality. We've found it energizing to witness our fellowmen and women pursuing a dream. We'd like to be a stimulating memory along any person's journey. Visiting with us, we sure hope our guests don't expect to find a corporate approach to life here, and that they can appreciate some of our old-fashioned ways. That, as our paths cross, we won't be held to a business-first standard that we have worked hard to remove ourselves from. We realize everyone has a right to be themselves, but our presentation at Heirloom Hamlet has been purposefully designed to be a refreshing hideaway from the norm.

Available this weekend

98%

(260)

Black Pearl Farms

7 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Branchville, SC

Pitch your tent on one of our private campsites, or enjoy the comforts of our beautiful guest house. Located across 180 picturesque acres of Black Pearl Farms, a working organic blueberry farm. A half mile of water frontage tucked along the gnarls of the Edisto river, provides serine river views with boating access, fishing, breathtaking sunsets over the orchards, and crystal clear star gazing.

Great Dane Lane

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Ridgeland, SC

35 Feet ****- MAXIMUM LENGTH INCLUDING PULLING VEHICLE IS 35 FEET. We are not a pull thru site, some backing will be required. - 35 Feet**** Long term stays (7 or more nights) please make contact before booking. I was the first person to purchase property here in 1995 in what is known as Moultrie Plantation. This is a private property community with its own private dirt road. The plantation is rich in Civil War history and people still find arrowhead 's, Civil war buttons and other Civil War related items on the dirt roads where the soldiers marched through the plantation. It is a quiet, peaceful neighborhood where owners enjoy the country life.

Friendly Fowl Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Saint Helena Island, SC

The farm was once a portion of the McTureus Plantation. Tony's family members were once enslaved on the plantation. Upon Emancipation a family member bought land and it remained in the family. Tony is a descendant of those family members whose foresight allowed us to be here today. Tony's parents entrusted the care and preservation of the property to us and we are doing our best to be good stewards and teach the value of this property to our children and young grandchildren.

Hanscombe Point Plantation

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Johns Island, SC

Hanscombe Point Plantation is a 300 acre working farm that has been in the Legare family for 9 generations. We raise beef cows, heritage breeds of pigs, laying hens, and water buffalo. Additionally, we raise vegetables and do a lot of agri-tourism including: summer camps, school field trips, and a large pumpkin patch maze each year.Our accommodations include a vintage camper, primitive campsites along a salt water creek, and an RV area on our farm.We are located just 30 minutes from nearby beaches and downtown Charleston. Use our property as your base of operation as you have fun at the beach or tour the historic city, or just stay for a quiet get away in the woods.There is also a lot of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, woodstorks, raccoons, and alligators. Fishing and crabbing are available on the salt water creek next to the campsite as well.We look forward to hosting you!

Happy Camper!

5 sites · Lodging, Tents6 acres · Beaufort, SC

Welcome to The Happy Camper, where raw natural beauty meets serenity in a picturesque marshland setting. Situated amidst the stunning landscape, our primitive camping option offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. As you pitch your tent in our designated area, you'll be treated to unobstructed views of the expansive marsh stretching as far as the eye can see. During high tide, witness the water levels rise, creating a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for your camping adventure. Relax and unwind in the tranquility of nature as you sway gently in the provided hammock, soaking in the sights and sounds of the marshland. As the day transitions to evening, gather around the community outdoor fire pit to share stories, roast marshmallows, and bask in the warmth of the crackling flames. For those seeking moments of mindfulness and rejuvenation, our community yoga deck offers the perfect space to practice yoga and meditation amidst the natural beauty of the marsh. Awaken your senses to the mesmerizing sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues, creating a truly unforgettable experience. At The Happy Camper, we invite you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with the simplicity and wonder of the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking solitude, adventure, or simply a moment of quiet contemplation, our marshland sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for your outdoor escapades. Come experience the magic of The Happy Camper and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(8)

Devils Fork State Park

Salem, South Carolina

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(26)

Hunting Island State Park

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

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(23)

Huntington Beach State Park

Garden City, South Carolina

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Paris Mountain State Park

Taylors, South Carolina

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(13)

Table Rock State Park

Pickens, South Carolina

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(4)

Kings Mountain State Park

Walhalla, South Carolina

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(4)

Poinsett State Park

Wedgefield, South Carolina

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Lake Hartwell State Park

Fair Play, South Carolina

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(6)

Francis Marion National Forest

Jamestown, South Carolina

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in South Carolina guide

Overview

Rich in Southern heritage and hospitality, South Carolina boasts the good looks to match its personality. Golden beaches and sandy barrier islands dot the Atlantic shore, the forested peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains rise in the north, and lush marshlands fringe the Lowcountry. Outdoor adventurers can explore SC’s seven national parks and 47 state parks all year-round, and camping options are plentiful, whether you choose a drive-in, hike-in, boat-in, or equestrian campsite, or book a camper cabin. Summers in the Palmetto State averages a balmy 90°F, but it’s best to avoid the fall hurricane season if camping on the coast.

Where to go

Pee Dee and the Grand Strand

The Pee Dee River runs all the way from the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina to Georgetown on the Atlantic Coast. This northeastern slice of South Carolina is best known for its Grand Strand beaches, whether camping at the hugely popular Myrtle Beach resorts, bird-watching at Huntington Beach State Park, or teeing off at one of the many coastal golf courses.

Lowcountry

Hemmed in by the Savannah River and the Atlantic Coast, the southwestern lowlands are an idyllic stretch of marshlands, barrier islands, and coastal towns. Hunting Island State Park is the state’s most visited park, and a paradise for bird-watchers and campers, while RV parks dot the beaches of Hilton Head Island. The palmetto-fringed beaches of Edisto Beach State Park are a favorite for summer campers, and James Island County Park, just outside Charleston, is a crabbing hotspot.

Midlands

The state capital Columbia dominates the rolling hills of South Carolina’s Midlands, and the region’s highlights all lie within easy reach. Family campgrounds dot the shores of nearby Lake Murray, Sesquicentennial State Park has a woodland campsite and boating lake, and part of the 500-mile Palmetto Trail passes through Poinsett State Park. Nearby, Congaree National Park has hiking and kayaking trails, two campgrounds, and backcountry camping.

Upcountry

The Blue Ridge Mountains tumble down over the border from North Carolina, and South Carolina’s mountainous north is a natural playground of forested valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Greenville is the starting point for exploring the north, from where you can hike the 3,533-foot summit of Sassafras Mountain, the state’s highest peak; camp amid the mountains in Table Rock State Park; or explore the multi-use trails at Paris Mountain State Park. For backcountry camping, it doesn’t get much better than the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which links the Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks.