Unplug and Unwind: Top South Carolina Camping Destinations
There’s nothing like escaping the civilized world and spending some time in the wilderness. South Carolina’s variety of mountains, lakes, rivers, and beaches create plenty of options to get out of touch for a while. Check out the best camping spots in South Carolina, and plan your getaway.
South Cove County Park, Seneca, SC
It’s camping with a view, right on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. Campers have free use of the tennis courts, playground, picnic areas and a sandy beach. This is a family-friendly place, with plenty to offer everyone in the family.
Arrowhead Motel and Campground, Stephen, SC
This place is a fisherman’s paradise! The Santee River is brimming with catfish, bass, and rainbow trout, so you won’t have to travel far for dinner. They also cater to the needs of serious fishing folks, offering plenty of space to perform surgery to the day’s catch. But beware, alligators also haunt the waters of the Santee, and plenty of previous visitors to the campground have the trophies to prove it.
Pirateland, Myrtle Beach, SC
Ahoy, all ye who want ocean view accommodations without the hotel prices. Pirateland is situated right on the beach with over 40 waterfront sites and dozens more with ocean views. This camping resort comes complete with swimming pools, waterpark, mini golf, snack bar, arcade, playground, and a host of other activities to save you from fighting the traffic surges of the Grand Strand.
Jones Gap State Park, Marietta, SC
It’s camping at its finest, out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a tent between you and the great outdoors. Walk away from the safety of your car and embark on a journey with nature surrounding you at every turn. Most of the trailside sites provide fire pits, but make sure you get a permit first.
Caesars Head State Park, Cleveland, SC
Upstate South Carolina is well known for its beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and there’s no better way to experience them than spending the night amongst them in Caesar's Head State Park. You’ll have to hike a bit to get to the campsite, so pack light or start your endurance training now. But the scenic mountain vistas and complete immersion in Mother Nature is well worth the walk.
Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC
Waterfalls, streams, and hiking trails for all skill levels abound in Table Rock State Park. The campsites aren’t as remote as some of the other state parks in the area, so if you need a lot of gear you won’t have to hike far. This area recently fell victim to a raging wildfire in the area, but the iconic smooth-faced mountain side that gave the park its name still serves as the reminder that, in the end, nature will triumph.
Devils Fork State Park, Salem, SC
Tent and RV campers alike can find refuge at Devil’s Fork State Park. Nestled in the mountains on the shores of Lake Jocassee, expect to get the best of both land and water views. Lace up your hiking boots and trek through two scenic trails, scout for waterfalls, or return to the lake for a day of trout or bass fishing.
Keowee Toxaway State Park, Sunset, SC
This is a smaller campground, but that means fewer neighbors to interrupt your peace and quiet. Strap on your backpack and traverse the trails to get to your backcountry campsite, some of which are right near the water’s edge of Lake Keowee, and some of which you can get to via canoe or kayak.
Campground at James Island State Park, James Island, SC
Camping in the great outdoors offers more than just a blanket of stars, especially at the Campground at James Island State Park. They’re open year-round, and have plenty of amenities for everyone in the family. Spend the fishing or kayaking, splash around in the waterpark (weather permitting), or hop aboard a pedal boat and give your legs a workout while you take in the views.
Hunting Island State Park, Hunting Island, SC
Right on the Atlantic Coast, you won’t find a more beautiful, more well-preserved piece of nature. It’s coastal camping at its absolute finest, with plenty of sand, surf, fishing, hiking, biking and more. The area is also teeming with wildlife, which you can check out at the nearby nature center, or simply look around and observe for yourself.
