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South Carolina has a unique natural and cultural diversity that makes it easily distinguishable from its neighbor state to the north. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, the state is full of small towns, farmlands, local characters, and rich cuisine. The historical and sophisticated city of Charleston is its own destination that draws visitors from all over the world.
South Carolina state parks protect more than 80,000 acres, preserving and sharing the state’s best natural, cultural, and historical treasures. Forested mountains, waterfalls, wild rivers, inland lakes, and white sandy beaches all provide ample opportunity for recreational activities and make the state a popular destination with campers and RVers year-round.
South Carolina state park campgrounds have a mixed reputation. Several parks have spectacular locations, well-maintained facilities, and are in high demand among all campgrounds in the state, public or private. Other parks show signs of deferred maintenance, have smaller, primitive sites, and might serve best as a regional getaway. But if you do your research and plan accordingly, South Carolina’s 30-plus state park campgrounds can provide some of its most rewarding RVing experiences at a great value.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit reserve.southcarolinaparks.com, call 866-345-7275, or call the park directly.
Reservations are required and can be made from 13 months to 1 day in advance.
A minimum of 2 nights, or longer over holidays, may apply at some parks. Check specific requirements at the time of booking.
Campsite sizes
The reservation system allows searching for campgrounds by maximum RV length. Details on campsite size and maximum RV length are also available on each park’s website.
Accessibility
Two sites at each campground are designated for use by disabled persons. ADA-accessible sites are searchable through the reservation system and can be booked there or over the phone.
Hookups
All campgrounds have sites with electric and water hookups; some also offer sewer. The reservation system and each park’s website both give a detailed description of their campsite types.
Connectivity
Many South Carolina state parks offer free WiFi, although service may only be available in certain locations in the park. Details are on each park’s website under FAQs.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 nights.
Additional facilities
Campsites have a picnic table, fire ring, and/or grill on gravel or concrete pads. Details are provided per site in the reservation system search results, including the amount of shade.
Basic facilities include a dump station, park store, playground, and restrooms. Many parks offer visitor centers, interpretive programs, guided tours, marked trails for all levels, and watercraft rentals. Additional features like mini golf and splash pads may be offered. Amenity and activity details can be found on the park websites.
South Carolina state parks offer a Junior Ranger program, so be sure to request a book at the visitor center or check-in booth.
Cost
Prices range from $15 to $50 and vary based on site amenities, season, and demand. View prices per site / per date in the reservation system.
Additional Fees:
Park admission: Adults: $3–$12. Children ages 6–15: $1–$7.
Annual and 7-day passes are available for all parks or individual parks. Check details and prices online, or call the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism general information number.
Change fee: $10 within 7 days of arrival
Cancellation fees vary based on the amount of notice given in advance of arrival:
60 or more days: No charge.
59–15 days: $10.
14–4 days: First night’s fee.
3 or fewer days: No refund.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 1 vehicle, 6 people or 1 family.
- Check-in time: 2 p.m. Check-out time: 12 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Prohibited in public areas and also in some campgrounds. Check the specific park’s posted restrictions.
- Generator use: Rules may vary; check with the campground.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Contact the park directly for rules and regulations.
Featured Campgrounds
Hunting Island State Park
2555 Sea Island Parkway, Hunting Island, SC 29920
Hunting Island State Park is located between Charleston and Savannah, on one of the most beautiful coastal beaches in South Carolina. Five miles of pristine beach, thousands of acres of maritime forest and marsh, a saltwater lagoon, and an ocean inlet are all encompassed in the park. Hiking trails, a nature center, and interpretive programs let visitors explore and learn in-depth about the park’s unique ecology. Another highlight is the Hunting Beach Lighthouse, the only one in the state that is publicly accessible.
This is a popular destination, and the 100 campsites book up fast. Partial hookups, clean showers and restroom facilities, a camp store, a playground, and WiFi make for a comfortable stay while you enjoy the abundance of natural beauty and wildlife in the park. The nearest town with grocery shopping is a 30-minute drive away. Note that the park is prone to flooding and damage from storms. Check the park website for advisories. If the campground is limited or inaccessible, nearby Edisto Beach State Park is a good alternative.
Huntington Beach State Park
16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Not to be confused with Hunting Island, Huntington Beach State Park is located a couple hundred miles north. About 20 miles outside the town of Myrtle Beach, Huntington Beach provides a relaxing camping experience while still being close enough to enjoy the fun attractions and lively atmosphere of the famous beach town.
The wide-open, pristine beach at this state park is its big draw. Marshland, creeks, and a freshwater lagoon provide incredible wildlife viewing, including alligators and some of the top bird-watching on the East Coast. A variety of nature programs keep kids of all ages engaged. The park also includes the cultural and architectural landmark of the Atlalaya Estate and Brookgreen Gardens. Tours are available for an additional fee.
The beachside campground has over 100 sites with partial hookups, and another 60 with full hookups. Sites accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, and several are big enough for a 40-foot rig. Facilities include a camp store, well-maintained restrooms, and WiFi.
Calhoun Falls State Park
46 Maintenance Shop Road, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628
Located on the Savannah River at the border with Georgia, Calhoun Falls State Park has one of the most coveted campgrounds in the South Carolina state park system. The park is a natural wonderland, with pine-covered spits of land providing unparalleled access and viewpoints into Lake Russell. The protected lake, over 26,000 acres, is a beautiful and peaceful place to swim, kayak, paddleboard, and fish.
More than 80 campsites are spaced out among the trees and along the water. All have electric and water hookups and can accommodate rigs up to 30 or 40 feet. Facilities include restrooms and a camp store. This gem of a park provides the ideal opportunity to relax and get away from it all in a pristine natural setting.
South Carolina state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Aiken State Park
Andrew Jackson State Park
Baker Creek State Park
Barnwell State Park
Calhoun Falls State Park
Cheraw State Park
Chester State Park
Colleton State Park
Croft State Park
Devils Fork State Park
Dreher Island State Park
Edisto Beach State Park
Givhans Ferry State Park
Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area
Hamilton Brand State Park
Hickory Knob State Park Resort
Hunting Island State Park
Huntington Beach State Park
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Greenwood State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park
Lake Wateree State Park
Lee State Park
Little Pee Dee State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park
Oconee State Park
Paris Mountain State Park
Poinsett State Park
Sadlers Creek State Park
Santee State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park
Table Rock State Park
For more information on South Carolina state park campgrounds, visit southcarolinaparks.com.
