Discover the Southern Charm of These South Carolina Campgrounds

South Carolina is a charming southern state made up of forests, beaches and the state’s trademark, the Palmetto Tree. While the summer humidity can be harsh at times, you shouldn’t let that deter you from all the state has to offer. Just be sure to take proper safety precautions for the heat and humidity.

Here are our picks for the best campgrounds in South Carolina.

1. Myrtle Beach State Park – Myrtle Beach

Along the far-reaching stretch of Grand Strand coastline, Myrtle Beach State Park sits nestled among oceanfront maritime forest. A quiet, and surprisingly green, escape from the otherwise bustling beach, the park provides educational opportunities, a nature trail and some of the best surf fishing South Carolina has to offer as well as stunning ocean views and another great fishing spot on Myrtle Beach pier. Learn more.

2. Edisto Beach State Park – Edisto Island

This 1255-acre park includes a dense maritime forest and an expansive salt marsh where visitors can explore the wonders of nature. The park offers 113 improved campsites, several walk-in tent sites, 7 rental cabins, a day-use area for beach access and a four-mile nature trail that winds through the maritime forest with beautiful vistas overlooking the salt marsh. Learn more.

3. Cheraw State Park – Cheraw

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Cypress wetlands line Lake Juniper and can be explored by kayaks and canoes or via a boardwalk that runs along the lake. Try fishing from the boardwalk or by boat, or take time to explore other areas of Cheraw on the park’s extensive biking, hiking and equestrian trail system.  Learn more.

4. Lake Wateree State Recreation Area – Winnsboro

An ample number of Lake Wateree camping sites with water and electrical hookups are available. Many Lake Wateree camping sites can also accommodate large RVs. Although the lake serves as the focal point for Wateree, other day use activities are available including picnicking and a short, wooded nature trail. Learn more.

5. Buck Hall Recreation Area – Charleston

This premier recreation area is situated on the site of the old Buck Hall plantation just six miles southeast of McClellanville. Its location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides the best access to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, 65,000 acres of marsh, tidal creeks and beaches and Bulls Bay, the best area for shrimp baiting on the coast. Learn more.

6. Calhoun Falls State Park – Calhoun Falls

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Calhoun Falls State Park sits along several pine-covered points extending out into sparsely-developed Lake Russell. The Calhoun Falls campgroundis one of the most coveted in the park system, with spacious RV and tent sites complete with forested, shoreline views of the lake. Learn more.

7. Cherry Hill Recreation Area – Mountain Rest

Cherry Hill is near the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, and many miles of hiking trails. Site amenities include centrally-located drinking water, cooking grills, tables and lantern posts as well as a restroom with flush toilets and hot showers. Learn more.

8. Devils Fork State Park – Salem

Located along the southwestern shore of Lake Jocassee, this park provides outdoor recreation amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge at the Jocassee Gorges. Lakefront camping, hiking and picnicking are among some of the favorite activities, along with vacationing in the park’s contemporary mountain villas. Boaters can drive to remote islands or sites of waterfalls spilling into the lake. Learn more.

9. Burrells Ford Campground – Mountain Rest

Burrells Ford campground is open year round with no charge. A pit toilet and picnic tables are available. Walk .25 miles to camp on the Chattooga River. Learn more.

10. Kings Mountain State Park – Blacksburg

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The Piedmont’s Kings Mountain State Park has miles of forested trails perfect for supreme Kings Mountain hiking, two fishing lakes, and sits adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, , one of many national parkRevolutionary War sites. Local crowds flock to the park during regularly scheduled special events, especially every November when living history demonstrations are held at the park’s replica 1800s Piedmont farm. Learn more.

Do you have a favorite camping spot in South Carolina that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comments!

And be sure to check out the rest of our Best Campgrounds in the US series.