Camping is one of the popular outdoor activities among enthusiastic travelers in South Carolina who are looking for momentum to kick off their monotony for some excitement. There are around 3000 places to camp in the state, right from hilly terrains of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to exclusive pristine beaches of the Atlantic.

1. Andrew Jackson State Park, Lancaster

This is one of the best family-oriented camping sites in the state. There is a remarkable museum showcasing items from the period of the Revolutionary War and also a depiction of the life of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the United States. Every year in March, the birthday of Andrew Jackson is observed in the park. Again, visitors can learn some lessons in the 18-century replica schoolhouse.

Leisure Activity:

• Take a picture with the impressive statue of “Boy of the Waxhaws” sculpted by Anna Hyatt Huntington.
• One can hike on the Garden of the Waxhaws Trail, a scenic mile-long path around the lake.
• Visitors can spend their idle time paddling in the 18-acre lake. They can also indulge in activities like fishing, observing migratory birds, and other wildlife.
• Take part in special park events like the Lantern Tour.

Camping Details:

• Primitive group camping is also allowed here.
• Picnic tables and fire rings are included in the camp. The approximate rate is $12.50, allowing up to ten campers. The price costs more by $5-$6.50 for each extra five camper. 
• RV and tent camping both are allowed.
• Reservations can be made on the day of check-in in the park.

2. Calhoun Falls State Park, Calhoun Falls

This park is one of the most renowned places to go for camping, just beside the panoramic Lake Russell. Nesting in the park vicinity, there are around 86 standard campsites displaying magnificent views of the forests and lakes. There are facilities like roomy RV campsites and some walk-in tents. Holidaymakers can also take a stroll in the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail, which is a 1.75-mile long walkway cutting through the park.

Leisure Activity:

• The park provides ample options for camping, picnicking, excursion, seasonal swimming, hiking, boating, and bird watching.
• One can also take up the 10-mile horse ride around the park.
• Tennis court and basketball arenas are present for more sport activities. 
• Amateur and professional anglers find it amusing to do fishing in the 26,650-acre Lake Russell. The lake offers a great variety of fishes like catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie, bass, and the beam.

Camping Details:

• Reservations can be made on the same check-in dates.
• Each campsite accommodates 6 persons. Additional camping needs to be reserved for a larger group.
• The minimum age for reservation is 18 years.
• Campers are allowed a maximum of 1 RV and 1 tent, or 2 tents per site.
• The minimum length of stay is 2 nights, whereas the maximum length of stay permitted is 14 nights. 

3. Cheraw State Park, Cheraw

When it comes to natural scenery accompanied by an excellent golf facility among the best camping spots in South Carolina, Cheraw State Park takes the limelight. An 18-hole championship circuit, voted as the best place to play golf by Golf Digest magazine, sits prettily along with the pine forests. Besides the Lake Juniper, the tourers can camp at the individual campsites having facilities of electrical points and water, which also has a spacious option for recreational vehicles.

Leisure Activity:

• Visitors can do fishing from the boardwalks or by a boat in the 360-acre Lake Juniper.
• Trippers may indulge in biking, hiking, and horse riding trails in the park.
• Kayaking and canoeing activities can also be done in the lake for excursions.
• Tourists can also take a binocular to watch exotic wildlife like fox squirrels and rare red-cockaded woodpeckers.

Camping Details:

• Boat-in, tent camping, and RV camping are allowed in the park.
• The approximate rate is $13.50 for primitive group camping.
• Reservations can be made on the day of check-in.

4. Hickory Knob State Resort Park, McCormick

Another remote state park in South Carolina that offers an 18-hole lakeside championship golf course is the 71,000-acre Hickory Knob State Resort Park. It is the only full-service resort boasting of more than 70 lodges and 16 camping cabins with separate water and electrical points. Located just beside the Strom Thurmond Lake on the Savannah River, it is the starting point for many short excursions to nearby towns of Abbeville and Greenwood. There are other impressive campsites like the Hawe Creek Campground.

Leisure Activity:

• Travelers can enjoy pastimes like tennis, archery, skeet shooting, boating, mountain biking, camping, and hiking.
• Swimming facilities are available for the visitors of the lodges.
• The outdoor arena is available for playing basketball, volleyball, ladder ball, and tetherball.

Camping Details:

• Tent and RV camping are allowed in the park.
• Camping reservations are to be made for a minimum of 2 nights.
• Reservations can be entertained on the day of check-in.

5. Burrells Ford Campground, Mountain Rest

This camping ground is just a quarter-mile distance from the picturesque Chattooga River. Trippers can have fun with primitive camping for free. First-time campers find the hiking easier as the gravel coated surface make the pathways smooth.

Leisure Activity:

• The explorer gets an opportunity to walk along the memorable King Creek Falls Trail and the Foothills Trail.
• Besides, tourers can take up the 15.5-mile long famous Chattooga River trail to hike along the forest towards the Georgia and South Carolina border. The trek intersects with the Foothills and Bartram trails at some points. One can then set up a backcountry camp in Burrell’s Ford campground.

Camping Details:

• Open throughout the year.
• No charge at all for trippers.

6. Buck Hall Recreation Area, McClellanville

This relaxation area comes under a part of the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina. The camping ground is situated just beside the Intercoastal Waterway, giving access to 65,000 acres of swamps, tidal creeks, and beaches under the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Leisure Activity: 

• Visitors can go for shrimp baiting at the Bulls Bay point apart from the fishing pier.
• Large picnic spot, boat ramp, and multiple campsites for tent and RV camping are available.
• Professional anglers camp around the fishing pier to catch a variety of fishes like flounder, sea trout, bass, mackerel, snapper, swordfish, crab, shrimps, oysters, and clams among others.
• Camping trails are mostly used for hiking, biking, and horseriding.

Camping Details:

• Fees are around $20 per RV camping site, whereas about $15 for tent camping.
• For a picnic, it is around $25 for groups up to 50, while approximate $45 for groups from 51 to 100.

7. Cherry Hill Campground, Mountain Rest

Treated as one of the best camping sites in South Carolina, this is in Southern Appalachians besides the Chattooga River. It is nestled among the pine trees of the upper valley of West Fork Creek. It is also the hiking start point for beautiful trails like Big Bend Falls, Foothills Trail, and Winding Staircase.

Leisure Activity: 

• Tourers can engage in various activities like fishing, camping, fish hatching, wildlife viewing, picnic, and camping.

Camping Details:

• Camping sites provide basic amenities like drinking water and toilet.
• Out of total 29 campsites, 17 can be reserved in advance for an extra $9. The rest of the 12 camping grounds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
• This campground is open from the 1st of April to 31st of October. 
• Closeby tourist attractions are the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area and Whitewater Falls.

8. Table Rock State Park, Pickens

Among the best RV camping sites in South Carolina, the Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for the spectacular 3,000-acre Table Rock State Park. There are around 94 camping sites in the entire expanse of the park, each with separate water and electrical points. Vacationers get easy admission to the restrooms and hot showers. The hiking trails of the park provides an entry point to the 80-mile long Foothills Trail. A boat ramp is built to facilitate private boats of the tourists.

Leisure Activity:

• Visitors can enjoy fishing catfish, bass and bream from the jetty on the serene Lake Oolenoy.
• They can also rent a boat to cruise around the Lake Pinnacle, apart from fishing activities.
• One can also go for kayaking, canoeing, and do some paddle boating on the lake.
• Campers may explore the park and hike their way to the top of Table Rock Mountain.
• To soothe off the feet and relax, individuals may put them in a mountain stream.
• Moreover, the tripper can attend the bluegrass program “Music on the Mountain” taking place every second Saturday of the month from 2 to 6 p.m.

Camping Details:

• Camping within the park trail area is forbidden. Instead, camping is only allowed on the  Foothills Trail outside the periphery of the park.
• Admission fees are around $5 for adults; $3.25 for aged persons above 65; $3 for kids aged 6-15; and free for kids under 5
• Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

9. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island

For anyone who loves camping near the ocean, the strikingly beautiful oceanfront state park of Edisto Beach is the best. It is one of the four seafront state parks rich in native American history. Just an hour’s drive from Charleston, the tourers can find cozy cabins lodged in the forests of oaks and palmetto trees with a scenic frontier of serene swamplands. 

Leisure Activity: 

• Travelers can spend their time in the Environmental Learning Center, a green building showcasing the natural history of Edisto Island and the adjoining ACE Basin.
• One can also access the most extended system of wheelchair-based hiking and biking tracks, which leads to a 4,000-year old shell swamp beside a hidden bend of a tidal stream. 
• Fishing in the Scott Creek Inlet is a popular option.
• Trippers can enjoy boating in the Big Bay Creek or engage in fishing in the ACE Basin.

Camping Details:

• Both RV and tent camping are allowed in the park.
• Reservations can be made on the day of check-in.
• For a minimum of 2 nights, the camping reservations are permitted, costing around $55.

10. Devil’s Fork State Park, Salem

This campground is amongst the top boat-in camping sites in South Carolina, surrounding the spring-fed 7,565 acres Lake Jocassee. Encompassed by the Jocassee ravines and waterfalls, it is only reachable by boat. Guests staying overnight can be housed in a furnished villa. Besides, two campgrounds just by the side of the lake are available with separate electrical and water points.

Leisure Activity:

• Hiking on the Oconee Bell Trail to get a view of the rare Oconee Bell wildflower.
• Vacationers can catch a rainbow trout from the more refreshing crystal clear waters of Lake Jocassee.
• One can spend the spare time watching spectacular waterfalls in the lake.
• Visitors can take a boating tour on the lake to view the “wall,” which is a vertical rock formation up to 200 feet high and over 1500 feet in length cut out to make the dam. 
• Besides, the holidaymaker can drive to Jumping Off Rock for a dramatic view of the lake and its gorges.

Camping Details:

• The park allows the best tent camping in South Carolina, apart from RV campsites.
• Exclusive boat-in camping sites are situated on the northern side of the lake at the base of Musterground Mountain provided seasonally. 
• Camping check-in time is 2 p.m., while the check-out time is noon.
• Two vehicles are allowed for each camp.

11. Myrtle Beach State Park, Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach State Park offers magnificent campgrounds by the oceanfront forest stretching deep along the Grand Strand shoreline. Separate arrangements of water, electricity, and drainage systems are provided in all the 204 campsites. The campground is surrounded by eye-soothing lush greenery with splendid views of the coastline. Both the Myrtle Beach State Park and Myrtle Beach KOA are pristine winter camping locations in the Myrtle Beach. The Myrtle Beach KOA, which is often regarded as the capital of vacationers, was founded more than 40 years ago.

 Leisure Activity:

• A person can go fishing with a rented fishing rod from the Myrtle Beach pier for king mackerel, flounder, and trout, among others.
• Other facilities include a picnic area, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
• Get engaged with nature at the Nature Center.
• One can visit the beach for collecting aquatic creatures like shells, and even sharks’ teeth.
• Again, a walk on the Sculptured Oak Nature Trail is recommended.
• Fun exercises are Kamp K9, Splash Pad, Big Bouncer, Climbing Wall, Hay Wagon Ride, as offered at Myrtle Beach KOA.
• Moreover, NASCAR Speedpark exhibiting the high-adrenaline sports car racing can be visited.

 Camping Details:

• Besides, camping sites, six beachfront, or coastal camping cabins can be rented out for lodging. 
• RV campgrounds provide complimentary Wi-Fi to the holidaymakers.
• Campsites allow RV and tent camping.

12. Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet

This is located in the beautiful state park of Huntington Beach, known across the East Coast as a prime surf fishing destination. Campers can always use complimentary Wi-Fi facilities.

Leisure Activity:

• Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of Atalaya, a National Historic Landmark of a Spanish styled winter home of a noted sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington.
• Early risers can view a breathtaking sunrise on the three-mile-long beach, other than exploring the jetty for a walk or swim, or some fishing activities.
• One can even wander along the park’s boardwalk to observe different species of fauna in the marshy habitats.
• Walk to an ecologist and learn about the wildlife from the Coastal Exploration Program.
• Moreover, art followers can also take part in the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival held every year in September.

Camping Details:

• There are 3 primitive group area.
• Discounted rates are offered for seasons of lower demand.
• All camping sites have their complimentary Wi-Fi services.

13. Lake Greenwood State Park, Ninety Six

This park is regionally known as the hosting place for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers Triathlon, held each June annually. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the annual South Carolina bass fishing competition. 

Leisure Activity:

• Explore the CCC or the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum located in the Drummond Center to witness the classic architecture.
• They can also actively take part in geocaches, outdoor recreational activities in the park.
• One can again watch wisteria to blossom in the early spring, generally in March or April.
• Other historic structures to check out is the Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site. The nearby Hunting Island State Park featuring a famous lighthouse also happens to be one of the best RV campgrounds. 
• Trippers can use the boat ramps for some enjoyable boating excursions at the 11,400 acres Lake Greenwood.

Camping Details:

• The primitive group area has the capacity for organizing groups of up to 50 persons. 
• Both tent and RV camping are allowed inside the park.
• 125 campsites are available with separate electric, water, and a picnic table facility. The rent for the site is about $24 per night based on seasonal demands.

14. Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Sunset

Excursionist gets to watch the most stupendous view of the Blue Ridge Mountains form this location. Besides, there is the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center, displaying information to serve as an entrance to the Jocassee Gorges.

Leisure Activity:

• The tourer can take a boat or canoe, or kayak to roam around the Lake Keowee. They can also explore a point at Eastatoe Creek.
• One can spend some time in Lake Keowee’s fully furnished three-bedroom cabin, which has a private boat deck.
• You may hike at The Natural Bridge and Raven Rock tracks especially in the spring season, to witness the floral beauty of wildflowers like orchids, trout lilies, trilliums, and many more.
• Travelers can stay in the night camp, situated on the Lake Keowee, near the Raven Rock hiking trail.
• For fishing, one has to do a half-mile trek towards the lake, where they can fish for catfish, bream, bass, and crappie. 
• A gift shop is there in the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center.
• Swimming can also be done in the lake at one’s own risk as no lifeguards are available.

Camping Details:

• 14 tent camping sites and 10 more sites for RVs are available.
• Backwood camping is permitted at three sites near the lake shores for the trailside camping
• Primitive group area camping is available for organized groups at one site near the lake shores.

15. Oconee State Park, Mountain Rest

This park is the ultimate getaway for vacationers to engage in camping, fishing, hiking, boating, among other relaxing activities. Travelers can find many nature tracks along the foothills area on their way to hike on the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This campground is the popular spot for nostalgic family campers engaging in events like square dancing on Friday nights during the 4th of July festivals or the summer season. There are several other campgrounds in this mountain area.   

Leisure Activity:

• An 18-hole mini-golf course is there for all amateur golfers at about $2 per game in the campground.
• The tourers can engage in fishing to catch trouts, catfish, bream, and bass in 20-acre and 12-acre lakes inside the park. Visitors must be at least 16 years of age for renting.
• One can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and boating in the lakes.

Camping Details:

• 139 official camping sites with separate water and electrical points are available at the campground. Additionally, 15 tent sites and 19 old cabins are given for rent to the excursionists. 
• Primitive group camping reservations are made with specified rates. Approximate rates are for groups up to 10 people at around $32/night; 11-20 people at about $42/night; 21-30 people at around $52/night; and more than 31 people at about $62/night.

16. Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach

Built-in the 1970s with just 30 camping sites and only one bathhouse, it is presently one of the largest and the best camping sites in the entire United States. There are around 859 camping sites over the whole 310 acres of the campground, located just one mile from the ocean shore. It has become the most popular destination for the entire family throughout the year. The camping hotspot of the entire country is the ARVC’s 6 Time Winner “RV Park of the Year” in the Mega Park category competitions. 

Leisure Activity:

• Trippers can participate in special events like the Bluegrass Weekend, Beach n’ Boogie Weekend, Super Savers Weekend, Quilt Gala, Polar Bear Plunge, 3 Halloween Weekends, Salute to the Troops, among other popular programs.
• Billabong Surf camps are held in each season for surfing training.
• Oceanfront outdoor gaming sites like volleyball, basketball, beach swimming are some ordinary pursuits undertaken by the holiday-makers. 
• One can also rent a bicycle to explore the surroundings at the Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center.
• Besides, visitors can play golf at the Sandy Harbor Mini-Golf, which is an 18-hole course with specified fees.
• Again, one can soak into a water pool with super soaker water guns at the Sandy Harbor Splash Zone for some exhilarating water fun.

Camping Details:

• Camping rates are around $33-$84, depending on the season.
• Weekly discounts are given to visitors of about $1 per night if they stay for a minimum period of 7 nights.
• Express check-in features are there, in which case 2 weeks prior appointment is needed before the visitor’s arrival date in the camp. 
• The campsite has more than 300 rental units offered in different price ranges, depending on the size, location, and amenities provided. 

17. Camp Lake Jasper RV Resort, Hardeeville

The Camp Lake Jasper RV park resort at Hardeeville serves as the entrance to the Hilton Head Island. It is close to the Hilton Head, and the historic towns of Beaufort and Savannah. This resort is specialized to be used as an RV campground. 

Leisure Activity:

• Trippers can play on the testing disc golf course. 
• They can get involved in hiking, paddle boating, or just chilling in the night by the campfire.  
• Tourists can engage in swimming at the lakeside center.
• Fishing docks are provided at the Eagle Scout Island. 
• Kayaks and canoes are available on a rental basis. 

Camping Details:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi provided in each camping cabin. 
• The campground allows RV and boat storage facilities.
• Cabins are fully operational with separate electrical, water points, and picnic tables.

Besides, these campgrounds mentioned above, some great campsites can be the Camp Pedro Campground at Hamer, convenient for its interstate location. Among others is the Caesars Head State Park, where various backpack camping sites are provided in the entire stretch of the park. One can also choose the Pinnacle Pass Loop, which offers a 10-mile exploration of the park. All the sites mentioned above are pet-friendly.