15 Best Places for Camping on Beach in South Carolina

If you’re looking for a unique camping experience, why not try these 15 best-sorted places for camping on the Beach in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a state blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from its majestic mountains to its pristine beaches.

Coastal Camping
Coastal Camping, Photo Source: Canva

And with good reason – the state develops its beautiful coastline to boast camping grounds, cabins, RV parks, tent sites, and more.

So, if you’re someone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, then South Carolina’s beach camping is definitely for you.

Related: Best Beaches in Florida for Couples

15 Best Places for Camping on Beach in South Carolina

South Carolina has no shortage of stunning beaches, and there are plenty of great camping spots located right on the water.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and secluded spot to set up camp or a more lively spot where you can enjoy some beach activities, you’re sure to find the perfect place in South Carolina.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your tent and your camping gear and head on down to one of these 15 great beach camping spots in South Carolina!

Hunting Island State Park

Located just offshore from the historic city of Beaufort, Hunting Island State Park is one of the most popular beach camping destinations in South Carolina.

The park offers 5 miles of sandy beaches, as well as a salt marsh. You definitely love its wide variety of flora and fauna.

There are over 100 campsites available at Hunting Island State Park with amenities like:

  • Electrical hookups
  • Water
  • Showers
  • Restroom facilities
  • Beach walkways
  • Playground

All of the suites offer stunning views of the ocean. Some of the campsites are also situated close to the beach, making it easy to enjoy a swim or sunbathe during your stay.

If you are looking for a more adventurous camping experience, you can try primitive camping on one of the undeveloped islands in the park. These islands are only accessible by boat, so make sure to bring your own kayak or canoe.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled camping trip, Hunting Island State Park is undoubtedly a perfect destination for you.

Myrtle Beach Travel Park

The park offers oceanfront camping for your whole family and is just a short walk from the beach.

The campsites at Myrtle Beach Travel Park are well-maintained and offer all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

A half-mile of sunkissed Atlantic beach, several hiking trails, a private lake, a fishing pier, and nature walks warmly welcome you.

There is something for everyone at this park from pool parties, live bands, musical concerts, fishing tournaments, and aqua fitness classes to their classic outdoor-themed family fun nights.

Some of the main attractions are its more than 100 championship golf courses, historic attractions, water parks, and theaters.

Even your pets can enjoy it, too.

If you are looking for a place to camp that is close to all of the action, Myrtle Beach State Park is the perfect place for you.

Some of the facilities included:

  • Full hookups
  • Wifi access
  • A dump station
  • A laundromat
  • An on-site “Kayak Shack” for kayak rentals
  • Restrooms
  • Showers

The park is located just minutes from all of the shopping, dining, and entertainment that Myrtle Beach has to offer. Myrtle Beach State Park is open year-round, so you can enjoy camping here no matter what time of year it is.


Edisto Beach State Park

If you love the beach but don’t want to deal with the crowds, then Edisto Beach State Park is definitely for you.

This state park is located on Edisto Island and offers visitors a chance to enjoy miles of virgin beaches.

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at Edisto Beach State Park. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can also go fishing, kayaking, or hiking. The beach is also great for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views.

The park gives you an opportunity to enjoy marshes, forests, and the ocean at once. Birdwatching and the park’s nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles are worth watching for nature lovers.

Looking for a place to camp? There are two campgrounds located within the state park. Both campgrounds have sites that are close to the beach so you can wake up each morning and enjoy the sound of the waves crashing against the shore.

Camping amenities are:

  • Full hookups
  • Restrooms with hot showers
  • A dump station
  • Boat ramp
  • Free Wi-Fi near the park office
  • Walking/biking trails

So, Edisto Beach State Park nestles a camping ground for those who want to get away from all the hustle and bustle to enjoy some time in nature.


Isle of Palms County Park

Isle of Palms County Park is a beautiful beachfront park. It offers a wide range of activities for campers, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.

There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the local wildlife. The Isle of Palms is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

The campsites at Isle of Palms County Park are well-equipped and include:

  • Electrical hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Picnic tables
  • Restrooms
  • Showers


Awendaw Passage/Capers Island Heritage Preserve

The preserve offers over 3 miles of pristine beaches for camping, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

The Awendaw Passage/Capers Island Heritage Preserve is located just a short drive from Charleston, making it a great option for those looking to escape the city for a weekend.

It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, loggerhead turtles, and ospreys.

Amenities at this campground include:

  • Flush toilets
  • Potable water
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills

WillowTree RV Resort

The resort is a paradise for aqua-lovers because it has direct access to the beach, as well as a pool, hot tub, freshwater lake, game room, fitness center, and playground.

The RV sites at WillowTree RV Resort are spacious, comfortable, and well-maintained. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they go out of their way to make sure guests have a pleasant stay.

Basic camping amenities are:

  • Full hookups
  • Climate-controlled bathrooms with showers
  • A laundromat

There are also a number of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Overall, WillowTree RV Resort is an excellent choice for camping on the beach in South Carolina. The resort has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Calhoun Falls State Park

With 86 campsites for walk-in campers and RVs, the park offers beautiful views of Lake Hartwell.

There are a number of activities to keep the campers entertained i.e. hiking trails, a swimming beach, fishing, bird-watching, horseback riding opportunities, and a boat ramp.

Campers can also rent kayaks and paddleboards.

The campgrounds at Calhoun Falls State Park are well-maintained and offer plenty of amenities:

  • Showers
  • Flush toilets
  • A dump station
  • Water and electric hookups
  • Cable TV hookups

Calhoun Falls State Park is a great place to camp if you want to be close to the beach but still have access to all the amenities of a state park.

Hampton Plantation State Historic Site

The plantation is located on the Isle of Palms, and it offers stunning views of the ocean.

Some of the camper’s activities are hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. There is also a playground for children.

The plantation has a total of 30 campsites, all of which are located in close proximity to the beach. Campers can enjoy a variety of amenities, including showers, restrooms, and a picnic area.

Reservations are required for camping at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site.

However, campers can also choose to stay in one of the plantation’s vacation rentals. These rentals include cottages, apartments, and even a treehouse.

James Island County Park Campground & Cottages

The campground is regarded as the #1 Best Value of 10 Camping in Coastal South Carolina by Tripadvisor. Located on James Island, it is just a short drive from downtown Charleston.

The campground offers campsites with water and electric hookups and a few primitive campsites. There are also several bathhouses located throughout the campground.

James Island County Park Campground has a playground, a fishing pier, a splash zone waterpark, and a boat ramp. Some of the popular activities are walking, biking, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Within this private sanctuary, you can explore the Lowcountry and Historic Charleston in its full glory. This location offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24-hour seating, and a full-service campground store. Specific sites are wheelchair-accessible.

The campground is open year-round and reservations can be made up to six months in advance.

Huntington Beach State Park

Known as one of the most identifiable landmarks in South Carolina, Huntington Beach State Park nestles some of the most picturesque camping sites.

Here, campers have access to toilets, hot showers, Wi-Fi access, electrical hookups, and water hookups. Nature-worshippers will definitely enjoy walking along the causeway where they will find various animals such as alligators and birds who call it their home.

Besides enjoying camping, history lovers can also explore a famous National historic site – the Atalaya Castle. Here, they can learn about the 20th-century artist Anna Hyatt Huntington.

Explorers can opt for a Coastal Exploration Program with a naturalist to learn more about wildlife and marine life.

Still, want more? Active campers will enjoy saltwater and freshwater fishing, swimming, boating, geocaching, birdwatching, and also picnicking with their loved ones. 

Yemassee KOA Journey

Yemassee KOA Journey is an award-winning campsite in South Carolina that is best for both walk-in campers with tents and RVs.

The campground is located on the banks of the Ashepoo River, just a short drive from Beaufort, and is open all year round.

The campsite offers an exquisite deluxe cabin, which gives you a luxe feel with a full bath, kitchenette, linens, digital cable, and Wi-Fi. Thus, a good choice to stay for a one-night romantic getaway or for the whole family holiday season (if your budget allows).

Campers can enjoy walking, swimming, and gem mining. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby.

The campsites at Yemassee KOA Journey are well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. There are also clean bathrooms and showers available.

Twin Lakes

If you’re looking for an unforgettable camping experience, look no further than Twin Lakes in South Carolina which is known as the state’s most famous and biggest recreational area.

Home of overall 102 campsites, with 89 right up to the beach to enjoy stunning views of the lake and enchanting woods while relaxing at your campsite.

Twin Lakes offers playgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, and boat ramps. You can go swimming, build sandcastles on the beach, or go fishing off the pier.

Basic facilities are:

  • Flush toilets
  • Drinking water
  • Showers
  • Water hookups
  • Electric hookups

When night falls, you can sit around the campfire and enjoy the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. You’ll also be able to see the stars shining bright overhead.

These backdrops are enough to make Twin Lakes one of the most romantic places for camping on the beach in South Carolina! So why not give it a try? You’re sure to have an amazing time.

Lake Greenwood State Park

If you are a sun-worshipper, Lake Greenwood State Park gives you an amazing opportunity to go behind the Drummond Center early morning and admire the scenic sunrise over the magical Lake.

Catch the panoramic view from the iconic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-built terraces. The misty lake and the chirping of the numerous Carolina wrens will make it more mystical.

Lake Greenwood State Park has a camping area that has easy access to Lake Greenwood. There are 125 paved sites for entertaining both RVs and tents. Some even facilitate RVs up to 40 feet.

Campsites come with water hookups, electrical hookups, picnic tables, hot showers, and restrooms.

Undoubtedly, it is fishing heaven for foodie campers. Some popular species include bass, catfish, crappie, bream, perch, and stripers. However, you need first to have a valid South Carolina fishing license.

You can also go boating at any of the two boat ramps that provide private boat access to Lake Greenwood. Some other nature-loving activities are year-round bird-watching, geocaching, hiking, and walking on a 0.8-mile nature trail.

Table Rock State Park

The park offers 94 campsites that are perfect for tents, RVs, or even primitive camping. There are also several cabins and lodge rooms available for rent.

Table Rock State Park is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of South Carolina. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red-tailed hawks. There are also a number of hiking trails that wind through the park.

The campsites at Table Rock State Park offer stunning views of Table Rock Mountain which makes it one of the most scenic places for camping on the beach in South Carolina.

The mountain is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the state. It offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. The majestic mountain backdrop

Besides the majestic mountain views, you can choose fishing, boating, kayaking, or canoeing at Lake Oolenoy and Pinnacle Lake.

Some of the key amenities available here are picnic tables, water hookups, electrical hookups, restrooms, and showers.

Springfield Campground

Springfield Campground is located on the shores of Hartwell Lake, which is one of the most popular recreational areas in South Carolina. If you want to enjoy South Carolina and Georgia in one go, this lake will definitely entertain you with 962-mile-long shoreline that meets both South Carolina and Georgia.

Along with camping, visitors are invited to explore the shores where they can enjoy watching peregrine falcons, waterfowl, and bald eagles.

Camping at the forested lakeshore surrounded by swaying pine trees is perfect for honeymoon couples.

Some popular things to do are canoeing, motorboating, sailing, and swimming. Fishing catfish and largemouth bass can also be fun.

Quick Tips for Beach Camping in South Carolina

Beach camping can be a great experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it goes smoothly.

Camping
Camping, Photo Source: Canva
  • Avoid the water’s edge for camping. This will help protect you from high tides and strong waves.
  • Check what services or amenities are available at the campsite, beforehand. So that you can be fully prepared.
  • Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent. The sun can be very strong at the beach, and there are usually plenty of mosquitoes around.
  • Also, it’s good to bring supplies for taking back your trash with you if the camping ground doesn’t offer trash services.
  • It can be difficult to find restaurants near the beach, so it’s important to have your own food and drinks with you.
  • Keep a first-aid kit with you in case someone gets injured.

Final Words

There you have it – the 15 best places for camping on the beach in South Carolina. So what are you waiting for? Get packing and head on out to enjoy some fun in the sun. We’re sure you’ll have a blast at any one of these beautiful locations.