The southeastern U.S. state of South Carolina offers beautiful beaches, pristine golf courses, historical sites and cities, and exceptional cuisine. Steeped in history, South Carolina is home to the picturesque town of Charleston, Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War rang out in 1861, and the Burt-Stark Mansion in Abbeville where Confederate President Jefferson Davis conceded defeat.
South Carolina also boasts over 180 miles of picture-perfect coastline, spectacular beaches, and family-friendly beachfront resorts, as well as many state parks and recreational areas that offer an array of outdoor activities and adventures. Pack your tent or jump into your RV and start exploring this amazing state.
The state of South Carolina is steeped in history and home to some of the country’s most historical sites and cities, beautiful beaches, and charming towns.
Barnwell State Park
Barnwell State Park is located near the town of Blackville in Barnwell County and is a favorite spot among the community for a family-friendly getaway. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities from hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking to water-based fun on a small lake in the park, such as non-motorized boating, fishing, and kayaking.
The Barnwell State Park Campground has sites for tents and RVs with electricity and water hookups, a dump station, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and comfort stations with hot showers, toilets, and drinking water. The park offers complimentary wireless Internet and has a children’s playground.
223 State Park Rd, Blackville, SC 29817, United States, Phone: +1 803-284-2212
Nestled near the town of Blackville in Barnwell County, Barnwell State Park is a family-friendly campground built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that offers a variety of outdoor activities from water-based fun on a small lake in the park to hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. Barnwell State Park, South Carolina by Evanoco / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Coneross Campground
Set on the shores of the man-made Hartwell Lake, which is fed by the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers, Coneross Campground is one of eight campgrounds in the area operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The moderately sloping, heavily wooded campground is spread over 136 acres and offers 106 public use campsites, 94 of which have full water and electric hookups, while 12 are primitive pad-only sites. Amenities in the campground include comfort stations with showers, drinking water and flushing toilets, dump stations, a boat ramp and a courtesy dock, four children’s playgrounds, and ample parking.
The campground has two safe swimming beaches, and activities range from hiking, mountain biking, and boating to fishing, canoeing, and sailing.
699 Coneross Park Rd, Townville, SC 29689, United States, Phone: +1 888-893-0678
Coneross Campground rests on the shores of the man-made Hartwell Lake and is a great spot for camping if you love the water. The lake offers a variety of fun, water-based activities to enjoy like swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, and sailing. Lake Hartwell, Twelve Mile by Martin LaBar / Flickr / CC BY-NC 2.0.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is a 26,276-acre national park in central South Carolina that is home to the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States. The park has two campgrounds – Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds – which are situated in the upland region of Congaree National Park.
The campgrounds cater to primitive camping with tents only, and sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets (only at the Longleaf Campground). The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has 24-hour water filling stations, and the campgrounds are nestled in a spectacular wooded setting surrounded by pine forests.
Activities in the region include hiking, mountain biking, special ranger-led programs, canoeing, and kayaking on one of the rivers.
100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, United States
Home to some of the largest tracts of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the US, Congaree National Park is a perfect spot for hiking, mountain biking, and taking part in range-led programs. Congaree National Park, South Carolina by Runner1928 / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Devils Fork State Park
Resting on the shores of the 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee at the eastern edge of the Sumter National Forest in northwestern South Carolina, Devils Fork State Park is a pristine wilderness that offers hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and camping.
The park has two campgrounds located near the shores of Lake Jocassee that offer standard sites with electricity and water and one 12′ by 12′ tent pad, as well as picnic tables and fire rings. Walk-in campsites designated for tent camping only are available a short walk from a central parking area and have 25 elevated tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings. Laundry facilities are also available.
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, United States, Phone: +1 864-944-2639
Devils Fork State Park is set on the shores of Lake Jocassee and is surrounded by the Sumter National Forest, making it an ideal place to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. Devils Fork State Park, South Carolina by Mwanner / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Ebenezer Park
Located on the picturesque southern shores of the 12,400 acres of Lake Wylie in Rock Hill, Ebenezer Park offers a family-friendly getaway with plenty of outdoor and recreational activities to enjoy.
The park has a campground with 69 fully equipped sites with water, sewer, and electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and access to a dump station. Lake Wylie offers world-class fishing, along with pleasure boating, swimming, and canoeing, and the surrounding shoreline is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, volleyball, and basketball.
Nearby attractions include the Catawba Indian Cultural Center, Carowinds Theme Park, Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour, and Mr. Putty’s Fun Park.
4490 Boatshore Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732, United States, Phone: +1 803-366-6620
Located on the shores of Lake Wylie in Rock Hill, Ebenezer Park is a lovely RV campground with full facilities and a range of outdoor and recreational activities to enjoy.
Edisto Beach State Park
Home to Carolina’s longest system of hiking and biking trails, Edisto Beach State Park is a fantastic family-friendly place to soak up the beauty of South Carolina’s southern coast.
Located near the town of Edisto Beach in Colleton County, the oceanfront state park features campsites for tents and RVs nestled along the shaded maritime forest or set along Edisto Island’s waterfront, as well as rustic furnished cabins in the woods.
Campsites have water, sewer, and electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and access to comfort stations with hot showers, flushing toilets, and drinking water. Activities in the area include excellent fishing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, United States, Phone: +1 843-869-2156
Based near Edisto Beach in Colleton County, Edisto Beach State Park has some incredible hiking and biking trails and is a great place to set up camp and enjoy the beauty of South Carolina’s southern coast. Sunrise at Edisto Beach State Park by Sara Dean / WikiCommons / CC BY 2.0.
Hamilton Branch State Park
Hamilton Branch State Park is spread over a 731-acre peninsula in Lake Strom Thurmond near the town of Plum Branch in McCormick County.
The park has a campground with 150 spacious, lakefront camping sites with beautiful views for both tents and RVs with water, sewer and electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and access to eight comfort stations with hot showers, flushing toilets, and drinking water.
Two dump stations are available for RVs, and activities in the area range from water-based fun such as boating, fishing, swimming, and canoeing, as well to hiking and biking trails such as the 12-mile Stevens Creek Bike Trail.
111 Campground Rd, Plum Branch, SC 29845, United States, Phone: +1 864-333-2223
Set on the banks of Lake Strom Thurmond in McCormick County, Hamilton Branch State Park RV park has picturesque lakefront camping sites with beautiful views and offers a variety of water activities such as boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Strom Thurmond Lake by Mark Bonica / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
High Falls County Park
Set along the shores of Lake Keowee in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, High Falls County Park is a 46-acre park with a family-friendly campground, a fishing pier, a mini-golf course, and several sports courts.
The campground has 91 campsites with ten waterfront sites, all of which have water, sewer, and electric hookups, picnic tables, fire pits and grills, and access to comfort stations with hot showers, flushing toilets, and drinking water.
A dump station is located outside the park entrance, and three pavilions can be rented for special events, while other day-use facilities in the park include picnic tables with charcoal grills, a fishing pier, and two boat ramps, and a playground. The 18,000-acre Lake Keowee offers an array of activities such as fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC 29672, United States, Phone: +1 864-882-8234
Surrounded by the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, High Falls County Park is nestled on the shores of Lake Keowee and boasts a peaceful RV park with waterfront sites, full facilities, and plenty of recreational activities to enjoy from hiking to swimming. High Falls by Kerry Sanders / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Huntington Beach State Park
The coastal park of Huntington Beach State Park boasts beautiful beaches, wetlands, and riparian habitats that teem with marine life.
The park is home to famous landmarks such as the spectacular Grand Strand Beach, the picturesque, Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, after which the park is named, and the Brookgreen Gardens.
Huntington Beach State Park Campground offers sites for tents and RVs with water, sewerage, and electrical hookups, picnic tables with charcoal grills, and easy access to restrooms with flushing toilets, drinking water, and hot showers. Several nature trails like the Kerrigan Nature Trail and the Sandpiper Pond Nature Trail have viewing decks where visitors can learn about the local fauna and flora.
16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, United States, Phone: +1 843-237-4440
Huntington Beach State Park is a beautiful coastal reserve that features several famous landmarks, including the Brookgreen Gardens, the winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, and the spectacular Grand Strand Beach. The park also teems with marine life and makes for excellent wildlife watching. Huntington Beach State Park by Mega Hammond / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 2.0.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Keowee-Toxaway State Park rests along the shores of Lake Keowee in Pickens County with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The park has a sizable family-friendly campground with a designated tent area featuring 14 sites with individual tent pads, fire rings, and central water, and ten paved RV sites with individual water and electrical hookups. The campground has easy access to restrooms with flushing toilets, drinking water, and hot showers, and there is a three-bedroom cabin with modern conveniences and a private dock.
The park is home to the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center, which offers a wealth of information about the Jocassee Gorges, and the Keowee-Toxaway Museum which documents the history of the Cherokee Indians and their interactions with local settlers through a range of informative exhibits.
108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, United States, Phone: +1 864-868-2605
Set on the shores of Lake Keowee in Pickens County and surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Keowee-Toxaway State Park is home to a family-friendly RV park and campground with full facilities and a visitor center. Keowee Toxaway State Park by DXR / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Lake Hartwell State Park
Formerly known as Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area, Lake Hartwell State Park is located near the community of Fair Play in Oconee County and is home to the 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell, which offers an array of water-based activities.
The park has a campground with easy access to the shoreline of Lake Hartwell and 115 paved sites for tents and RVs with individual water and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables, firepits, and comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water. The park also offers unique, single-room camper cabins for guests without camping gear.
Activities in the area include pleasure boating, fishing for striped and hybrid bass, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
19138 SC-11, Fair Play, SC 29643, United States, Phone: +1 864-972-3352
Lake Hartwell State Park is set around Lake Hartwell and has lovely, shaded RV sites overlooking the water. The park is ideally located for enjoying a range of water-based sports on the lake such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and swimming. Hartwell Dam and Lake by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Lake Wateree State Park
Located on Desportes Island, Lake Wateree State Park is home to one of South Carolina’s most beautiful lakes, which is stocked with a variety of fish and offers excellent angling.
The park’s campground offers 72 sites, some of which can accommodate large RVs and all with full individual electricity and water hookups. Campsites also have picnic tables, fire pits, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
Other campground amenities include a children’s playground and a mile-long nature trail that winds through the tranquil surrounding woods where campers can soak up the natural beauty of the area.
881 State Park Rd, Winnsboro, SC 29180, United States, Phone: +1 803-482-6401
Set on the island of Desportes off the coast of South Carolina, Lake Wateree State Park is a fantastic place for camping if you love water-based activities like angling, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Desportes Island by Hunter Desportes / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Longleaf Campground
Longleaf Campground is based within the upland region of Congaree National Park, which is a 26,276-acre national park in central South Carolina and home to the largest tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States.
The campground caters to primitive camping with tents only, and sites have picnic tables, fire rings, and vaults. The Harry Hampton Visitor Center has 24-hour water filling stations, and the campgrounds are nestled in a spectacular wooded setting surrounded by pine forests.
Activities in the region include hiking, mountain biking, special ranger-led programs, canoeing, and kayaking on one of the rivers.
Hopkins, SC 29061, United States, Phone: +1 803-776-4396
Set within the upper regions of the magnificent Congaree National Park, Longleaf Campground is a simple spot to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forest and enjoy some hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing. Congaree National Park by Will Thomas / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Modoc Campground
Modoc Campground is set on the shores of the 70,000-acre J. Strom Thurmond Lake, which boasts over a thousand miles of shoreline and offers an array of water- and land-based activities. Located five miles from the Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam, the campground is set across two peninsulas and features 68 sites with electrical and water hookups, and one primitive site.
Each peninsula has amenities such as hot showers, flushing and vault toilets, drinking water, laundry facilities, and a dump station, as well as a playground, a boat ramp, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the lake. Recreational activities in the park include pleasure boating, world-class fishing, picnicking, swimming, water skiing, and wildlife watching.
296 Modoc Camp Rd, Modoc, SC 29838, United States, Phone: +1 864-333-2272
Set on the banks of the J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Modoc Campground is a family-friendly campground based across two peninsulas and offers a variety of recreational activities such as pleasure boating, picnicking, and world-class fishing, swimming, water skiing, and wildlife watching.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Located in the heart of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach State Park is a small state park along the South Carolina coast that stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and features several miles of pristine forest.
The 312-acre oceanfront park features saltwater aquariums, interactive natural history displays, and live animal exhibits and plays a significant role in preserving the natural heritage of South Carolina’s coastline.
Myrtle Beach State Park Campground has 302 sites for tents and RVs full of individual electricity and water hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water. Campsites are shaded in a forest of pine trees and is a short walk from the beach.
4401 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575, United States, Phone: +1 843-238-5325
Myrtle Beach State Park is a small state park in the heart of the Grand Strand along the South Carolina coast that features several miles of pristine forest and an oceanfront park with natural history displays, saltwater aquariums, and live animal exhibits. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier by Colette Eshleman / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Oconee Point Campground
Nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Oconee State Park is a tranquil mountain retreat with comfortable camping sites, rustic cabins, and several picturesque hiking trails. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, Oconee Point Campground is one of the eight campgrounds in Lake Hartwell State Park. T
The 70-acre campground features 70 campsites with full water and electric hookups, comfort stations with showers, drinking water and toilets, and a dump station, and other amenities include a boat ramp with a courtesy dock, and two children’s playgrounds, and a lovely beach with safe swimming.
Activities in the area include pleasure boating, world-class fishing for striped and hybrid bass, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
200 Oconee Point Rd, Seneca, SC 29678, United States, Phone: +1 888-893-0678
Oconee State Park is a tranquil mountain retreat nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with full facilities and other amenities such as a boat ramp with a courtesy dock, a lovely beach, and two children’s playgrounds. Lake in Oconee State Park by Dallas Epperson / WikiCommon / CC BY-SA 3.0.
Paynes Creek Campground
Paynes Creek Campground is one of the eight campgrounds in the Lake Hartwell State Park, which boasts 962 miles of shoreline and offers a variety of outdoor activities ranging from boating and fishing to canoeing and swimming.
The sloping 399-acre site is shaded by hardwoods and pine trees and features 44 campsites with full water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, firepits, and comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
Other amenities include a boat ramp with a courtesy dock, two children’s playgrounds, two designated swimming areas, and a nine-mile multi-purpose trail, and activities in the area include pleasure boating, and world-class fishing for striped and hybrid bass, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Paynes Creek Campground Rd, Hartwell, GA 30643, United States, Phone: +1 888-893-0678
The Hartwell Dam and Lake provides a wealth of recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Hartwell Dam and Lake by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Mile Creek Park
Located on the banks of the beautiful Lake Keowee in the foothills of Pickens County, Mile Creek Park offers a variety of overnight accommodations ranging from tent and RV camping to rustic lakefront cabins.
The campground offers 69 campsites with full water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, firepits, and comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water. Ten rustic, fully-equipped cabins are situated on the lake’s shoreline and have full kitchens, electricity, drinking water, and stunning lake views.
Two dump stations are located in the campground, and outdoor recreational activities in the area include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, pleasure boating, fishing, swimming, and canoeing.
757 Keowee Baptist Church Rd, Six Mile, SC 29682, United States, Phone: +1 864-868-2196
Mile Creek Park is set along the banks of the pristine Lake Keowee in the foothills of Pickens County and offers a range of camping and accommodations, as well as full facilities and recreational activities. Lake Keowee by DXR / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 4.0.
Sand Hills State Forest – Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area
Home to 46,000 acres of magnificent forests and woodland areas, Sandhills State Forest and the Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area offer several campgrounds, day-use picnic shelters, a myriad of hiking, horseback, and mountain biking trails, and a fishing lake.
Sugarloaf Mountain Campground has campsites with full water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, firepits, and comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water. The surrounding 1,123-acre Sand Hills State Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, bird watching, and nature and wildflower walks.
16218 US-1, Patrick, SC 29584, United States, Phone: +1 843-498-6478
There are campgrounds and RV parks in the Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area and Sandhills State Forest and plenty of things to do like hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, bird watching, and nature and wildflower walks. Sugarloaf Mountain Recreation Area by Tom Walsh / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 2.5.
Sesquicentennial State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park, fondly called ‘Sesqui’ by locals, is a 1,419-acre park in the Sandhills region that features a beautiful 30-acre lake surrounded by picturesque picnic areas and several hiking trails.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the park features 84 sites with individual water and electrical hookups, including 14 pull-through sites, four sites with tent pads and sandy surfaces, campfire rings with grills, lantern hooks, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
The park has a retreat center complete with dormitory-style accommodations and a kitchen for group gatherings, and amenities include kayak and canoe rentals, two nature trails, a six-mile cycling loop, and world-class fishing.
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223, United States, Phone: +1 803-788-2706
Fondly called ‘Sesqui’ by locals, Sesquicentennial State Park features a beautiful lake surrounded by picturesque picnic areas and several hiking trails. Sesquicentennial State Park by Joey Glockner / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 3.0.
South Cove County Park
Resting on the shoreline of the 18,500-acre Lake Keowee, South Cove County Park is a lovely recreational area that offers a wide variety of recreational activities from camping and picnicking to hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
The South Cove County Park Campground is set on a 15-acre peninsula and features 86 campsites with individual water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
A dump station is located near the entrance of the park, and activities in the park include pleasure boating, fishing, sailing, water-skiing tennis, basketball, and swimming.
1099 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC 29672, United States, Phone: +1 864-882-5250
South Cove County Park is a lovely recreational area on the shores of Lake Keowee that offers a wide variety of recreational activities from hiking, fishing, and canoeing to picnicking. South Cove Pier in the South Cove County Park by Let Ideas Compete / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Springfield Campground
Located on the banks of the man-made Hartwell Lake, Springfield Campground is one of Hartwell’s most popular camping destinations.
Boasting over 60 acres of beautiful landscapes composed of mixed hardwoods and Virginia pine, the campground has 79 campsites with full water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
A dump station is located near the entrance of the park, and activities in the park include pleasure boating, fishing, sailing and water-skiing, canoeing, and motor-boating.
1915 Providence Church Rd, Anderson, SC 29626, United States, Phone: +1 888-893-0678
Hartwell Dam and Lake by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Table Rock State Park
Centered around the towering mountain Table Rock, after which the park is named, Table Rock State Park is a 3,083-acre park at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County that offers numerous camping facilities with tent and RV sites and rustic overnight cabins.
The campground features 94 standard campsites for tent or RV camping with full water and electricity hookups, picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, and access to comfort stations with showers, toilets, and drinking water.
The park also has 14 renovated cabins with comfortable furnishings, and amenities and activities in the park include picnic shelters, and several hiking and mountain trails, including the 80-mile Foothills Trail.
158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, United States, Phone: +1 864-878-9813, http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/tablerock/introduction.aspx
Table Rock State Park is named after the towering mountain Table Rock which is based at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in northern Pickens County. Table Rock State Park by TiffyBeth (talk) / WikiCommons / CC BY-SA 1.0.
Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Twin Lakes Recreation Area is a 152-acre site that features one of the eight campgrounds in the Lake Hartwell State Park.
The Twin Lakes campground features 102 campsites with full water and electric hookups, comfort stations with showers, drinking water and toilets, and two dump stations, and other amenities include a lovely beach with safe swimming, numerous picnic shelters with water and electricity, a two-lane boat ramp, and a children’s playground.
Activities in the area include pleasure boating, world-class fishing for striped and hybrid bass, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
140 Winnebago Trl, Pendleton, SC 29670-9526, https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232727
Twin Lakes Recreation Area by Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington / Flickr / CC BY 2.0.
Jill Miller is the founder of Your RV Lifestyle. Trading corporate America for the open road, Jill, along with her partner Jose, began their RV journey, making an unconventional start by wintering in New Jersey. A natural adventurer, she was motivated by a desire to explore the USA and beyond, embracing the varied landscapes, communities, and cultures across the country.
For Jill, the allure of RV living was not about material accumulation, but rather the pursuit of an adventurous, fulfilling lifestyle. A lover of golf, bicycling, hiking, and line dancing, she has carried her passions across the country, engaging with them in diverse settings. Jill’s commitment to the RV lifestyle came after years of careful research, numerous consultations with RV owners, and personal trials, including living in a rental RV.