Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in South Carolina (With Travel Guide)

South Carolina, known as the "Palmetto State," is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who love sandy beaches, historic plantations, lush forests, and southern charm. From the sun-soaked shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the mysterious swamps of the Lowcountry, South Carolina offers a diverse range of camping experiences that cater to beach lovers, hikers, anglers, and nature explorers.

Whether you're seeking oceanfront camping, mountain retreats, or swamp adventures, South Carolina's 10 best camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences in some of the most beautiful and historically rich natural settings in the Southeast.

Below are the 10 best camping destinations in South Carolina, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging, transportation)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Myrtle Beach State Park (Myrtle Beach) – Oceanfront Camping & Beach Fun
🏖️ Highlights:
Atlantic Ocean shoreline (soft sandy beaches)
Fishing pier (great for surf fishing)
Nature trails (marsh & maritime forest)
Oceanfront campsites (right by the beach)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–September (best for beach activities, 75-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds & pleasant
Spring (60-80°F) - mild & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Myrtle Beach State Park Campgrounds (oceanfront sites)
Myrtle Beach (5 mins) has supermarkets, restaurants & shops
Florence (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check lifeguard flags
Beach parking fills up quickly in summer
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near marshes

2. Congaree National Park (Hopkins) – Old-Growth Forest & Canoeing
🌲 Highlights:
Largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the U.S.
Boardwalk Loop Trail (easy walk through the swamp)
Canoeing & kayaking (Congaree River)
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkeys, birds)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
March–November (best for hiking & canoeing, 50-90°F)
Spring (60-80°F) - blooming wildflowers
Fall (50-70°F) - stunning foliage
Summer (70-90°F) - hot & humid but lush
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Congaree National Park Campgrounds
Hopkins (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Columbia (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Swamp trails can be muddy—wear waterproof shoes
Mosquitoes & bugs are common in summer—bring repellent
Canoe rentals are available but check water levels

3. Hunting Island State Park (Hunting Island) – Beaches & Lighthouse
🏝️ Highlights:
Hunting Island Beach (wild, undeveloped shoreline)
Hunting Island Lighthouse (climbable historic lighthouse)
Nature trails (marsh & maritime forest)
Wildlife viewing (sea turtles, alligators)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for beach & lighthouse, 70-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds & pleasant
Spring (60-80°F) - mild & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hunting Island State Park Campgrounds
Beaufort (30 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Charleston (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check conditions
Alligators live in the marsh—keep distance
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

4. Table Rock State Park (Pickens) – Mountains & Waterfalls
🏔️ Highlights:
Table Rock Mountain (3,124-ft peak with views)
Pinnacle Mountain (hiking & scenic overlooks)
Table Rock Lake (fishing & boating)
Hanging Rock Trail (challenging hike)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Table Rock State Park Campgrounds
Pickens (20 mins) has small grocery stores
Greenville (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep & rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Mountain weather changes quickly—pack layers
Bring plenty of water & snacks

5. Kiawah Island (Kiawah Island) – Golf, Beaches & Wildlife
🏖️ Highlights:
Kiawah Beachwalker County Park (pristine beaches)
Wildlife viewing (dolphins, turtles, birds)
Golf courses (world-renowned fairways)
Kayaking & fishing
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for beach & golf, 70-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds & pleasant
Spring (60-80°F) - mild & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Kiawah Island (small town) has restaurants & shops
Charleston (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check lifeguard flags
Golf courses are private—public access limited
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near marshes

6. Paris Mountain State Park (Travelers Rest) – Mountain Lakes & Trails
🏞️ Highlights:
Paris Mountain (scenic views & hiking)
Mountain Lake (swimming, fishing & kayaking)
Hiking trails (Mountain Lake Trail, Griffin Trail)
Old dam & historic structures
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & swimming, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Paris Mountain State Park Campgrounds
Travelers Rest (5 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Greenville (20 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Mountain trails can be rocky—wear proper footwear
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

7. Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island) – Lowcountry Beaches & Marshes
🏖️ Highlights:
Edisto Beach (wide, sandy shoreline)
Edisto River (kayaking & fishing)
Marsh Boardwalk (wildlife viewing)
Lowcountry nature trails
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
April–October (best for beach & kayaking, 70-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds & pleasant
Spring (60-80°F) - mild & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Edisto Beach State Park Campgrounds
Edisto Island (5 mins) has small grocery stores
Charleston (45 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Ocean swimming can be dangerous—check conditions
Alligators live in the marsh—keep distance
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

8. Caesars Head State Park (Cleveland) – Mountain Views & Waterfalls
🏔️ Highlights:
Caesars Head (3,266-ft peak with panoramic views)
Raven Cliff Falls (220-ft waterfall)
Hiking trails (Rim Trail, Jones Gap Trail)
Wildlife viewing (peregrine falcons, deer)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking, 50-85°F)
Summer (70-85°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Caesars Head State Park Campgrounds
Cleveland (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Greenville (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep & rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Mountain weather changes quickly—pack layers
Bring plenty of water & snacks

9. Santee State Park (Santee) – Lake & Wildlife Retreat
🏞️ Highlights:
Lake Marion (boating, fishing & swimming)
Wildlife viewing (ducks, geese, bald eagles)
Hiking trails (Oak Ridge Trail)
Peaceful lake setting
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for lake activities, 70-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & boating
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (60-80°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Santee State Park Campgrounds
Santee (5 mins) has small grocery stores
Summerville (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

10. Hickory Knob State Resort Park (Anderson) – Golf & Lakeside Camping
🏌️ Highlights:
Lake Hartwell (boating, fishing & swimming)
Golf course (scenic fairways)
Hiking trails (Lakeview Trail)
Resort amenities (restaurant, pool)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for lake & golf, 70-90°F)
Summer (85-90°F) - warm for swimming & sunbathing
Fall (60-80°F) - fewer crowds & pleasant
Spring (60-80°F) - mild & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Hickory Knob State Resort Park Campgrounds
Anderson (30 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Greenville (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Golf courses have green fees
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water
Final Tips for Camping in South Carolina
✔ Reservations are recommended in summer & fall (especially near beaches & parks)
✔ Weather changes quickly—pack layers & rain gear
✔ Wildlife is present—secure food properly
✔ Some areas have limited services—bring supplies

South Carolina’s diverse landscapes—from the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains—offer unforgettable camping adventures. Whether you want beach relaxation, mountain hikes, or swamp explorations, these 10 destinations will give you an unforgettable South Carolina outdoor experience. 🏕️🌊🌲