Camping in South Carolina is a popular activity during the summer, and there are some excellent choices among South Carolina campgrounds. Within South Carolina there are more than 30 separate state parks. A full list of South Carolina campgrounds can be obtained by contacting the South Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation. This is also the place to contact if you would like to make reservations for a specific weekend or campground South Carolina.
Although reservations are not required for camping in South Carolina, they are recommended for the busiest weekends for camping such as the 4th of July and Memorial Day weekend. Most other weekends and weekday, travelers should have no trouble finding a spot at South Carolina campgrounds without making reservations.
In addition to the many South Carolina campgrounds offering tent camping spots, many of the state parks in South Carolina also rent cabins for camping in South Carolina. One advantage to cabin rental is that they are available all year round, even during the winter months. They are an excellent choice for winter time fishing trips or holiday getaways during the winter months. Although advance reservations are not usually necessary during the winter, they are a must during the summer months. Expect to pay between $250 and $1000 per week for a cabin rental at a campground in South Carolina, with the price increasing as the size of the cabin increases. Cabins sleep between 4 and 12 people.
Many of the most popular South Carolina campgrounds are found near lakes or close to the beach and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most popular places for camping in South Carolina is Santee State Park, located near Lake Marion. Thanks to its lakeside location, Santee State Park is a campground South Carolina with rooms for boating, fishing, jet skiing and swimming. South Carolina enjoys warm weather and clear skies throughout the summer months, so simply lazing by the lakeside or take a walk can be a pleasant way to enjoy the grounds. Santee has tent spots as well as year-round cabins for rent, and an onsite office is open daily from 9am until 5pm. The park is located just 60 miles from Charleston and 60 miles from Columbia.
Another of the more popular places to camp in South Carolina is Lake Wateree State Recreation Area. An enormous water reservoir (13,700 acres) provides endless space for fishing, swimming and boat tours. The park itself has over 70 camping sites and some nice hiking trails winding throughout and into the surrounding forest. This park is open during the summer and is only about a 30 minute drive from Columbia. The park is also somewhat close to Greenville, South Carolina (about 100 miles).
No matter where in South Carolina you choose to camp, be sure to bring along mosquito repellant. Southern camping is certainly characterized by its share of mosquitoes, and their numbers will only increase as you reach a lakefront. For most travelers, simple mosquito spray will work to keep the pests at bay. Vitamin B is also considered to be a helpful repellent if a course is started a week or so before you leave.
