South Carolina has no shortage of awesome places to camp. You can head to the beach and spend a week in an oceanfront camping resort, or make your way to a rustic cabin at many of our state parks… but, camping doesn’t have to empty your wallet every time you go. We rounded up some of the best campgrounds on federal lands in the Palmetto State – and they’re all available for $28 or LESS per night. This is definitely cheap camping in South Carolina at its best! Read on to check them out!

1. Buck Hall Recreation Area & Boat Landing - McClellanville ($20)

999 Buckhall Landing Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458, USA
Benjamin H M Lucas/Google
Positioned right on the Intracoastal network of marshes and tidal waters, Buck Hall can accommodate campers, RVs, and tent camping. Use this spot as your base camp for exploring the Francis Marion National Forest — or to head north or south for more urban exploration. Charleston is a mere 30 miles to the southwest and Georgetown is only minutes away to the north. Buck Hall is open year-round and unless you need to rent a large group site, camping here will only cost you $20/night for a standard site. The nightly rate for RVs is only a bit higher than that, still making a camping stay here very reasonable. Learn more about these cheap camping sites on the U.S. Forest Service website.

2. Modoc Campground - Modoc ($22-$28)

Modoc Camp Road, Modoc Camp Rd, Modoc, SC 29838, USA
C J/Google Maps
Head to Lake Strom Thurmond just above where the Savannah River is dammed at Clarks Hill for a getaway right on the water at this campground. Modoc is a little-known gem that occupies two peninsulas along the lake. Boaters will love being able to launch a vessel from the convenient ramp, and canoe/kayak lovers will appreciate the easy entry on Lake Strom Thurmond from the campground. Fees vary depending on if you choose a standard electric site or a non-electric site. Learn more about this campground with tent camping in South Carolina on the U.S. Forest Service website.

3. Cherry Hill Recreation Area - Walhalla ($15)

South Carolina 107, SC-107, South Carolina, USA
kelly hollifield/Google
Head here for a spot near the wild Chattooga River. Rafting, fishing, and more await! The campground is generally open seasonally from the beginning of April through the end of October. It has running water, toilets, and hot showers. A night here will set you back $15. Learn more about one of the cheapest campgrounds near me on the U.S. Forest Service website.

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4. Springfield Campground - Anderson ($26)

1915 Providence Church Rd, Anderson, SC 29626, USA
Steve Pitcher/Google
Open generally from the first of April through the beginning of October, Springfield is a popular destination for South Carolinians in the nearby region. The park offers a boat ramp, dock, swimming area, and three playgrounds — not to mention the forever views of Lake Hartwell. The nightly fee for this campground is a little more than our headline, but we felt it was worth including it anyway. Hopefully, you agree! Find out more on the Discover South Carolina website.

5. Twin Lakes Campground - Pendleton ($24-$26)

140 Winnebago Trail, Pendleton, SC 29670, USA
me ow/Google
You can't go wrong with the two beaches at the Twin Lakes Campground which sits on a beautiful lakefront area. And for only $24-$26 per night this campground stays very busy. Be sure to book your stay well in advance! Learn more on the Discover South Carolina website.

6. Congaree National Park ($10-$25)

100 National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
Gregory Lane/Google
South Carolina's only National Park, Congaree National Park, offers two primitive campgrounds; one of them (Bluff Campground) is a walk-in deal where you'll carry all of your belongings to the site. The Bluff costs a mere $10/night. The other campground (pictured here) is Longleaf Campground. It's also primitive (vaulted toilets and no showers). An overnight stay at Longleaf will set you back $15. Group sites are available for $25/night. Find out more on the National Park Service website.

7. Coneross Park - Townville ($18-$26)

699 Coneross Park Rd, Townville, SC 29689, USA
Chris Gulledge/Google
Generally open from the beginning of May through the end of September, this campground sits along the shore of beautiful Lake Hartwell! With 106 campsites, 2 boat launches, 4 playgrounds, and more, Coneross Campground is a hidden gem awaiting discovery. Rates here start at only $18 for a non-electric site; electric sites vary from $26 and up per night. Learn more on the Discover South Carolina website.

South Carolina’s campgrounds are widely varied in terms of amenities and overnight rates. When was the last time you went camping? Which of the campgrounds for cheap camping mentioned above are your favorites – and why? Continue the conversation with us in the comments section!

If you’re looking for a different sort of camping experience, then you can’t miss this South Carolina campground and waterpark. It’s phenomenal! For camping gear, check out the selection from our friends over at REI.

If you’re still in the mood for more South Carolina adventures, take a look at this video from OnlyInYourState:

 

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More to Explore

Camping In South Carolina

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | April 24, 2023

Where can we find other campgrounds in South Carolina?

Here are a few more campgrounds in South Carolina:

  • The Apache Family Campground & Pier located in Myrtle Beach is a great place for beach camping plus access to all of the typical tourist pier-type activities.
  • The Anderson/Lake Hartwell KOA located in Anderson features rustic one-room cabins plus activities including mini-golf and a game room.
  • The campground at the Myrtle Beach State Park located in Myrtle Beach is the oldest campground in the state and offers a wide array of traditional, primitive, and RV campsites.

Read on to learn more about some of the other beautiful campgrounds in South Carolina.

Where can we find wineries in South Carolina?

Here are a few wineries in South Carolina:

  • Hyman Vineyards in Florence is popular for its traditional wines as well as its non-alcoholic varieties as well.
  • City Scape Winery in Pelzer at one time was voted the best winery in South Carolina.
  • Victoria Valley Vineyards in Cleveland not only sells wine but also offers tours and has a gift shop.

Read on to learn more about some of the other wonderful wineries in South Carolina.

Where can we find historic sites in South Carolina?

Here are a few fascinating historic sites in South Carolina:

  • Philips Church in Charleston was originally built in 1680 and is recognized as the oldest congregation in South Carolina.
  • The Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort began as a cemetery for Union soldiers from the Civil War and now also has interments from every major war since that time.
  • The "Rainbow Row" in Charleston encompasses a handful of residences painted in bright colors that draw tourists from all over the state and further afield.

Read on to learn more about some of the other fascinating historic sites in South Carolina.

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