Camping, in our opinion, is the best pastime ever invented. You get away from the house, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and breathe crisp, clean, beautiful air far from the congestion of the city. You also have the chance to catch your own dinner, have late-night marshmallow roasts, tell scary stories, and so much more! Here are 10 places for the best camping in South Carolina that you must try out. Consider it your outdoor bucket list!

1. Calhoun Falls State Park, Calhoun Falls
David Hutchinson / Google
Calhoun Falls State Park, 46 Maintenance Shop Rd, Calhoun Falls, SC 29628, USA
Amanda Rowan / Google
First up on our list of some of the best camping in South Carolina is none other than Calhoun Falls State Park. On a camping trip here you will be able to enjoy fishing for crappie, bass, bream, catfish, and much more. There is a fishing pier that is handicap accessible so it's open to everyone. They also have a playground, swimming, picnic shelters, tennis courts, walking trails, and equestrian trails too!
2. Devils Fork State Park, Salem
TimothyJ/Flickr
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC 29676, USA
Jane Manoshkiwa / Google
Camping at Devils Fork State Park will give you access to some beautiful views of Lake Jocassee and the surrounding mountains. There is fishing, hiking, boating, kayaking, bath houses, picnic areas, a playground, and so much more. They even have WIFI in some areas! But, the real thrill is the hiking and photography. Plus, there are beautiful waterfalls to discover at this South Carolina state park.
3. Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Sunset
Jeremy Pease / Google
Erik Michaels / Google
The camping site at Keowee-Toxaway State Park will give you the most amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Jocassee Gorges. And, if primitive camping is not your cup of tea there is also a cabin with a private boat dock. You can go fishing, jet-skiing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking trails, walking/nature trails, biking, and swimming.
4. Dreher Island State Park, Prosperity
XPlore Kayak Tours / Google
Dreher Island State Park, 3677 State Park Rd, Prosperity, SC 29127, USA
Ron Jones / Google
There are endless adventures to be had at Dreher Island State Park. While camping is an obvious choice, scuba diving can be done here! As well as fishing, of course. WIFI is available at the Visitor's Center. There are picnic shelters and opportunities for bird watching. Here you can see purple martins in the fall.

5. Edisto Beach State Park, Edisto Island
John Werry / Getty Images
Edisto Beach State Park, 8377 State Cabin Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Teresa Kopec / Getty Images
Edisto Beach State Park is undoubtedly one of the state's most beloved treasures. This place is riddled with Native American history so it's not only a very relaxing place, but also a very educational place. There is a playground, hiking/nature trails, swimming, and geocaching. If you follow the Spanish Mount Trail along Scott's Creek you will find the second oldest Native American Pottery site. This large shell mound dates back to 2,000 BC! But, please do not disturb it so that future generations can admire it as well.

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6. Oconee State Park, Mountain Rest
Land Beside the Water Group Keller Williams / Google
Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
kingary/Flickr
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Oconee State Park is a very popular camping spot. There are 2 lakes on which to fish, kayak, and swim. They also feature hiking for the beginner, intermediate, and the experienced. Learn more about why Oconee State Park is considered one of the best state parks in South Carolina.
7. Lake Greenwood State Park, Ninety-Six
vastateparksstaff/Flickr
david hutchinson / Google
Lake Greenwood State Park is is another great fishing spot and brings in a lot of fishermen who hook bass, crappie, bream, perch, catfish, and more! There is a playground for the little ones, picnic shelters, and birdwatching.
8. Hickory Knob State Park, McCormick
Jeff Hanway/Flickr
Hickory Knob State Park And Resort, 1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC 29835, USA
Tammie M. Smith / Google
Hickory Knob State Park is absolutely lovely! This campground in South Carolina offers 1 and 2-bedroom cabins for rent as well as a 3-bedroom house with all the modern luxury of home. There is fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming. Additionally, this park features, archery, skeet shooting, and tennis courts. It's like home away from home!

9. Cheraw State Park, Cheraw
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Cheraw State Park, 100 State Park Rd, Cheraw, SC 29520, USA
Hengwen / Google
Cheraw State Park is your average campsite! This is for the golfer who doesn't want to stop while camping or wants to do it in a very relaxed atmosphere. Of course, there is boating, fishing, and swimming. They have a volleyball, badminton, and horseshoe grounds too!
10. Lake Wateree State Park, Winnsboro
Dale Jr. McConnell / Google
Lake Wateree State Park, 881 State Park Rd, Winnsboro, SC 29180, USA
Glenn Hanna / Google
Lake Wateree State Park is a fisherman's paradise. Fishing is a big thing here. They have fishing tournaments here year around! The park has places for tents and RVs so, don't feel like you have to be in a tent. There is a playground, swimming, bird watching, and short nature trails.

With so much fun waiting at your fingertips, why are you still sitting at home? The great thing about camping is that it’s a vacation without the huge drain on your wallet, which is really nice these days. So, pick any one of the above sites for the best camping in South Carolina and go for it! Even if it is just a weekend, you will be amazed at how energized you will be.

Looking for related content? Check out these awesome yurts in South Carolina for a weekend of glamping!

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best camping in South Carolina

Beth C. | April 13, 2023

What are South Carolina's best state parks?

One of the best ways to experience South Carolina's natural landscape is by visiting any one of the glorious state parks. Some of our top recommendations for the best state parks in South Carolina include the following:

  • Hunting Island State Park - Hunting Island
  • Myrtle Beach State Park - Myrtle Beach
  • Huntington Beach State Park - Murrells Inlet
  • Little Pee Dee State Park - Dillon
  • Table Rock State Park - Pickens
  •  Edisto Beach State Park - Edisto Island
  • Santee State Park - Santee
  • Devils Fork State Park - Salem
  • Caesars Head State Park - Cleveland
  • Oconee State Park - Mountain Rest

 

Many of South Carolina's state parks offer camping, as you've learned in the article above, as well as a whole host of other recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, swimming, and more. Learn more about all there is to do at these amazing South Carolina state parks!

Does South Carolina have any natural wonders?

Absolutely! South Carolina is a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. Some of South Carolina's natural wonders include:

  • Angel Oak
  • ACE Basin
  • Boneyard Beach
  • Carolina Bays
  • Congaree National Park
  • Edisto River
  • Raven Cliff Falls
  • 40 Acre Rock
  • Centennial Tree
  • Capers Island

 

Learn more about why you'll want to visit these stunning natural wonders in South Carolina.

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