One of the most historic and iconic Southern cities in the United States is Charleston, South Carolina. It’s the largest city in the Palmetto State but still only has about 150,000 residents. It was founded in 1670 and retains much of its historic charm, which is why so many people like to visit. Let’s take a look at seven of the best RV parks and campgrounds near Charleston, SC, so you can get started on your journey to explore the architecture, cuisine, and history of The Holy City.
Where Is Charleston, SC?
Charleston is in the central coastal region of South Carolina. It’s about two hours northeast of Savannah, Georgia, two hours southwest of Myrtle Beach, and two hours southeast of the state capital of Columbia. The city is easily accessible from Interstate 26 or Highway 17.
What Is Charleston, S.C., Known For?
Charleston, SC, is one of the oldest cities in the South. Its historic charm is one reason so many people travel to the city every year. Also called the Holy City, towering church steeples rise above the unique shopping and dining experiences of Market Street and Bay Street. Charleston is also known for its distinctive architecture, including colorful houses and vast plantations.
There’s no shortage of savory southern food so bring your appetite when you visit! You’ll find all kinds of foods, local paintings, handcrafted jewelry, and more at the Charleston City Market. In addition to the savory cuisine, visitors also enjoy the South Carolina Aquarium, Patriot’s Point and the USS Yorktown, Joe Riley Waterfront Park, Fort Sumter, and Fort Moultrie. Like the abundance of food, history is abundant among the streets and waterways of Charleston, SC.
Pro Tip: Get the inside scoop on what to see and do while in Charleston, South Carolina.
Is Charleston Good For Camping?
The downtown area of Charleston itself isn’t suitable for camping, but there are several campgrounds and RV parks on the city’s outskirts that provide easy accessibility. Because there’s so much to do, eat, and see in this Southern city, you’ll want to spend several days exploring. So camping is a great way to save money because the downtown hotels are quite expensive.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Campgrounds Near Charleston, SC?
The weather is mild in the winter, so Charleston is a great place to visit when you want to escape the cold. However, you probably want to avoid the summer, and the humidity can be almost unbearable. Fall and spring offer beautiful times to visit with the blooming flowers and changing leaves of the seasons and comfortable temperatures.
7 Best RV Parks and Campgrounds Near Charleston, SC
When you’re ready to book your Charleston getaway, consider how far away from the downtown area you’re willing to be. There are several great options within an hour’s drive of the city. Let’s take a look at seven of the best campgrounds near Charleston, SC.
1. James Island County Park & Campground
Address: 871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412
About: The 643-acre James Island County Park offers saltwater fishing, crabbing, paved trails, a dog park, sand volleyball courts, and a climbing wall. They also have a seasonal water park, an 18-hole golf course, and many more outdoor activities. Kayaks, paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, and bikes are also available for rent. The campground provides full hookup and partial hookup sites ranging from $59 to $75 per night and primitive camping sites for $35 to $40 per night.
Why You’ll Love It: The James Island County Park & Campground has 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service on all sites. There’s also 24-hour staffing, a full-service campground store, laundry facilities, paved roads, pull-thru sites, and propane/ice/firewood sales. One of the best perks of staying here is the round-trip shuttle service to the downtown Convention and Visitor Bureau, Folly Beach Pier, or Folly Beach County Park for only $10 per person.
2. Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday
Address: 3157 N Hwy 17, Mt Pleasant, SC 29466
About: Less than 30 minutes from downtown Charleston is the Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday. The campsites are back-in or pull-thru and can accommodate rigs of all sizes. Amenities include a swimming pool, KampK9 dog park, bike rentals, boat rentals, a fishing lake, a nature trail, and more.
Why You’ll Love It: A unique feature of this campground near Charleston, SC, is the narrated wagon ride to Oakland Plantation. This property is only available to KOA Holiday guests. Some RV sites also have concrete KOA Patios for the ultimate outdoor experience.
3. Oak Plantation Campground
Address: 3540 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29455
About: Family owned and operated for over 45 years, Oak Plantation Campground has over 200 campsites, a swimming pool, and a convenience store. Propane is also onsite, as well as a laundry facility, bathhouse, disc golf, freshwater fishing lake, and dog run. The campground offers a discount for Good Sam members.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for convenience, Oak Plantation Campground is a great option when visiting Charleston, SC. You’re within walking distance to Publix, a fuel station with both gas and diesel is next door, and downtown is only about 20 minutes away.
4. Ladson RV Park
Address: 9687 Jamison Road, Ladson, SC 29456
About: Located about 30 minutes north of Charleston, SC is Ladson RV Park. Here you’ll find six acres of trees and a pond for a beautiful scenic campground. There are 40 campsites with full hookups that start at $90 per night. Food Lion and Walmart Neighborhood Market are only two minutes away.
Why You’ll Love It: The stocked pond at Ladson RV Park offers plenty of fishing opportunities for guests. Campers can also enjoy s’mores at the community fire pit or a game of corn hole. This RV park offers long-term stay options with weekly and monthly rates so you can enjoy Charleston, SC, and the surrounding area for as long as you want.
Pro Tip: You’ll love exploring these 9 Amazing South Carolina State Parks.
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5. Givhans Ferry State Park
Address: 746 Givhans Ferry Road, Ridgeville, SC 29472
About: A bit farther than the other campgrounds on this list is Givhans Ferry State Park. But it’s still only about 50 minutes from downtown Charleston. There are 25 full-service campsites and 10 hike-in campsites within the 988 acres of low country beauty. Guests can enjoy fishing, boating, paddling, swimming, and biking here.
Why You’ll Love It: If you love kayaking, you’ll enjoy Givhans Ferry State Park as it sits at the end of the 23-mile-long stretch of the Edisto River kayak and canoe trail. The trees at the campground also offer plenty of shade for year-round camping. Kids will enjoy the playground, and you can use the 1.5-mile River Bluff Nature Trail for hiking or biking.
6. Buck Hall Recreation Area
Address: 995 Buck Hall Landing Road, McClellanville, SC 29458
About: About 45 minutes up the South Carolina coast is Buck Hall Recreation Area. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this area is located on the Intracoastal Waterway. RV camping is $28 per night, and tent camping is $20 per night. There are only 14 full hookup sites, so you’ll want to make your reservation on Recreation.gov as soon as you can.
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re looking for a less-developed campground that still offers hookups, Buck Hall Recreation Area is a great option. It also offers great access to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll find the best area for shrimp baiting on the coast. There’s a boat ramp and two floating docks for both motorized and non-motorized boats.
7. Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Address: 220 Santee Gun Club Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458
About: The farthest campground from downtown Charleston is in the Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area. It’s about an hour up the South Carolina coast. It offers a variety of South Carolina habitats within its 24,000 acres. You’ll likely see migratory birds, loggerhead sea turtles, and alligators. You can only primitive camp here.
Why You’ll Love It: This is the place for campers who want to be surrounded by nature. The Wildlife Management Area has four nature trails and miles of dirt roads for hiking and biking. The 500-foot boardwalk on the Washo Reserve gives visitors the opportunity to observe a variety of bird species depending on the season.
Visit an RV Park in Charleston This Camping Season
If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or a romantic weekend, Charleston, SC, has something for everyone. And camping is a great way to experience the city. Not only is it one of the cheapest ways to stay in an expensive city, but it also brings a whole other natural experience to your trip.
You can enjoy hiking, biking, or fishing one day and then explore historic old churches and forts the next day. You can roast marshmallows after savoring soul food from Bertha’s Kitchen.
So when will you start planning your trip to an RV park in Charleston, SC? Tell us in the comments which RV park you’d like to stay at!
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