RVers traveling through South Carolina should add one of many incredible state parks to their destination list. Boundless adventure and exquisite scenery await you here.
But there are a lot of destinations to choose from, and we know you’ll want to pick the right one for your needs.
Today, we’re diving into these premier locales to help you travel through South Carolina on any budget.
Let’s roll!
About South Carolina State Parks
South Carolina’s state parks have it all for outdoor recreation. From sunny beaches along the Atlantic to the misty Blue Ridge Mountains, you can experience a little bit of everything while you’re here. Hiking, cycling, paddling, and fishing are just a few ideas.
The parks service protects over 90,000 acres of wild lands within the state. Each of their 47 units preserves natural, cultural, and historical resources that might otherwise be lost to time. Some also offer invaluable educational opportunities through Junior Ranger programs and collaborations with groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Best of all, they’re an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the rest of South Carolina. Many are close to bustling cities and vacation destinations. Of course, there’s a lot to explore outside of the parks.
Foodies revel in the coastal-meets-down-home flavors of regional chefs. Farm-to-table dining is bigger than ever. Plus, who doesn’t love a Low Country boil?
With countless historically significant sites, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement, you can gain a new perspective on the past.
You’ll find plenty of reasons to visit the Palmetto State. We can’t think of a better home base for RVers than one of South Carolina’s many state parks. Consider including some of these spots in your itinerary. You won’t be sorry!
#1 Edisto Beach State Park
Quaint and charming, Edisto Island is a premier vacation destination for many locals. And just outside downtown, you’ll find the beloved South Carolina State Park of the same name.
It encompasses 1,255 acres, including nearly two miles of Atlantic oceanfront. It’s also a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you just might see them come ashore to lay their eggs. Other wildlife, like raccoons and white-tailed deer, are common.
This park has the longest system of ADA-accessible trails in the state. Additional activities include geocaching, fishing, and frolicking in the waves. However, there’s no lifeguard on duty, so be safe when entering the water.
Two campgrounds feature 112 RV sites with water and 20- to 50-Amp service. They can fit rigs up to 40’. Bathrooms, trash service, a dump station, and a general store ensure you’ll have everything you need.
Pro Tip: Visit the Edisto Beach State Park reservation page to choose from marsh-side or ocean-front campsites!
#2 Huntington Beach State Park
Huntington Beach State Park is the gem of the South Carolina coast. Sprawling white-sand beaches stretch for three miles along the Atlantic. This area in Murrells Inlet, about 30 minutes south of Myrtle Beach, features 2,500 acres of striking wilderness. In addition to the beachfront, you can explore salt marshes and a freshwater lagoon.
Birdwatchers can see over 300 different species within the park. Painted buntings, snowy egrets, and bright pink spoonbills are frequent visitors. You might also spot alligators, minks, and loggerhead sea turtles.
The campsites here won’t disappoint. More than 65 of the 173 RV sites include full hookups with 20- and 30-Amp service. You’ll have free WiFi, restrooms, and a dump station at your disposal. We know rigs up to 50’ can get in and out. If your setup is longer, give them a call to confirm.
Looking for more fun in the Palmetto State? Check out the best rooftop bars in Charleston!
#3 Myrtle Beach State Park
The Grand Strand is a densely developed coastal destination that draws visitors from all over. However, there’s also a little slice of heaven right in the heart of this popular vacation spot.
Myrtle Beach State Park is the ultimate place to stay for budget travel in South Carolina. After all, this gem features one mile of perfectly preserved shoreline, meandering trails for hiking and horseback riding, and a welcoming fishing pier.
Nearly half of the 278 campsites include full hookups with 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp service. The grounds can accommodate big rigs, but if your length exceeds about 40’, give them a call.
Additionally, laundry facilities, free WiFi, a general store, and a gift shop provide just about everything you need for a comfortable stay. Of course, you won’t be far from other amenities if you need them.
#4 Lake Wateree State Park
Lake Wateree State Park is about 30 miles north of Columbia, South Carolina. At 238 acres, this unit is relatively small, but it’s a gateway to the 13,700-acre reservoir with a whopping 620 miles of shoreline.
Use the boat launch as your entry point into this pristine natural habitat. Anglers can catch catfish, black crappie, and largemouth bass from the bank or a boat. If you’d rather explore on land, hike the Desportes Island Loop Trail, a 2.3-mile excursion into the wilderness, or take the kids to the state-of-the-art playground.
RVers can choose from 100 paved campsites, with 20 offering waterfront views. Spots have water as well as 20- and 30-Amp electrical hookups. They’re big-rig friendly, so fitting in shouldn’t be a problem. There’s also a dump station to lighten your load.
Stock up on fresh produce at the Charleston Farmers Market!
#5 Chester State Park
Located between Columbia and Charlotte, South Carolina, Chester State Park shows off the best of the Piedmont region. Here, miles of hiking trails cut through the pine forest surrounding the placid 160-acre lake.
Check out the boat house where you can rent a vessel to explore by water. Afterward, you might play a round of disc golf on the 18-hole course. You could also stroll the footbridge spanning the lake for unrivaled views.
The campground here is a bit more limited than some of the other parks on our list. In addition to primitive spots, modern sites accommodate rigs from 28’ to 33’ long and include water and 50-Amp electrical hookups. Fortunately, they have restrooms and a dump station, as well.
#6 Devils Fork State Park
Devils Fork State Park is the only public access point for South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee. Covering 7,565 acres, the lake features crystal-clear turquoise waters fed by mountain streams.
If ever there’s a place to rent a boat, it’s here. After all, they’re the only way to get to the park’s waterfalls. Adventurous campers can use them to reach the single backcountry campsite on an island within the lake.
Back on land, take a hike through the Jocassee Gorges. This unusual terrain includes habitats for many plants and animals. Moreover, springtime visitors will see swaths of wildflowers and might even spot rare Oconee Bell blossoms.
Folks who choose to stay on the mainland will have excellent accommodations. About 60 paved campsites are spread between two campgrounds. They include water and 20-, 30-, and 50-Amp electrical service, with access to bathrooms, laundry facilities, and a dump station. These spots max out at 40’, so folks with bigger rigs may need to reconsider.
#7 Hamilton Branch State Park
Lake Thurmond is 70,000 acres of excitement on the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The 731-acre Hamilton Branch State Park has two boat launches, so water access is always available.
It’s no surprise that fishing is a favorite pastime here. In fact, you can even borrow gear using the Tackle Loaner Program. Swimming, hiking, biking, and geocaching are popular ways to spend your time.
The campground features over 150 sites, many of which are lakefront. Each spot has water and 20- to 50-Amp electrical outlets. Some hold rigs up to 35’, while others accept 40’ units. Eight bathrooms, two dump stations, and a general store should meet your needs.
Ready for more? Grab a copy of Wild South Carolina: A Field Guide to Parks, Preserves, and Special Places to start planning your trip!
Are South Carolina State Parks Worth It?
South Carolina’s state parks offer a lot of amenities with a minimal price tag. From sandy shores to remote waterfalls, there’s a destination here for everyone. No matter your budget, you can get a lot out of a tour through the Low Country.
The next time you travel to the Palmetto State, consider staying at one of these premier locations. We don’t think you’ll regret it!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
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As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
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