Ultimate Guide To RV Camping On The South Carolina Coast
RVing and camping along the South Carolina coast will bring you up close and personal with some of the most beautiful places this sunny state on the Atlantic Ocean has to offer. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, prepare your RV, and don’t forget your bathing suit! You won’t want to miss these low-country hot spots on your next camping getaway.
About The South Carolina Coast
Nestled along the southeastern edge of the United States, the South Carolina coast beckons with its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and coastal allure.
From miles of pristine sandy shores to lush maritime forests, we found there to be much more to these historic areas than originally meets the eye.
Camping and RVing along the South Carolina coast is a passport to a world where salt-kissed breezes carry away your worries, where sunsets paint the sky in hues of amber and coral, and where outdoor adventures help you discover whole new worlds.
We spent months exploring the best camping and RVing spots this enchanting coast has to offer as part of our larger East Coast RV trip and found some great gems to consider for your next South Carolina camping getaway when you start to notice that the ocean is calling you.
Things To Expect When Camping in SC
Before you go, these are our best tips for weathering the elements that come with idyllic South Carolina camping:
- Humidity: Unlike the dry desert climate of the southwest, in the southeast, it is not uncommon to regularly experience humidity over 70%. You may want to consider a dehumidifier for your RV and at the very least expect muggy conditions.
- Bugs: The SC coast (the low country) can be very buggy, especially in the humid summer months. Prepare by packing insect repellent, screen tents, citronella candles, and quality bug spray – and maybe some anti-itch cream too!
- Heat + Sun: Along with higher humidity, temperatures can also reach highs in the upper 90’s or low 100’s on warm summer days. Pack plenty of sun protection (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, sun shirts)
- Low-hanging trees and branches: Some of the most beautiful parts of South Carolina’s natural landscape can also be the parts that give you anxiety as an RVer – especially if you have a larger RV. With tree-lined streets, weeping Spanish moss, and low branches, you will need to be careful as you navigate tight roads with your RV to limit damage to your roof or sides.
- Tight spots: RV parks and campgrounds along the East Coast can tend to feel a bit more cramped than parks out west. There is simply less real estate and a high demand for visiting. You can expect parks with RV spots that are closer together – but hopefully, you will spend most of your time out and about enjoying the sights!
- Expensive Campgrounds: Just like those million-dollar homes stacked along the beach, RV parks and campgrounds along the SC coast come at a higher cost. For prime locations expect to pay more per night, sometimes up to $100 or $150 dollars a night.
- Competitive Booking: Along with higher prices, booking campsites along the coast of South Carolina comes with increased competition. For longer stays or weekend availability, your best bet will be to book AT LEAST 6 months in advance – or keep your eyes peeled for last-minute cancellations.
- Impact of Hurricanes and Storms: South Carolina is no stranger to being impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. Storm damage can lead to unexpected closures due to damage. It is important to stay aware of changing weather conditions and closures and keep your camping plans carved in jello!
- Busy Peak Season and Quieter Shoulder Season: You can expect competitions for campsites and costs to be increased in peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Opt for shoulder season (spring and fall) for smaller crowds, more flexibility in booking, and discounted rates
RV Camping Destinations On The South Carolina Coast
South Carolina is a popular destination to head to the beach and enjoy warmer tropical vibes most of the year.
If you like the drama of Spanish moss, the charm of cobblestone streets, and Jurassic Park-style ferns and plants, we are willing to bet you will love the coastal towns of South Carolina.
Some of our favorite RV destinations along the Coast of South Carolina include Edisto Island, Charleston, and Folly Beach. We also had a great visit to see the unique Cypress Trees of Congaree National Park, which is located just 100 miles northwest of Charleston.
Here are our top recommendations for camping destinations on the South Carolina Coast (as full-time RVers who spend 365 days a year camping) – including where to stay and what to do!:
Hilton Head Island + Beaufort
Hilton Head Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, world-class golf courses, and upscale resorts. The island offers opportunities for biking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as plenty of dining and shopping. It’s a family-friendly destination with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unplugging for a while.
Nearby Beaufort is also a crowd favorite. A charming coastal town known for its historic architecture and Southern hospitality, it has a great historic district, delicious Lowcountry cuisine offerings, and a rich history to learn about.
Best RV Parks & Campgrounds To Stay At:
- Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort & Marina
- Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort (Class A Motorhomes only)
- Huntington Island State Park (famous for its picturesque lighthouse and pristine beaches). As a State Park, this will be a cheaper option with more spacious sites – but this is a very popular park and you will need to reserve well in advance!
- Camp Lake Jasper RV Resort
Browse Campsite Availability & Book Instantly for 100,000+ RV Parks and Campgrounds on Campspot
Getting Here:
From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 8 for US-278 East toward Hilton Head Island.
From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 8 for US-278 East toward Hilton Head Island.
- Continue on US-278 East, and follow signs for Hilton Head Island.
Our favorite RV Safe GPS app: RV Life
Top Things To Do:
- Harbour Town Lighthouse, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
- Hilton Head Island bike trails
- Coastal Discovery Museum
- Golf (lots and lots of golf): Harbour Town Golf Links (home to the prestigious RBC Heritage PGA Tour event), Sea Pines Resort Courses, Dolphin Head Golf Club, and Country Club of Hilton Head (to name a few…)
- Beaches: Coligny Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park
- Downtown Beaufort
Hilton Head is also the perfect place for sunset cruises and dolphin sightings:
Or head over to historic Beaufort (35 miles north) for a horse-drawn carriage tour or boozy adventure
Edisto Island
Edisto Island is a tranquil escape known for its unspoiled beaches and natural beauty. If we had to recommend the perfect spot on the South Carolina coast for a quiet laid-back vacation, this would be our pick!
We loved camping tucked under the canopy of trees at Edisto Beach State Park, leaving only a short bike ride or drive to the beach and the downtown area. With an additional beachside campground just steps from the ocean, it is easy to create the camping experience that best suits your wants and needs.
Best RV Parks & Campgrounds To Stay At:
Getting Here:
- From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 57 for SC-64 East toward Walterboro.
- From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 57 for SC-64 East toward Walterboro.
- Continue on SC-64 East to US-17 South.
- Follow US-17 South to Edisto Island.
Our favorite RV Safe GPS app: RV Life
Top Things To Do:
- Walk or bile the Edisto Beach State Park Trails (they are shaded and lead to some amazing overlooks)
- Go shelling on Edisto Beach
- Check out Botany Bay Heritage Preserve and Driftwood Beach (no shelling here)
- Head down to the Edisto Marina at sunset
- Rent a paddleboard or kayak and get out on the water
- Dine on local seafood (Waleys, Flowers, and the Old Post Office to name a few)
- Take an easy day trip to Charleston (perfect if you prefer to stay away from the city)
READ MORE: Top Things To Do in Edisto Beach SC
Charleston + Folly Beach
Charleston is a historic gem known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage. The city offers art galleries, museums, and world-class dining.
Nearby Folly Beach is a laid-back destination popular for its surf culture, vibrant and funky nightlife, and wide sandy shores. It is also the perfect place for a dreamy sunset after a day exploring the city of Charleston.
Best RV Parks & Campgrounds To Stay At:
- James Island County Park Campground
- Oak Plantation Campground
- Mount Pleasant – Charleston KOA
- Charleston KOA
Note: If you don’t mind taking a day trip or two to Charleston and are looking for a quieter stay, we used Edisto Beach State Park Campground as our “home base” for exploring this area of the South Carolina coast and found it to be the perfect balance of location and a more quiet, laid-back atmosphere
Browse Campsite Availability & Book Instantly for 100,000+ RV Parks and Campgrounds on Campspot
Getting Here:
From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 33 for US-17 South toward Charleston.
From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 33 for US-17 South toward Charleston.
- Continue on US-17 South to Charleston.
- To reach Folly Beach, take SC-171 (Folly Road) from Charleston to Folly Beach.
Our favorite RV Safe GPS app: RV Life
Top Things To Do:
- Charleston City Market
- Charleston Battery and White Point Gardens
- Riley Waterfront Park & The Pineapple Fountain
- Visit the Angel Oak
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Rainbow Row
- Lewis BBQ (you will have to wait in a line most likely, but it is SO worth it!)
- Folly Beach
- Kiawah Island – It’s famous for its championship golf courses, upscale resorts, and pristine shoreline. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the island’s abundant wildlife, including dolphins and alligators. Visitors come to Kiawah for its exceptional dining, golfing, and outdoor recreation.
A great way to learn more about Charleston is with a tour, such as the popular historical tour by horse-drawn carriage!
Pawley’s Island + Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a bustling coastal city known for its entertainment options and vibrant atmosphere. It’s famous for its wide range of activities, including water parks, amusement parks, and golf courses.
‘The Grand Strand” offers over 60 miles of sandy beaches, making it a popular destination for family vacations and lively beachfront entertainment. With more to do, you will also find that it is much more popular, busier, and more built up.
If you are looking for crowds and a faster pace you might prefer livelier Myrtle Beach to Edisto Beach. For us, we prefer the quieter stays where the sounds of nature take over, and after visiting Myrtle Beach in the past chose to explore more laid-back Edisto instead for our RV trip up the East Coast.
If you want to be close to Myrtle Beach but outside of the hustle and bustle, nearby Pawley’s Island is a great option. It is a charming, low-key coastal community known for its historic beachfront cottages and is close to Murrells Inlet – which would be our preference for dining out compared to Myrtle Beach.
Best RV Parks & Campgrounds To Stay At:
- Huntington Beach State Park (Murrell’s Inlet)
- Myrtle Beach State Park Campground (Myrtle Beach, SC)
- Lakewood Camping Resort
- Myrtle Beach KOA
Browse Campsite Availability & Book Instantly for 100,000+ RV Parks and Campgrounds on Campspot
Getting Here:
For Myrtle Beach:
- From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 170A for SC-327 South toward Loris.
- From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 170A for SC-327 South toward Loris.
- Continue on SC-327 South to US-701 South.
- Take US-701 South to Myrtle Beach.
For Pawley’s Island:
- From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 102 for US-378 East toward Conway.
- From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 102 for US-378 East toward Conway.
- Continue on US-378 East to US-17 South.
- Follow US-17 South to Pawley’s Island.
Our favorite RV Safe GPS app: RV Life
Top Things To Do:
- Broadway at The Beach
- SkyWheel
- Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade
- Myrtle Beach & Myrtle Beach State Park
- Surfside Beach
- Marshwalk & dining by the water in Murrells Inlet
You can also hop on a paddle wheel boat for a cruise and meal on the water:
Suggested South Carolina Coast RV Road Trip Routes
- South Carolina Only: Hilton Head (Hunting Island State Park) – Columbia+ Congaree National Park – Santee State Park (non-coastal add-ons) – Edisto Beach (Edisto Beach State Park) – Charleston+Folley Beach – Pawley’s Island + Myrtle Beach
If you are willing to explore further north, you can explore the lands of windswept dunes, continue on your coastal lighthouse tour, and even come across wild horses:
- For a complete Carolinas RV Trip: Columbia+ Congaree National Park – Santee State Park – Edisto Beach – Charleston+Folley Beach – Carolina Beach, NC – Beaufort, NC – Outer Banks, NC
READ MORE: Ultimate Guide To RV Camping On The North Carolina Coast
Trusted Resources For Your Next RV Camping Trip
These are some of our RV trip essentials that help us have smooth and safe travels on every trip we take!
For Your Tow Vehicle
- Bottle Jack (in case you need to change a tire, your RV leveling system has an error, etc.)
For Your RV
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (helps to avoid tire blowouts)
For Your Safety & Peace of Mind
- Walkie-Talkies (for when you have to get into a tight spot and you don’t have cell service)
- Garmin inReach or SOS capabilities on your cell phone (to get help if you don’t have service)
Interested in what else we use as full-time RVers or interested in what you actually need? Check out these resources:
Campground & Campsite Resources:
- Harvest Host: For finding unique experiences and convenient overnight stays at breweries, vineyards, farms, and more! Perfect for a fun weekend getaway or stopover during a long travel stretch.
- Campspot: For finding and booking great campgrounds and RV parks conveniently and easily all in one place!
- RV Life: RV safe GPS, RV Trip Wizard route planning, maintenance tracker, campground reviews, and more. Everything any RVer needs, all in one place!
- Campendium & iOverlander: For finding campgrounds and/or free camping spots
Guided Tours & Excusrions:
- GetYourGuide: Easily browse and book local tours and activities in any destination you visit!
READ MORE ABOUT RVING & EXPLORING THE CAROLINAS:
- Top Things To Do in Edisto Beach SC
- Camping at Carolina Beach State Park
- Best Things To Do in Cape Hatteras & The Outer Banks
- 35 Best Things To Do in Beaufort NC
- Best Things To Do in Cape Lookout NC
- A Complete Guide To North Carolina’s Shackleford Banks
- Complete East Coast RV Road Trip
- Best National Parks To Visit In The Southeast U.S.