Under the Stars: Spectacular State Park Campgrounds

No matter your level of camping expertise, spend the night beneath a canopy of stars and awake to a wondrous landscape when you pitch a tent or park your RV at some of South Carolina’s most beautiful campgrounds, from the beaches to the midlands to the mountains.

Tent/Car Camping
At Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, unload your gear at your campsite and then explore the 2.3-mile Oconee Trail for lake views and wildlife watching. Hamilton Branch State Park in Plum Branch offers scenic lakefront camping, ideal for anglers looking to cast a line right from camp. Or camp near the beach at Hunting Island State Park to enjoy incredible sunsets, 5 miles of pristine beaches and an observation deck atop a historic lighthouse.

RV Hook-Ups
Pull up to your home away from home at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, where RV sites with full hook-ups (plus free Wi-Fi) make outdoor living easy. Once you’re settled, go surf fishing or sunbathe on white sand beaches. At Lake Greenwood State Park in Ninety Six, park beneath the shade of pine trees and take in lake views from your RV site.

Backcountry
Get a backcountry permit and escape to lush forests at Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, where campsites along the trails offer peaceful solitude. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Sunset, bask in the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you hike Raven Rock Trail to the designated backcountry sites near the shores of Lake Keowee.

Boat-In Sites
Rent a canoe or kayak at Salem’s Devils Fork State Park and paddle your way to the boat-in backcountry sites nestled among the trees on the northern shore of Lake Jocassee. Or explore cypress wetlands, fish from your boat and then paddle to the boat-in campground on the north side of Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park.