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The best camping near Santee State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Santee adventure.

83% (9 reviews)
83% (9 reviews)

Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Santee State Park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Santee State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Santee State Park

100%
(8)

Rustic Natural Campsite

1 site ¡ RV, Tent11 acres ¡ Santee, SC
We are located on 11 acres. Wooded areas, hiking trails on-site. Perfect place to watch for deer and other animals including our 6 on-leash dogs! It is a train lover's dream because we are close to the tracks and enjoy watching the train come and go so much so that the conductor toots and waves to us!! The Santee State Park has many water activities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. There are several golf courses nearby, and a local restaurant/bar within walking distance which often offers trivia, karaoke, pool tables, and live music. Just be careful as you will be walking on the side of a main road as well as over train tracks.
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$12
 / night
92%
(13)

Too Many Oaks Plantation

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents21 acres ¡ Swansea, SC
We have 21 acres in the sand hills of Calhoun county just outside Columbia S C. Apply named Too Many Oaks Plantation, a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy time in your hammock reading by day and a roaring bonfire by night, We are planting a small mixed fruit orchard and building a chicken coop and garden to enjoy fresh eggs and whatever is in season. Close to Columbia ( 30 minutes ) for a nice trip to the zoo or a float down the Saluda River with Adventure Carolina. A perfect mix of nice and quite but still close to town.
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$25
 / night
100%
(2)

The Little Lovely

2 sites ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Cameron, SC
Welcome to our “Lovely Little Place”! We are so excited to offer our little retreat-like yard to campers looking for peace, quiet, and easy living. We like to think we are “off grid” but truly we are not. The closest town is about 15-20 minutes away. Electric will be provided Commode outdoor toilet provided No shower or running water provided Animals welcome Santee National Park - 15 min away
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$75
 / night
100%
(189)

Camping on Pipers Pond

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents32 acres ¡ Eastover, SC
Learn more about this land: Watch the sun and moon rise over the pond from the grassy knoll in the edge of the woods or under the trees. Enjoy paddling around the pond, fishing and watching the ducks and geese during the day and relaxing around the fire pit at night. We offer 2 campsites on the pond on our private property. They are both slightly sloped.  Site 1 is on the grassy knoll overlooking the pond. It is sunny early in the day and gets shady as the day progresses. It is closer to the outhouse. Site 2 is under the trees and right beside the pond. It gets spotty sun throughout the day. We live through the woods past the campsites. An outhouse with composting toilet, potable water, picnic table, grill, fire pit, fire wood and trash can are provided. Please note that we do not offer a 30 amp camper hookup, only a 15 amp electrical cord running from our house that will run lights, but not a/c or heat.
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$40
 / night
94%
(18)

Waterfront RV resort

16 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs6 acres ¡ Eutawville, SC
Our small size and inspiring location make Bells Marina and Resort an exclusive experience. Enjoy the comforts of our boutique hotel and luxury cabins, bring your own RV or camper, or “rough it” in one of our glamping sites. Bring your boat and keep it in one of our guest slips or in our secured boat storage area. Our friendly staff can provide guides, gear, and just about anything you need for a family-friendly outdoor adventure at this secluded angler’s paradise. Bells Marina and Resort is an outdoor community in a protected cove on the popular Lake Marion, known for world-class fishing and record-breaking catches. Most of our visitors are dazzled at the beauty of the woods and water. We border 400 acres of the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area, and you can enjoy 180-degree views of the cove and waterfowl, from white herons to bald eagles. Meals are a special experience for our guests, and you have a lot of delicious options. Our friendly outdoor cooking area features barbecues and open-fire cooking. This is a great place to make new friends. The country store is stocked with the usual groceries, along with bait and tackle and camping accessories. We have fishing kits, s’mores kits, and many pre-made food options to make your stay easier. We also have a new 2-phase Electric vehicle charge station! Our family restaurant is a local favorite and offers fried, fresh-caught catfish. We are open for three meals most days. You can have a hot breakfast starting at 6:00 am, and be on the water or in the woods at sunrise. We will even cook your catch! If you don’t feel like hunting or fishing, Bells Marina has play spaces for the kids and relaxing spaces for adults. Join us for movie nights or just unwind at the community campfire. Golfing is just minutes away! No matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, Bells Marina and Resort has everything you need for a memorable adventure. Please note our store closes at 9pm. If you make a last minute reservation please call our store Prior to reserving at 803-492-7924 or you may not get a spot as we sync to our calendar once a day!
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$45
 / night
100%
(3)

Outside Inn Campground

1 site ¡ RV54 acres ¡ Elloree, SC
We are a family campground with a focus on keeping things natural. Enjoy an afternoon with the farm animals, a stroll through the woods, star gazing at night and fellowship with friends. Our campground hosts outdoor movies under the stars (see events for dates & times) as well as farm tours and snuggles sessions with the animals.
from 
$50
 / night
98%
(63)

Edisto River Retreat

6 sites ¡ RVs, Tents25 acres ¡ Round O, SC
Ian's background is in art, public education, and exploring the outdoors. Growing up in the Lowcountry of South Carolina allowed for endless opportunities to explore and foster an appreciation for the outdoors. It is the peace and tranquility of the wetlands, and the time spent with family and friends in these unique ecosystems, that always brought me comfort and wonder. It was in June of 2019 that dreams of having my name attached to land became a reality. Since the contract was signed; family, friends, and I have been developing the property and programming classes and adventures to share with those who seek them. We have developed several unique sites to share with you and will continue to improve as we foster our partnership with the land and share its bounty.
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$35
 / night
Saved 12 times

Walden Pond & Welcome to Lily Pad

1 site ¡ RV, Tent5 acres ¡ Elloree, SC
Learn more about this land: 15 minutes from interstate 95 Wooden area with flat easy set up up on property. Small pond is available for on shore fishing. No electric or septic available. Water connection may be possible. Located just 10 minutes from Santee State Park in Santee, SC and 5 minutes from Poplar Creek Landing, where you can put your boat/kayak in for fishing or just enjoy a day on Lake Marion. Or if Golf is on your agenda, Located in the heart of Santee lies one of the more rewarding golf experiences in the area. Lake Marion Golf Course opened in 1978, is a perennial favorite with traveling golfers and features fantastic Miniverde greens that are in perfect shape all year long. Designed by Eddie Riccoboni, Lake Marion will challenge you with pine tree-lined fairways, bordering lakes and 47 sand bunkers. But don’t let these challenges fool you. Lake Marion is an extremely fair test of golf and is sure to please players of all abilities.
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$45
 / night
100%
(92)

Edisto River Luxury RV Resort

2 sites ¡ RVs4 acres ¡ Cottageville, SC
Locate on a riverfront property on the Edisto River. Very quiet and beautiful pond view, full hookup luxury RV sites. Amenities include private furnished screened Gazebo with mini fridge, tv and wifi, shared bath with free laundry and the most amazing outdoor shower. The pond is stocked with fish and has a beautiful fountain which produces white noise during the evening and most of the night. Just 1 hour from Downtown Charleston and 20 minutes to Walterboro and I-95. Nearby is Givhans Ferry State Park great for swimming, and the popular river tubing or The nearby Bee City Zoo which has a wide selection of fun and exciting exhibits for adults and children. Built by hand from scratch, we tried to think of everything you would need to leave you rested during your journey. Designed specifically for Motorhome's but we can also accept tow behind campers, roof top tents and tent camping. This is an upscale resort for those who want a quiet and peaceful experience vs the crammed and crowded commercial campgrounds.
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$100
 / night
99%
(226)

Black Pearl Farms

6 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents180 acres ¡ Branchville, SC
Pitch your tent on one of our private campsites, or enjoy the comforts of our beautiful guest house. Located across 180 picturesque acres of Black Pearl Farms, a working organic blueberry farm. A half mile of water frontage tucked along the gnarls of the Edisto river, provides serine river views with boating access, fishing, breathtaking sunsets over the orchards, and crystal clear star gazing.
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$43
 / night
86%
(14)

The Goodson Forest Estate

273 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Hopkins, SC
Learn more about this land:Experience the Garden of Eden. This forest is in a safe environment with all it's beauty and Glory. Get lost without getting lost. Civilization on every side. Paradise within. Come see and feel the love. Positive Energy. 
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$35
 / night
98%
(127)

Gathering Grounds

49 sites ¡ RVs, Tents53 acres ¡ Ridgeville, SC
LOCATED IN BEAUTIFUL RIDGEVILLE, South Carolina. LESS than an hour from Historic Charleston and 20 minutes from beautiful Summerville. Natural Gathering Grounds is a Forest School and Waldorf inspired camp ground and natural learning environment. This eco-retreat facility is located on 53 acres with a growing family farm, fishing ponds, walking trails, archery, tent camping, gardening, craft/activity centerand 900 feet of the Edisto River. Our summer campsare offered weekly and daily. Camps focus on interaction and appreciation for the natural world. Our mission is to inspire wonder and encourage discovery while making meaningful connections in a natural environment. Come experience freedom, tranquility, and exploration here in the beautiful Lowcountry. Located minutes from Givhans Ferry State Park - 16 miles from Summerville. Visit Natural Gathering Grounds!
from 
$35
 / night

The best camping near Santee State Park guide

Overview

About

Calling all birdwatchers! Osprey, great blue heron, painted buntings, you’ll find them all here at Santee State Park. Wander down the short nature trails, or simply keep an eye out for your flighty friends as you fish off the pier of Lake Marion. If you’d rather jump in the water than pull up your own catfish, swim at your own risk! There are no lifeguards, but plenty of alligators in the swampy, shallow areas. As long as you don’t feed or provoke them, you’ll be just fine sunbathing on the banks of Lake Marion or doing some water skiing. Santee State Park is the perfect wildlife-filled nature getaway, complete with a stunning view each night as the sun sets below the cypress trees in the middle of the lake.

Notable campgrounds

  • Lakeshore Campground: Enjoy the serenity of Lake Marion with campsites right on the water's edge, perfect for anglers and nature lovers.
  • Cypress View Campground: Set amid a stunning cypress forest, this campground offers a tranquil retreat and a chance to spot local wildlife.
  • Parkside Camping: Ideal for families, these sites are conveniently located near the park's amenities and recreational areas.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season stays, to ensure your spot amid the natural beauty of Santee State Park.
  • Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellations as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options if Santee State Park is fully booked, as the surrounding area offers additional adventures.

When to go

The best time to visit Santee State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter offers a peaceful, less crowded experience. Avoid holiday weekends if you prefer a quieter visit.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's operating hours, which are 6am to dark daily, and the office hours from 8:30am to 5pm.
  • Admission fees are $3 for adults, with discounts for SC seniors and children, and free for those under 5.
  • Pets are welcome in designated cabins and most outdoor areas, but must be leashed and well-behaved.
  • Stay connected with available wifi and take advantage of the electric vehicle charging station.
  • Remember to pay your admission at the park office, store, or one of the green iron ranger boxes.

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