7 Amazing Campgrounds In South Carolina Where You Can Spend The Night For 25 Bucks And Under
South Carolina has no shortage of awesome places to camp. You can head to the beach and spend a week in an oceanfront camping resort, or make your way to a rustic cabin at many of our state parks… but, camping doesn’t have to empty your wallet every time you go. We rounded up some of the best campgrounds on Federal lands in the Palmetto State – and they’re all available for 25 dollars or LESS per night. Check them out!
1. Buck Hall Recreation Area - McClellanville ($20)
Positioned right on the intracoastal network of marshes and tidal waters, Buck Hall can accommodate campers, RVs, and tent camping. Use this spot as your base camp for exploring the Francis Marion National Forest — or to head north or south for more urban exploration. Charleston is a mere 30 miles to the southwest and Georgetown is only minutes away to the north. Buck Hall is open year-round and unless you need to rent a large group site, camping here will only cost you $20/night for a standard site. If you're in a tent and don't want any electric, then that rate drops to $15/night. Learn more here.
Head to Lake Strom Thurmond just above where the Savannah River is dammed at Clarks Hill for a getaway right on the water at this campground. Modoc is a little-known gem that occupies two peninsulas along the lake. Boaters will love being able to launch a vessel from the convenient ramp, and canoe/kayak lovers will appreciate the easy entry on Lake Strom Thurmond from the campground. Fees vary; however, there is a consistent rate of $24 for a standard electric site and $18 for non-electric. From there, the fees go up. Learn more here.
Head here for a spot near the wild Chattooga River. Rafting, fishing, and more await! The campground is open seasonally from April 1 through October 31. It has running water, toilets, and hot showers. A night here will set you back on $10. Learn more here.
Open April 1 through October 9, Springfield is a popular destination for South Carolinians in the nearby region. The park offers a boat ramp, dock, swimming area, and three playgrounds — not to mention the forever views of Lake Hartwell. At $26/night this campground is one dollar more than our headline, but we felt it was worth including it anyway. Hopefully, you agree! Learn more here.
Address: 1915 Providence Church Road, Anderson, SC, 29626
You can't go wrong with the two beaches at this lakefront campground. And for only $24 per night (even for RVs), this campground stays very busy. Book well in advance! Learn more here.
South Carolina's only National Park offers two primitive campgrounds; one of them (Bluff Campground) is a walk-in deal where you'll carry all of your belongings to the site. The Bluff costs a mere $5/night. The other campground (pictured here) is Longleaf Campground. It's also primitive (vaulted toilets and no showers). An overnight stay at Longleaf will set you back $10. Group sites are available for $20/night. Learn more here.
Address: 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061
Open May 1 through the end of September, and along the shore of beautiful Lake Hartwell! With 106 campsites, 2 boat launches, 4 playgrounds, and more, Coneross Campground is a hidden gem awaiting discovery. Rates here start at only $18 for a non-electric site; electric sites vary from $24-$52/night. Learn more here.
Address: 699 Coneross Park Road, Townville, SC, 29689
When was the last time you went camping? South Carolina’s campgrounds are widely varied in terms of amenities and overnight rates. Which one is your favorite – and why? Continue the conversation in our comments!
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.