This Secluded Campground Near Hunting Island Is One of South Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets

Hunting Island State Park is the most-visited in South Carolina, receiving more than one million visitors each year. Due to its location along the Atlantic, it's a popular coastal destination, especially during the hot, humid summers. Visitors from all over the state come here for its five miles of wide sandy beaches, fishing pier, scenery, wildlife, hiking, and more. It also has two popular campgrounds, but if you're seeking a quieter, more secluded campground in South Carolina that's still close to Hunting Island State Park, consider staying at Tuck In The Wood Campground instead. This peaceful nature escape is one you probably never heard of.

Where This Campground Is and How Close It Is to Hunting Island State Park

Located just 12 miles from the state's busiest park, Hunting Island State Park, Tuck In The Wood Campground is perfect for those seeking a more peaceful retreat in nature. Set on the idyllic Saint Helena Island, a rural Lowcountry island that's part of the Sea Islands chain just east of Beaufort, it's one of the more remote camping spots in South Carolina.

To get to Tuck In The Wood Campground for camping near Hunting Island State Park, take the Sea Island Parkway from Beaufort to State Road S-7-45 to Tuc-In-De-Woods Lane. The drive from Beaufort takes approximately 15 minutes.

What to Expect When You Camp Here

The aptly-named Tuck In The Wood Campground is exactly that — tucked away in the woods, making it feel like one of the most hidden campgrounds in South Carolina. This secluded camping destination on Saint Helena Island is surrounded by nature and offers 80 RV sites, with 30 amp and 50 amp electric options. While you can certainly experience off-the-grid camping here if you choose, there is Wi-Fi and cable TV hookups available. There's also a bathhouse with clean hot showers and restrooms, a recreation hall, a laundromat, a stocked freshwater fishing pond, and family-friendly amenities, including a playground, horseshoes, and a basketball court. Pets are also allowed!

Things to Do Nearby

There are so many wonderful things to do near Tuck In The Wood Campground if you feel like exploring. An hour away is Hilton Head Island, one of the state's best-known destinations for a beach getaway. While crowded, there is so much to see and experience here, including beaches, the historic and iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, over 60 miles of bike trails, golf courses, and more.

Being so close to Hunting Island State Park while staying at this campground means you should absolutely visit! Go for a scenic hike on one of the park's coastal, forest, or boardwalk trails, take a Dolphin Watching Cruise, or bring your fishing poles and cast a line in the creek, lagoon, or in the sea. You may even want to spend some time on the sand watching the waves crash on the shore or taking a dip. However you decide to spend your time at the park is time well spent.

Back on Saint Helena Island, hit the sand at Lands End Beach, a secluded hidden gem beach featuring a maritime forest and boneyard by historic Fort Freemont, where you can stroll the grounds, take a tour, or visit the museum. Taking a Gullah Tour, through either the Penn Center or Gullah-N-Geechee Mahn Tours, is a must to learn about Lowcountry history. In the heart of the island is where you'll find the village of Frogmore, the commercial district with locally-owned shops and restaurants, where you can try Frogmore Stew, a Lowcountry dish made with shrimp, corn-on-the-cob, small red potatoes, and smoked sausage.

Tips for Visiting

With its secluded location offering a peaceful nature experience while still close to some of the Palmetto State's most picturesque coastal attractions, you may find that Tuck In The Wood Campground is among the best campgrounds in South Carolina. No reservations are required to camp here — it is first-come, first-served, and open year-round. However, you can check campsite availability ahead of your visit by calling the number listed on the campground's website. Monthly snowbird rates are also available.

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