Beach Camping in South Carolina

Camping on the beach is a popular pastime among those who live and visit coastal states across the U.S. When you're looking for beach camping spots in South Carolina, you can find a number of locations that cater to campers and provide gorgeous waterfront views. Check out some of the best beach campsites in South Carolina, and start planning your next getaway. 

Edisto Beach State Park

Image via Unsplash by Daan Weijers

Edisto Beach State Park is one of the top spots for beach camping in South Carolina. It sits on Edisto Island and boasts 112 campsites for all types of camping. You can reserve a site with water and electrical hookups or one of the sites that accommodate RVs measuring up to 40 feet in length. The RV-friendly sites offer access to restrooms with showers and hot water. All standard campsites offer 20/30/50-amp electrical services, while the tent campsites include centralized water and tent pads.

All water provided has been treated by the town of Edisto Beach and is safe to drink, so use the designated water filling stations. You can get up to 5 gallons per day while camping at this location. The water that hasn't been treated has a high salt content. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas when kept on leashes, although they're not allowed in the cabins or cabin areas. The state park also has hiking and biking trails, picnic shelters, fishing areas, boating and boat access via a ramp, and miles of beaches with swimming access.

Pirateland Family Camping Resort

Head to Myrtle Beach for some family fun at Pirateland, the premier oceanfront camping destination in the area. It's designed with families in mind, offering amenities that kids of all ages and their parents will love. Summer amenities include an on-site water park with slides, a lazy river, and a pirate ship splash pool. You can also enjoy recreational programs and an outdoor covered pavilion area with a fireplace and picnic tables. Guests can reserve campsites for tent or RV camping or reserve a cabin to enjoy all the amenities of home.

This beautiful campsite offers easy access to a half-mile beach along the Atlantic Ocean, where you can dip your toes in the water or go for a swim. It's also close to Myrtle Beach attractions, such as Ripley's Aquarium, several live music venues, multiple golf courses, and fishing areas.

Huntington Beach State Park

Another place to experience South Carolina beach camping is Huntington Beach State Park, which is on Murrells Inlet. The park has 107 campsites, including 66 sites with full electricity, water, and sewer hookups for those who prefer a less rustic experience when camping. A dump station is also available to campers who bring RVs, which the park can accommodate those up to 40 feet, depending on the site. Two primitive group sites are also available for organized groups. These provide a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to nearby restrooms.

On-leash dogs are welcome in the park but must remain on the south end of the beach. Amenities within the park include fishing, boating, picnic shelters, a swimming area with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, and hiking and biking trails. Huntington State Beach Park is also known as one of the top birdwatching sites in the southeastern part of the U.S., and you can learn more about the types of birds living in the area in the nature center. This park also hosts an annual arts and crafts festival in mid-September.

Apache Family Campground & Pier

Located in Myrtle Beach, Apache Family Campground & Pier is a great place to bring the whole crew for some camping on the beach in South Carolina. The oceanfront campground offers access to an expansive white-sand beach and a large pier, where you can enjoy live music during the summer months, dine at the casual eatery, visit the arcade, or stock up at the bait and tackle shop.

During a stay at this spot, you can go fishing or participate in some of the kid-focused activities, such as crafts, movie nights, and rounds of bingo. While the pier and campground are open year-round, some of the activities are only offered during the summer. The oceanfront sites include options that can accommodate RVs and tent camping with designated concrete tent pads.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Another spot in Myrtle Beach is the Ocean Lakes Family Campground, which sits near the south end of the coastal South Carolina town. When it first opened, the campground had just 30 campsites and one bathhouse for shared use. Hundreds of people would line up and wait for their turn to camp at this oceanfront spot, which resulted in a massive expansion. Today, the campground boasts 859 campgrounds and over 2,500 annual lease sites on 310 acres of land. Campers love the amenities and the excellent customer service they receive from the award-winning team.

You can find a campsite that accommodates your needs, whether you're planning to bring an RV or camper or you'd rather rough it in a tent. Campers have access to the beautiful beach as well as a range of amenities. If you're visiting with kids, check out the Sandy Harbor Family Fun Center for some arcade games, miniature golf, or water park fun. Other amenities include a laundromat, several restaurants, a store, and an RV shop offering sales, service, and parts. The campground also offers easy access to the town of Myrtle Beach for shopping and sightseeing.

With so many places to experience camping on the beach in South Carolina, it's no surprise that this state is known for its beachfront campgrounds. After you choose the spot for your next campout, start packing and get ready for a fun outing. You can also pick up a camping must-have—a Bluetooth-enabled cooler speaker that keeps the tunes pumping and the drinks cold. Wet Sounds offers SHIVR coolers that are perfect for beach days, tailgating, and pool parties, so you can enjoy your favorite music at every outdoor event.