With the rise of the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. The coastal state is well-known for its pristine beaches, immaculate golf courses, and incredible cuisine. It is also a prominent figure in our country’s history, having played a major role in the development of the American south.

There’s a whole lot to see in the Palmetto State and RV rentals in South Carolina can get you where you want to go. Look into renting an RV today to make the most out of your South Carolina road trip. Check out Good Sam RV rentals and get started today.

Why Renting an RV in South Carolina Is the Way to Go

You may have seen an RV on the road and wondered what it would be like to travel in one. The technology of today’s RVs is very impressive, and these large vehicles are easier to drive and operate than ever before!

Enjoy comfortable furniture and ample space for you and your traveling companions that will be absolute game-changers for your upcoming road trip. Camp with air conditioning on those hot South Carolina summer nights, and prep a gourmet meal in your full kitchen while you’re parked in some of the most beautiful places in the country.

RV travel brings your camping trips to a whole new level. Look into renting an RV for your road trip through the South Carolina. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

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10 Awesome Places to see in your Rental RV

With its south-central location along the eastern seaboard, South Carolina has a great mix of natural features. The coast is a winding mix of tributaries, coves, bays, and islands. The middle region contains many rivers that surround Columbia, the state’s capital. In the west, elevation steadily increases as you work your way to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There’s tons to see and do in South Carolina, so we’ve compiled a list of 10 places you have got to see on your RV road trip through the Palmetto State.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is one of South Carolina's hottest tourist towns and it’s easy to see why. Surrounding a world-class beach with crystal clear water, you’ll find challenging golf courses, great shopping, fine dining, a thriving art and music scene, and all the watersports you can imagine. Whatever you enjoy doing, Myrtle Beach has it.

There are tons of RV campgrounds in the area. A great option is the North Myrtle Beach RV Resort, with more than 100 full hookup sites that easily accommodate rigs exceeding 50 feet. The campground also has more than 30 wet slips so it's easy to rent a boat and leave it parked at the onsite marina. The campground also boasts a spacious pool, complete with a water slide perfect for the kiddos’ enjoyment.

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Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

Just outside of the tourist capital of Charleston, the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens offer natural beauty and a look back in time. The plantation has been around since the late 17th century and the architecture is very indicative of the time. The incredible gardens have also been on display for the public since 1870. There are a variety of tours that focus on everything from how a plantation worked, to the history of emancipation, to wildlife.

The Oak Plantation RV Campground is just 20 minutes from Magnolia and has lots of spaces for you. More than 200 sites are available with full hookup access, 30-50-amp electrical service, and cable TV. The fishing pond and frisbee golf course are also fun touches for the kids.

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Table Rock State Park

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Table Rock State Park consists of 3,000 acres surrounding scenic Lake Oolenoy. From one of the park's many trails, you’ll enjoy views of its many streams and waterfalls. You can also access the well-known 80-mile Foothills Trail that brings you to the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

RV camping is welcome at Table Rock State Park. You’ll find nearly 100 sites that can accommodate rigs up to 40 feet and offer water and electrical hookups. For your convenience, a laundry facility and dumping station are also on site.

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Topiary Garden

In the northern town of Bishopville, the Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden is a testament to creativity and community strength. Pearl Fryar taught himself how to shape topiaries (bushes trimmed to look like sculptures) and made a name for himself in the artistic community. The 3-acre garden makes for a lovely walk while you appreciate Mr. Fryar’s beautiful work.

The garden is a day trip, so you may want to stay near a larger town. The capital Columbia is about 50 minutes away and the Columbia/Camden RV Park is in the middle, 25 min west off of I-20. The park has more than 80 sites with 30/50-amp electrical service with full hookup access. Laundry and shower facilities are also available on site. Pop into Columbia for a great seafood dinner and plenty of entertainment options.

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Huntington Beach State Park

About 30 minutes south of the bustling tourist hub of Myrtle Beach, you’ll find far more tranquil Huntington Beach State Park. The coastal waters are known to be a fishing hotspot as well as a major congregation site for many species of birds. Tours by park staff can also get you up close and personal views of endangered animal species such as the enormous Loggerhead sea turtle.

Enjoy premium beach camping onsite at the park. A bunch of RV campsites with water and electrical hookups are available that can fit up to a 40-foot vehicle. Other amenities include a shower facility and complementary Wi-Fi.

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Caesars Head State Park

Up along the northwestern border in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Caesars Head State Park offers some of the farthest-reaching views in the state. Caesars Head is a massive rock outcropping that, when you reach the top, allows you to scope out the mountainous landscape for miles. On clear days, you can see forests in Georgia and North Carolina. Enjoy more than 60 miles of trails where you can view the 420-foot-tall Raven Cliff Falls, babbling mountain streams, and abundant wildlife.

RV camping is not an option at the park. Not to worry though, there are a few options within a 15 minutes’ drive. Both the Palmetto Cove and Solitude Pointe RV Parks have received rave reviews from fellow travelers. Both offer full hookups and a wide range of amenities. If you are looking for more of a secluded, quaint site, go for Solitude Pointe. For a more social feel, go with the much larger Palmetto Grove Park.

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Congaree National Park

Congaree is a massive park, with more than 26,000 acres of protected, river-rich forests. The unique river floodplain provided by the Congaree and Wateree rivers in the park carry nutrients throughout the forest that has produced uniquely large ‘champion trees’. The winding river system makes Congaree a great canoeing and kayaking destination. The more than 25 miles of hiking trails and boardwalks also allow you to enjoy the park on foot.

Unfortunately, Congaree is not RV-friendly for your camping needs. The Magnolia Campground 25 minutes to the northwest is your closest option for overnight accommodations. Full hookups with 30/50-amp electrical service are available, but there are only 12 sites so it’s probably a good idea to call ahead and reserve a spot. The campground is also just 15 minutes from Columbia so it’s easy to head into town for the evening, if you wish.

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Falls Park on the Reedy

Falls Park in Greenville is the perfect mix of nature and culture. Reedy River Falls is a beautiful scenic backdrop for numerous sculptures by local and internationally renowned artists. A walk across the iconic Liberty Bridge is also a must. If you’d like to learn more about the meticulously designed gardens and the history of the park, guided tours are available.

The Springwood RV Park is just 15 minutes away from Falls Park. Choose from one of nearly 150 sites offering full hookup access and easy pull-through convenience that can accommodate rigs up to 75 feet in length.

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Hunting Island State Park

Hunting Island can be found off of the southern coast near Savannah, Georgia. Climb to the top of South Carolina’s only publicly accessible lighthouse for unique coastal views. The beach and coastal forests are also teeming with wildlife—a huge draw for visitors. Fishing is a favorite activity because you can choose to target either salt or freshwater species and the action is excellent.

The South Carolina State Park system has you covered yet again with ample RV camping sites at the park. Water and electrical hookups are at each site as well as access to a shower facility and communal restrooms, if desired. The RV length limit for Hunting Island is 40 feet.

Learn more about Hunting Island State Park

Sea Pines Forest Preserve

Also along South Carolina’s southern coast, Hilton Head is an extremely popular tourist destination. Its scenic coastal views make for some of the most beloved golf course experiences in the country but is also home to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve—teeming with vibrant flora and fauna. Walk along the boardwalks, with coffee in hand, and take in the superb birdwatching around the marshes. If you wish for a more personalized experience, tours of preserve are available via horseback, boat, or wagon.

If you really want to treat yourself, the luxury Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort is just five minutes away and offers incredible amenities. Pack your days with trips to the pool, spa, tennis courts, or one of the many social events put on by the resort. This is true luxury RV camping so be prepared for the +$100 nightly fee. If you’re looking for something a little more reasonable, you’ll need to head back off of Hilton Head and you will find quite a few options inland.

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Campgrounds and RV Parks in South Carolina

As you’ve probably come to realize, South Carolina takes good care of RV campers. Nearly everywhere you look, you can find sites with water and electric (or full) hookups, even within the state parks themselves. As with any RV trip, it is a good idea to call ahead and reserve your spots, but it is clear that the Palmetto State is friendly for RV travel.

Things to Note About Camping in South Carolina

Along the Atlantic coast, you’ll need to keep a tab on the weather radar in late summer and early fall. Hurricanes routinely make their way to the Carolinas and it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Your campground should have a hurricane protocol in place should the worst happen. Being familiar with the proper evacuation steps will give you peace of mind and help keep you and your travel companions safe. Good Sam has a list of campgrounds in the state of South Carolina.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in South Carolina

If you are looking to get ‘away from it all’, dry camping, or “boondocking” is your best RV option to isolate yourself. Boondocking means that there are no hookups available (e.g. sewer, electrical, water) and your RV unit is operating independently. Typically, this is not recommended for novice RVers, so we encourage you to do more research if you are interested in giving dry camping a try.

A great place to do this is on public land identified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Unfortunately, South Carolina does not currently have any BLM sites suitable for dry camping in your RV. Although, some campgrounds will often let you dry camp if all of their hookup spots are taken and they have additional space. You can also check with some ‘big box stores’ that allow RV travelers to set up camp in their parking lots.

Renting an RV in South Carolina