Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina

Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina

Discover the best swimming campgrounds across South Carolina. Beat the heat at campgrounds with pristine swimming spots. Lakes, rivers, beaches, and swimming holes just steps from your campsite.

8+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: Summer (June-September)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Hawe Creek
Star
4.6
(433)
Hawe Creek
McCormickJ. Strom Thurmond Lake

Top-rated lakefront campground with exceptional 4.64 sentiment and 433 reviews. Offers direct water access from most sites with explicit swimming mentions in activity description. Perfect greenbook status (99.23 vibe score) ensures welcoming environment.

Tents
RVs
2
The Campground At James Island County Park
Star
4.6
(501)
The Campground At James Island County Park
Charleston

Outstanding coastal campground near Charleston with 4.63 sentiment and 501 reviews. Features seasonal water park access plus kayaking and extensive recreational facilities. Excellent greenbook status (97.02 vibe) with family-friendly atmosphere.

Tents
RVs
3
Crescent
Star
4.8
(145)
Crescent
Clemson, South CarolinaHartwell Lake

Highest sentiment score at 4.80 with perfect greenbook status (100 vibe). Secluded peninsula location on Hartwell Lake with swimming, fishing, and boating. Ideal for group camping with maintained facilities and scenic lake views.

Tents
RVs

About Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina

Swimming camping South Carolina offers an exceptional blend of coastal beaches, pristine mountain lakes, and sprawling reservoir shorelines that create some of the Southeast's most diverse aquatic camping experiences. From the sun-drenched shores of J.

Best Time

The prime swimming camping season in South Carolina runs from May through September, with July and August offering the warmest water temperatures averaging 80-85 degrees across major lakes. Late spring (May-early June) provides an ideal balance of comfortable air temperatures in the mid-80s, fewer crowds, and water warm enough for extended swimming sessions without the intense summer heat.

Activity Highlights

  • Lake and river swimming access
  • Natural swimming holes
  • Beach and waterfront sites
  • Family-friendly swimming areas
Staunton River Campground
Asher Creek Campground
San Elijo State Beach Campground

Explore Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina

Browse 18 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters18+ swimming campgrounds

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Swimming in designated beach areas and covesKayaking and canoeing along scenic shorelinesStand-up paddleboarding on calm lake watersFishing for bass, catfish, and crappieWater skiing and tubing on larger reservoirsBoating and sailing with full-service marinas

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve waterfront sites well in advance—premium swimming locations at popular campgrounds like Hawe Creek and Crescent book up 6 months ahead for summer weekends.
  • 2Bring water shoes for rocky lake bottoms and protection against zebra mussels on some reservoir shorelines.
  • 3Pack shade structures like canopies or pop-up tents, as lakefront sites often have limited tree cover and South Carolina summer sun is intense.
  • 4Consider bringing floating water mats, inflatable kayaks, or paddleboards to maximize your swimming experience beyond the designated beach areas.
8 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina

Swimming Campgrounds in South Carolina FAQ

We've ranked 8+ swimming campgrounds in South Carolina based on water access, swimming areas, safety, and user reviews. Top options include campgrounds on lakes, rivers, and beaches with designated swimming areas.
Swimming safety varies by location. Many campgrounds have designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season. Always check for posted warnings, water conditions, and currents before swimming. Never swim alone.
Summer (June-September) is the best time for swimming camping in South Carolina. Water temperatures are warmest and swimming areas are typically staffed. Some mountain lakes may be too cold for swimming even in summer.
Availability Alerts

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