SC State Park Campground Prices: What Will a Family Campsite Really Cost You?

Prices for camping at South Carolina state parks aren’t a flat rate—they jump around based on which park you pick and what kind of site you want. You might pay as little as $20 per night for a basic tent site at places like Lake Warren, but if you’re booking a lakefront spot with full hookups (think water and electricity) at a popular park like Myrtle Beach State Park, you could pay $40 to $60 per night. That’s before fees or taxes.

Keep in mind, weekends and holidays crank prices higher and some parks have minimum stays during busy seasons. When you try to reserve online, you’ll see the final price before you pay, but you’ll want to click through to the last step so you’re not surprised by extra charges.

If you’re rolling in with a big family or a bunch of gear, some parks offer double-size sites—but these almost always cost more. Kids under 15 usually camp free with adults, so you don’t have to worry about extra person fees for most families.

• What You’ll Pay for a Campsite (and Why It Changes)
• What’s Included in the Cost
• Extra Fees and Hidden Charges
• Smart Ways to Save on Your SC Camping Trip

What You’ll Pay for a Campsite (and Why It Changes)

Here’s the deal: the nightly cost for a spot at an SC state park isn’t set in stone. Prices come down to a few things: which park you pick, what you need at the site, when you’re going, and how many people are tagging along. Some sites are basic—just a place to put your tent and maybe a picnic table. Others offer electricity, water, sewer hookups, and even some sweet lake or ocean views. That all changes the price.

Let’s get concrete. The standard rate for a basic campsite sits in the $20 to $30 range per night. If you want extra comforts like electricity or a spot for an RV, you’re looking at $35 to $60 a night in popular parks. Here’s a side-by-side for some of the most-visited parks as of 2025:

Summer weekends, spring break, and holidays will push rates to the max almost everywhere. If you want the best deal, aim for weekdays or book during less busy months—late fall or early spring is usually cheaper and quieter.

Also, a pro tip: not all SC state parks charge the same. Beach and mountain parks stay popular, so their prices almost always stay highest. Inland, less famous spots have the best bargains. If you’re camping just for the fun of the outdoors and not looking for something fancy, you can save a lot by looking beyond the obvious names.

Bottom line? The more amenities you want (think hookups, Adirondack shelters, double sites), the higher your cost will climb. Always check the park's site directly or call ahead—prices do get updated and some sites add little seasonal fees that aren’t always obvious at first glance.

What’s Included in the Cost

When you pay for a site at any SC state park, you’re mainly paying for your plot of land—plus a few campground basics. Every official family campsite gets you at least a tent pad, a picnic table, a fire ring or grill, and usually decent privacy from your neighbors. That’s your standard setup across all the parks.

Most of the time, your SC state parks camping fee covers these basics. Electric and water hookups come with many RV and even some tent sites, but not all. Some parks, like Hunting Island and Edisto Beach, even offer sewer hookups (for your RV) on the premium sites. Here’s a quick run-down of typical amenities for a family campsite:

• Access to modern bathhouses (hot showers, flush toilets, sinks)
• Free use of playgrounds, sports fields, and often swimming areas
• Parking for one vehicle (extra cars usually pay extra)
• Park admission for campers (so you don’t pay two separate entrance fees)
• Trash and recycling bins nearby

If you’re hoping for a lake view, direct beach access, or trails that start right from your site, those are only at select parks, and you usually pay more for those spots. Firewood is never included, and outside wood is a no-go because of pest rules, so you’ll buy it at the park store or from the camp host for $6–$8 per bundle. Don’t expect Wi-Fi—if a park has it, it’s a bonus, not a guarantee.

And finally, most parks have quiet hours (usually 10pm–7am) and that perk is free—it just means you can count on a decent night’s sleep without rowdy parties nearby.

Extra Fees and Hidden Charges

The main price you see for a family campsite isn’t always the final bill. SC state parks tack on a few extra fees that can catch first-timers off guard. For starters, there’s a reservation fee—right now, it’s usually $3 plus tax for every online or phone booking, no matter how many nights you stay. If you have to cancel, there’s a cancellation fee too, and it goes up the closer you get to your arrival date—canceling within three days of your trip means you lose your first night’s fee. If you need to change your dates instead of canceling, most parks charge a $5 change fee.

Don’t forget about entrance fees. While most parks roll this into your camping cost, a few—like Hunting Island—ask for a daily per-person park admission even if you’re staying overnight. For example, adults usually pay $8 per day and kids under 5 are free. If you show up with a second vehicle or a trailer, some parks ask for an extra parking fee, typically a few bucks per night.

Want firewood? You have to buy it on-site to avoid bringing in bugs that wreck the local trees. Campfire wood bundles run about $7 to $8 each, and you can’t collect fallen branches inside the park. Need an extra tent on your site or want to bring your pet? Some parks charge small fees for extra tents or furry guests—usually less than $10 per night, but it depends on the specific park rules.

• The biggest ‘hidden’ charge some folks forget: sales tax and hospitality tax—these often add 7-12% to your final bill.
• Premium sites, like lakeside or pull-through pads, add $5 to $20 per night compared to basic spots.
• If you want to stay late on your checkout day, there’s usually a late departure fee—usually equal to another night’s cost.

It pays to check the park’s website or call before you go, since rules and fees can shift from park to park. Staying on top of the extras means you won’t blow your budget before you even pitch your tent. If you plan your trip right, SC state parks camping cost will stay under control—no gotchas when you hit the checkout page.

Smart Ways to Save on Your SC Camping Trip

Camping in South Carolina state parks doesn’t have to wreck your budget. There are some pretty easy tricks to help you pay less, and it all starts with paying attention to the calendar and being flexible about where you camp.

• Book Weekdays Instead of Weekends: Weekday rates at most SC state parks are $5–$10 lower per night compared to weekends. If your schedule’s open, aim for Sunday through Thursday stays.
• Skip Peak Seasons: Summer and major holidays (like Memorial Day and July 4th) cost the most. If you’re okay with cooler evenings, camping in the spring or fall means you’ll pay less and deal with fewer crowds.
• Look for Cheaper Parks: Some parks, like Sesquicentennial or Lake Warren, have basic sites that run around $18–$22 per night, way cheaper than coastal parks. Inland parks are just as fun and save you cash.
• Use State Park Passes: Annual South Carolina Park Passes ($99 for families) give you free entry and discounts on camping at select parks. If you visit often, it pays for itself in a few trips.
• Split Costs: SC sites usually let up to 6 people stay for one price. Bring another family or a few friends to share a site and split the costs down the middle.

Check out this snapshot of average nightly rates, so you can compare prices at a glance:

And don’t forget: Reserve online through the official South Carolina State Parks website to see all current discounts. Sometimes, they offer flash sales or off-season deals right on the booking page. Watch their Facebook or sign up for emails—you’d be surprised how fast those deals go.

If you’re new to camping, borrowing gear from friends or checking local gear libraries keeps first-time costs down. You don’t need top-shelf stuff to have a great time. And remember, the big fun comes from the people and the location, not the price tag.

Use these tips and you’ll still get that classic campfire experience without sweating over your wallet.