Campgrounds in Beaufort, SC
Beaufort, SC campgrounds: the big one is Hunting Island State Park, with 127 sites behind the beach, plus a tent-and-RV campground on St. Helena Island and three RV parks along US 21 and US 17 north of town.
Going the other way? A day trip to Beaufort
Hunting Island State Park Campground
102 sites with water and electric hookups and 25 tent-only sites, behind the dunes of a five-mile beach, 17 miles past downtown Beaufort.
For most people, camping in Beaufort means Hunting Island State Park. Its campground sits a short walk from the beach under palmettos and pines: 102 sites with water and electric hookups (20, 30 and 50 amp), some long enough for a 40-foot RV and others capped at 28 feet, plus 25 tent-only sites. There are hot showers, laundry, a dump station and a campground store.
Book through South Carolina State Parks online or at 1-866-345-PARK, and book early for spring and summer weekends. Park admission, the lighthouse climb and the beach rules are on our Hunting Island page.
Other Campgrounds Near Beaufort SC
Tent and RV sites on St. Helena Island, about 20 minutes from downtown on the way to Hunting Island, with showers, laundry, a fishing pond and a playground.
An RV park on Trask Parkway (US 21), about 11 minutes north of downtown Beaufort.
A small family campground on an old farm in Sheldon, about 25 minutes north of town and close to the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.
A KOA Holiday campground right off I-95 at exit 33 in Yemassee, about 35 minutes from Beaufort: handy for a night on the drive down.
Tuck In De Wood Campgrounds, at 22 Tuc-In-De-Woods Lane on St. Helena Island, is the other place to pitch a tent: a wooded campground with RV sites too, about 20 minutes from downtown and on the road out to Hunting Island and Penn Center.
North of town the choice is RV parks. Driftwood RV Park is at 2558 Trask Parkway, closest to downtown. Ace Basin Campground and RV is at 695 Trask Parkway in Sheldon, a few minutes from the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. The Point South KOA is at 14 Campground Road in Yemassee, at I-95 exit 33. Call each for rates and site sizes.
Camping in Beaufort SC: Drive Times
From downtown Beaufort: Driftwood RV Park about 8 miles (11 minutes), Tuck In De Wood about 9 miles (20 minutes), Hunting Island about 17 miles (25 minutes), Ace Basin about 18 miles (25 minutes) and the Point South KOA about 25 miles (35 minutes).
From Hilton Head the campgrounds are 45 to 60 miles away, an hour to an hour and a half. Camping closer to the island? See Bluffton campgrounds and RV parks and RV resorts near Hilton Head. Hilton Head itself has no tent campground.
Before You Book
Hunting Island fills first, especially on spring and summer weekends and holidays, so reserve as early as the state parks system allows. At the state park, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and are not allowed past the posted markers at the tip of North Beach. Check the private campgrounds’ own pet and quiet-hour rules when you book. For things to do while you’re here, see our Beaufort day trip and Beaufort beaches guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated
What are the best campgrounds in Beaufort, SC?
Hunting Island State Park, with 102 hookup sites and 25 tent sites behind the beach, is the one most people want. Tuck In De Wood on St. Helena Island takes tents and RVs, and Driftwood RV Park, Ace Basin Campground and the Point South KOA are RV parks north of town.
Can you tent camp near Beaufort, SC?
Yes. Hunting Island State Park has 25 tent-only sites, and Tuck In De Wood Campgrounds on St. Helena Island has tent sites as well as RV sites.
How do I book camping at Hunting Island?
Through South Carolina State Parks, online or at 1-866-345-PARK. Book early for spring and summer weekends.
Is there camping on Hilton Head Island?
There is no tent campground on Hilton Head. The island has RV resorts, and Bluffton and Beaufort have campgrounds within an hour or so.
How far are Beaufort campgrounds from Hilton Head?
About 45 to 60 miles, an hour to an hour and a half by car, depending on the campground and where on Hilton Head you start.
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