Do you dream of exploring the natural beauty of South Carolina? This lush, diverse state is full of adventure and fun activities that should be added to your RV travel bucket list! From visiting waterfalls along challenging hiking trails to discovering secret islands only reached by boat, there are plenty of ways to create a unique and memorable experience.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly attractions or daring outdoor adventures, our ultimate travel guide has something special for everyone. With its eerie national park, charming small towns, and pristine beaches, it's not hard to understand why South Carolina is such a popular destination. So read on to find out what makes this Southern paradise so special!
Why Visit South Carolina In Your RV?
South Carolina is the perfect destination for RV travel due to its great year-round weather and endless possibilities for sightseeing and exploration. With mild winters and long, hot summers, it's the ideal place to take your RV on a road trip any time of the year. Plus, with its stunning beaches, national park sites, charming small towns, and historic sites, you'll never run out of things to do.
The first time we visited in our RV, we were blown away by its beautiful scenery and historic charm. There are so many diverse natural areas to explore in the state. It's also less crowded than other southern states like Florida, for example. The laid-back vibe is special in South Carolina. Let's explore some of our favorite spots in the state to add to your travel bucket list.
Best Places To Visit In South Carolina
From scenic swamps, majestic mountain scenery, and breathtaking beaches, there is something for everyone to see and do in South Carolina.
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is one of the least visited US national parks. Its rural location outside of Columbia, South Carolina, is a bit of a hidden gem. Many people simply don't know about this only national park in the state.
Congaree national park exists to protect the large number of hardwood tree species that exist in this area. Many visitors mistakingly think that this not-as-popular national park is a swamp ecosystem, however it is actually a river floodplain. Regardless of how you view the swamp-like scenery, it is eerie and fun to explore.
Something really interesting about Congaree is the mosquito meter when you enter the park. It ranges from "1-All Clear" to "6-War Zone". The bugs really are insane in this park due to the standing water. In fact, the park even has a little fun with its insect residents by selling I Gave Blood At Congaree swag in the national park gift shop.
On the day of our visit, the meter was on level 2, and we still received quite a few bites. We used natural bug spray, but it didn't fully protect us here. Don't forget to pack your bug repellent when you visit this park! To visit with fewer bugs, consider a visit in early spring or late fall.
You may be wondering what there is to see and do in this unique park. Our favorite part of Congaree was the elevated 2.4-mile boardwalk trail. It was a great way to get an overview of the park while still staying dry. Many of the park trails do flood, are muddy, or are even closed when the water is high. The boardwalk trail was a great way to identify the hardwood trees in this old-growth forest. Dogs are also welcome on the trails in this park.
Paddling is also a very popular park activity. Rent a kayak or canoe from a concessionaire outside of the park and paddle the marked 15-mile Cedar Creek Trail. This is a great way to view wading birds, alligators, and sometimes even river otters. If the water is high, it can be tough to view the trail markers. Be sure to grab a map from the visitor center and bring along a compass, just in case.
If you visit Congaree in May, don't miss checking out the synchronous fireflies. This annual event usually occurs during the middle of May each year for only about 2 weeks. Congaree and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks are the only two parks where you can view this incredible natural phenomenon during the firefly mating season. To attend this event, you will need to enter a lottery to obtain a vehicle pass from Recreation.gov. Check the website for updated information prior to your trip. Congaree is simply a unique national park to skip the crowds.
Blue Ridge Mountains
Did you know that northern South Carolina has a mountainous region? Most people don't think about mountains when they think of South Carolina, but this part of the state is stunning and a must-add area to your state bucket list. The southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains runs through the state and you have to see this area to believe it.
A must-see stop in the mountains of South Carolina is Sassafras Mountian. This highest peak in the state, at 3,500 feet, can be reached by driving to the summit or by an 8.4-mile hike to the top. There is also a new observation tower, The Sassafras Tower, at the top to get an even better view of the gorgeous scenery. The South Carolina North Carolina state line actually runs through the tower and is shown by a compass rose on the roof. However you decide to ascend the mountain, the views at the top are incredible and a must-see.
Other amazing areas to check out in the mountain region are Ceasars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park. Ceasars Head State Park is known for its mountain hiking trails, epic waterfalls, and lookout areas. The most popular trail, the 4-mile Raven Cliff Falls Trail, leads you to the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls. There is also a unique suspension bridge to enjoy in this area. Also, don't miss the Bald Rock overlook which is located about 5 miles outside of the state park on the way to nearby Jones Gap State Park.
Hunting Island State Park
Did you know that one of the highest-rated beaches in the United States is in South Carolina? Hunting Island State Park is the first beach our family visited on our full-time RVing journey, and it still remains our favorite. This lush, wild, and scenic beach is truly one-of-a-kind.
Hunting Island State Park is a South Carolina locals' favorite. It isn't known by many tourists and really has that secluded, quiet feeling when you visit. A woman working at the campground our family was staying at actually told us about this hidden gem (Always talk to locals!), and I am so glad she did. Just driving the road to reach the beach was an adventure. It felt like we were driving through a jungle.
In fact, this state park beach and the jungle-like area leading up to it have been featured in movies such as Forest Gump, Rules Of Engagement, GI Jane, and the recent Netflix series Outer Banks. When you see this place, you will understand why. Very few beaches still feel this secluded and untouched.
Besides just enjoying this incredible beach, you can also check out the park lighthouse during your visit. You can climb the 167 stairs to reach the top of the 136-foot lighthouse for an incredible view of the area. Note that at the time of writing this, the inside lighthouse tour is closed for renovations. Check the website before your visit for the latest information.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is one of those historic southern cities just oozing with charm. There is so much to see here, from waterfront scenery and shopping to eerie above-ground cemeteries. A great way to experience the city while also learning more about its history is to take a Gray Line bus tour. Parking is limited in the historic downtown area, but you can use the free hop-on-and-off DASH Carta trolley to explore without needing to repark.
Take in more of Charleston's history with a visit to a local plantation. Check out nearby Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens or the Charles Pickney National Historic Site. We visited the Charles Pickney site to learn more about this founding father and enjoyed the views from this peaceful riverfront plantation.
Have a war history buff or fort lover in your travel party? There are many forts to explore in the Charleston area. Step back into history with a visit to Fort Moultrie National Historic Park or with a boat tour out to visit Fort Sumter National Monument. If you are traveling with children, they can participate in the free Junior Ranger program at both locations.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Looking for a more exciting beach vacation spot? The Myrtle Beach area is loaded with fun things to do, as well as beautiful beaches to explore. Our family loved the large beach SkyWheel. This scenic 187-foot tall Ferris wheel is designed with glass climate-controlled observation cars to enjoy the scenic views.
Looking for an amazing place to RV camp during your visit to Myrtle Beach? Myrtle Beach State Park was actually the first South Carolina state park, and it's still one of the best today. This campground is in an incredible location to be able to walk to the beach from within the park and is also close to all of the sightseeing in Myrtle Beach. It is extremely hard to get a campsite reservation due to its popularity. Make sure to reserve as far in advance as possible.
South Carolina is full of beautiful nature, culture, and history. From Congaree National Park to the Blue Ridge Mountains to Hunting Island State Park, it doesn't lack phenomenal outdoor sights. Of course, you must also visit Charleston and Myrtle Beach for some southern hospitality and fun. While it also boasts amazing modern amenities like excellent restaurants and many tourist attractions, South Carolina still retains its old-world charm. So when you plan your next RV road trip, make sure to add South Carolina to your travel bucket list!
Looking for an RV perfect for a road trip to South Carolina? La Mesa has the selection you need to find your perfect setup. Stop by for a visit today!
Scott, his wife Van, and their 13-year-old daughter have traveled full-time in their RV for 8 years. They have worked and homeschooled on the road through 42 states so far. They blog about RVing tips, travel destinations, jobs for RVing, and the full-time RV lifestyle on their blogs theadventuredetour and rvnomadjobs. They are also RV content creators @theadventuredetour on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. They love connecting with RVers, so be sure to reach out to them and say hi!
