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Santee State Park South Carolina (SC) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Santee State Park, located in South Carolina, is a perfect destination for RV camping enthusiasts. This park boasts of more than 200 paved campsites, including 150 sites with water and electric hookups, making it an ideal spot for RV renters. The park’s history dates back to the 1930s when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the park’s facilities. Santee State Park was built on the site of the old Santee Indian village, which is significant to the region’s history and culture.

The park’s unique feature is its location on Lake Marion, which is South Carolina’s largest lake. The lake was created in the 1940s by damming the Santee River, and it is now an important source of hydroelectric power. The lake is also home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular spot for fishing.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Santee State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Santee State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Generator use

Food storage

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Sewer hookup

Dogs cats

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Visitors to Santee State Park can access the park by private vehicle and there are several entrances to choose from. The park has two main entrances one on the north side of the lake and one on the south side. RV renters should be aware that there are restrictions on rig sizes and the park has a limit of 40 feet for RVs. There are also no restrictions on the type of private vehicle that can enter the park but visitors should be aware that some roads may be narrow or winding.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available in designated areas throughout the park with some sites providing electrical hookups. Overnight parking is restricted to these designated campsites. While RV camping is a popular choice visitors may want to consider alternative transportation methods such as biking or hiking to fully explore the park’s natural beauty.

  • Public Transportation

Santee State Park offers several transportation options to help visitors navigate its expansive grounds. Walking paths provide scenic routes for exploring the park’s natural features while shuttle buses offer a convenient way to travel between popular destinations. This allows visitors to enjoy the park’s many attractions without relying solely on their personal vehicles.

Top Campsites in Santee State Park

  • Reservations camping

The most popular campgrounds near Santee State Park that require reservations are

Lakeshore Campground

With 84 sites this is the largest campground in the park. It’s located on the lake’s edge and offers stunning views. Each site has water and electrical hookups and there are restrooms and showers nearby. Activities include fishing boating and hiking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Cypress View Campground

This campground has 30 sites each with water and electrical hookups. It’s located in a wooded area and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Activities include hiking and biking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

Santee / Santee Lakes KOA

Located just outside the park this KOA has 250 sites including RV and tent sites. Amenities include a pool hot tub mini-golf course and game room. Activities include fishing boating and hiking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 70 feet are permitted.

Santee Coastal Reserve Campground

This campground has 20 sites each with water and electrical hookups. It’s located near the ocean and offers beautiful views of the coast. Activities include fishing crabbing and hiking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

  • First-come first-served

If you’re looking for first-come-first-served camping options in Santee State Park here are three options

Big Oaks Campground

This campground has 40 sites including RV and tent sites. It’s located near the lake and offers a quiet atmosphere. Activities include fishing boating and hiking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 40 feet are permitted.

Pine Hill Campground

This campground has 20 sites each with water and electrical hookups. It’s located in a wooded area and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Activities include hiking and biking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open from March to November. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

Wayside Campground

This campground has 10 sites each with water and electrical hookups. It’s located near the park entrance and offers easy access to the park’s amenities. Activities include fishing boating and hiking. Pets are allowed and the campground is open year-round. RVs and trailers up to 30 feet are permitted.

  • Alternate camping

If the campgrounds in Santee State Park are full there are alternative camping options nearby. Here are two options

Buck Hall Recreation Area

Located about 20 miles from Santee State Park this recreation area offers camping fishing and hiking. There are 30 RV sites with water and electrical hookups and 30 tent sites. The campground is open year-round and pets are allowed.

Lake Marion RV Park

This RV park is located about 15 miles from Santee State Park and offers 90 full hookup sites. Amenities include a pool hot tub laundry facilities and a boat ramp. The campground is open year-round and pets are allowed.

  • General activities

The most popular recreational activity in Santee State Park for RV campers is fishing. With over 100 000 acres of water the park is home to a variety of fish species including bass crappie and catfish. The park has multiple fishing piers and boat ramps making it easy to cast a line. The Lake Marion fishing pier is a favorite spot for many anglers offering stunning views of the lake and the chance to catch a big one.

Hiking is another popular activity in Santee State Park. The park has over 15 miles of hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the lake shore. The Sinkhole Pond Trail is a must-do for hikers as it takes you past a unique geological feature and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is a moderate 2.2-mile loop and is accessible from the campground.

Cycling is also a popular activity in Santee State Park. The park has over 10 miles of paved trails that are perfect for a leisurely bike ride. The Wildlife Drive Trail is a favorite among cyclists as it takes you through the park’s wildlife management area and offers the chance to see deer turkeys and other animals.

Birdwatching is another popular activity in Santee State Park. The park is home to over 200 species of birds including bald eagles ospreys and great blue herons. The park has multiple viewing platforms and trails that are ideal for birdwatching. The Sinkhole Pond Trail is a particularly good spot for birdwatching as it takes you past a pond that is home to many waterbirds.

Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities in Santee State Park. The park has multiple launch sites for kayaks and canoes and the calm waters of Lake Marion make it easy to paddle around. The park rents kayaks and canoes or you can bring your own. The Canoe Trail is a favorite among paddlers as it takes you through a cypress swamp and past many of the park’s landmarks.

  • Alternative activities

For those who prefer less strenuous activities Santee State Park offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking a sweat. One of the most popular activities is sightseeing. The park has multiple scenic overlooks that offer stunning views of Lake Marion and the surrounding landscape. The Santee Dam Overlook is a favorite spot as it offers panoramic views of the lake and the dam.

Nature watching is also a popular activity in Santee State Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkeys and alligators. The park has multiple viewing platforms and trails that are ideal for nature watching. The Wildlife Drive Trail is a particularly good spot for wildlife watching as it takes you through the park’s wildlife management area.

Photography is another popular activity in Santee State Park. The park’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a favorite among photographers. The park has multiple photo opportunities including the Santee Dam Overlook the Lake Marion fishing pier and the cypress swamp along the Canoe Trail.

Picnicking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without breaking a sweat. The park has multiple picnic areas with tables grills and restrooms. The Lakeshore Picnic Area is a favorite spot as it offers stunning views of the lake and plenty of shade.

Finally the park’s interpretive center is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the park’s history and natural resources. The center has exhibits on the park’s geology wildlife and cultural history as well as a gift shop and a theater that shows educational films.

Season-specific experiences in Santee State Park

  • Spring activities

Spring in Santee State Park is a fantastic time for RV campers to enjoy recreational activities. One of the most popular activities is fishing on Lake Marion which is known for its abundant population of catfish bass and crappie. The park’s fishing pier and boat ramp provide easy access to the water making it a convenient spot for anglers of all skill levels.

Another popular springtime activity is hiking on the park’s many trails. The Lakeshore Trail which runs along the edge of Lake Marion is a favorite among visitors for its scenic views and abundant wildlife. The trail is also accessible to hikers of all fitness levels making it a great option for families with children.

For history buffs the Santee Cooper Regional Museum is a must-visit attraction. The museum features exhibits on the history of the Santee Cooper region as well as artifacts from the area’s Native American tribes and early European settlers.

Birdwatching is another popular activity in the park during the spring as the area is home to a wide variety of bird species. The Cypress Nature Trail is a particularly good spot for birdwatching as it winds through a cypress swamp and is home to many species of waterfowl and wading birds.

Finally the park’s golf course is a great option for those looking to hit the links. The course features 18 holes and is surrounded by beautiful scenery making it a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a spring day.

  • Summer activities

Summer in Santee State Park is the perfect time for RV campers to enjoy outdoor activities. One of the most popular summer activities is swimming at the park’s sandy beach which offers a safe and refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days. The beach is also a great spot for picnicking and relaxing in the sun.

Another popular summer activity is boating on Lake Marion. The park’s boat ramp provides easy access to the water and visitors can rent pontoon boats kayaks and canoes from the park’s marina. Fishing is also popular during the summer as the lake is home to many species of fish.

For those looking for a more active outdoor experience the park’s trails offer a great way to explore the area. The Kingfisher Trail which winds through a cypress swamp is a particularly popular summer hiking spot as it offers a cool and shady respite from the heat.

The park’s nature center is also a great summer attraction as it offers interactive exhibits on the area’s wildlife and ecology. The nature center also hosts regular educational programs and events such as guided nature walks and birdwatching tours.

Finally the park’s campgrounds offer a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the summer. The park’s RV sites are equipped with electricity and water hookups and many of them offer lake views. The campgrounds also offer amenities such as restrooms showers and laundry facilities making them a convenient and comfortable home base for RV campers.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a great time to visit Santee State Park especially for RV campers. One popular activity is fishing on Lake Marion which is known for its large populations of bass catfish and crappie. The park also offers guided lake tours where visitors can learn about the lake’s history and ecology. Another must-see attraction is the Santee Indian Mound which dates back to the Mississippian period and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. For those looking to get active the park has several hiking and biking trails including the popular Lakeshore Trail which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. And no visit to Santee State Park would be complete without a stop at the Santee Cooper Wildlife Center where visitors can see a variety of native animals up close.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a peaceful time at Santee State Park with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. One popular activity is bird watching as the park is home to a variety of migratory birds including bald eagles and ospreys. The park also offers guided bird watching tours led by knowledgeable park rangers. Another great way to enjoy the outdoors in winter is by taking a hike on one of the park’s many trails which are less crowded during this time of year. For those looking to stay warm the park’s Visitor Center has a cozy fireplace and offers a variety of educational programs and exhibits. And don’t forget to check out the park’s annual holiday light display which features over 50 000 twinkling lights.

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