Nomadic Van Life Travel Guide in Charleston, South Carolina, United States
1. Folly Beach
A beach on the Charleston coast known for its surf and picturesque lighthouse. It offers free parking for RVs.
- Surfing Opportunities: Ideal location for van-dwellers who love surfing
- Pet-Friendly Beach: Pets are welcome on the beach, making it perfect for pet owners
- Nearby Amenities: Close proximity to restaurants and shops for essentials and dining
2. Kiawah Island Campground
A campground located on Kiawah Island offering full hookups for RVs with a serene marsh view.
- Marsh View: Enjoy breathtaking views of the marsh from your campsite
- Golf Courses: Multiple golf courses for van-dwellers who enjoy a round or two
- Nature Preserves: Explore the island's nature preserves and wildlife, including sea turtles and alligators
3. Shem Creek Park
A waterfront park with RV parking offering access to fishing piers and boat tours.
- Fishing Pier: Perfect spot for van-dwellers who love fishing
- Boat Tours: Explore the creek and nearby islands with a variety of boat tour options
- Seafood Restaurants: Numerous seafood restaurants nearby for dining
4. James Island County Park
A large county park offering RV campsites with beach access and various recreational activities.
- Beach Access: Direct access to a beautiful sandy beach
- Recreational Activities: A variety of activities including tennis, disc golf, and playgrounds
- Kayak Rentals: Rent kayaks to explore the nearby marsh and creek
5. Historic Downtown Charleston
The charming historic district offering RV parking, cobblestone streets, and landmark buildings.
- Landmark Buildings: Explore iconic buildings like the Rainbow Row and the Battery
- Food Tours: Embark on food tours to sample local cuisine
- Ghost Tours: Experience the city's haunted history with nighttime ghost tours
6. Angel Oak Tree
A centuries-old live oak tree located on Johns Island with parking for RVs.
- Historical Significance: Witness a tree believed to be over 1,500 years old
- Picnic Area: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it under the oak's shade
- Nature Walks: Explore nearby nature trails in the surrounding park
7. Boone Hall Plantation
A historic plantation offering RV parking and a beautiful avenue of oak trees.
- Historic House Tour: Tour the Gothic Revival mansion and learn about the plantation's history
- Garden Tours: Stroll through the beautiful gardens, including the famous Camellia Allee
- Live Oak Alley: Photograph the iconic Avenue of Oaks lined with ancient trees
8. Sullivan's Island
A small coastal island offering RV parking, beautiful beaches, and a historic fort.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on pristine beaches with calm waves
- Fort Moultrie: Visit Fort Moultrie, a historic fort that played a role in the American Revolution and Civil War
- Local Restaurants: Dine at charming restaurants serving fresh seafood and Lowcountry cuisine
9. Isle of Palms County Park
A beachfront park offering RV campsites, fishing piers, and a children's playground.
- Beach Access: Enjoy direct access to the beautiful beaches
- Fishing Pier: Cast a line from the park's fishing pier
- Children's Playground: Keep the little ones entertained at the playground
10. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
A historic plantation with RV parking, gardens, and a bird sanctuary.
- Gardens: Explore stunning gardens filled with azaleas, camellias, and roses
- Bird Sanctuary: Visit the bird sanctuary to observe a variety of species in their natural habitat
- Historic House Tour: Tour the historic plantation home and learn about its history
11. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
A museum offering RV parking, featuring the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and other maritime exhibits.
- USS Yorktown: Explore the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and learn about its history
- Submarine Tour: Take a tour of the Clagett-class submarine, the USS Clamagamine
- Aircraft Exhibits: View various aircraft exhibits, including vintage fighter jets
12. Santee National Wildlife Refuge
A wildlife refuge offering RV campsites and opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography.
- Birdwatching: Observe a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys
- Nature Photography: Capture stunning photos of the wildlife and natural landscapes
- Hiking Trails: Explore over 20 miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats
13. Brookgreen Gardens
A sculpture garden and wildlife preserve with RV parking, featuring American figurative sculptures.
- Sculpture Garden: Explore the largest and most significant collection of American figurative sculpture
- Wildlife Preserve: Observe a variety of wildlife, including alligators, otters, and deer
- Garden Tours: Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with azaleas, camellias, and palmettos
14. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
A state park offering RV parking, featuring a replica of the 17th-century settlers' fort.
- Replica Fort: Explore a replica of the first permanent English settlement in Charleston
- Nature Trails: Hike along nature trails and observe wildlife in their natural habitats
- Zoo and Aquarium: Visit the zoo and aquarium to learn about local wildlife and ecology
15. Savannah River Site (SRS)
A U.S. Department of Energy facility offering RV parking and guided tours of its historic buildings.
- Historic Buildings: Tour historic buildings, including the Administration Building and the Power House
- Nature Trails: Explore nature trails and observe wildlife in the surrounding wetlands
- Ghost Town Tour: Take a tour of the abandoned town of Hartsville, once home to SRS employees