Riverside Retreat: Camping at Givhans Ferry State Park

Destinations Southeast South Carolina Charleston

Riverside Retreat: Camping at Givhans Ferry State Park

Camping at Givhans Ferry State Park is a serene escape into the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Just 35 miles from Charleston, this park offers a tranquil riverside setting where outdoor enthusiasts can pitch a tent, cast a line, or simply relax under a canopy of towering trees. With the scenic Edisto River winding through, Givhans Ferry is a perfect destination for nature lovers looking to recharge.

The park’s campground is nestled within a shady forest, offering both privacy and proximity to the park’s main attractions. Options include sites with water and electrical hookups for RVs and more rustic setups for tents. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to enjoy al fresco meals and classic campfire evenings under the stars.

One of the highlights of camping here is access to the Edisto River, the longest free-flowing blackwater river in North America. Paddlers can launch canoes or kayaks right from the park to explore the calm, tea-colored waters. The gentle current is ideal for both beginners and seasoned adventurers, and the surrounding forest offers stunning views that change with the seasons.

Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to love, too, as the Edisto teems with bass, catfish, and bream. The park also features several easy hiking trails, like the River Bluff Trail, which offers panoramic views of the river and the chance to spot wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and wading birds.

For a touch of comfort, the park’s Civilian Conservation Corps-era cabins provide cozy accommodations with modern amenities, blending rustic charm with convenience. Whether you’re an avid camper or new to the outdoors, Givhans Ferry State Park delivers a quintessential Lowcountry experience.

Adventure Guide: Camping at Givhans Ferry State Park

Campground Features

Campsites: 25 sites with water and electrical hookups; 4 primitive tent sites.
Amenities: Restrooms with hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Cabins: Fully equipped with kitchens, heating, and air conditioning for a comfortable stay.

Activities

Paddling: Canoe or kayak along the Edisto River; rentals available nearby.
Fishing: Catch bass, catfish, or bream from the riverbanks.
Hiking: Explore trails like the River Bluff Trail for beautiful views and wildlife spotting.

Pro Tips

Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months, as mosquitoes can be active.
Pack layers for cool evenings by the river, even during summer.
Reserve your campsite or cabin in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

Getting There

Givhans Ferry State Park is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Charleston via US-61. Follow the signs for the park entrance, where parking is available near the campground and day-use areas.

Camping at Givhans Ferry State Park is more than a getaway—it’s an invitation to unwind, reconnect with nature, and savor the timeless beauty of the Lowcountry’s landscapes and waterways.

Adventure Map

Charleston Info

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Reviews

Dacks2 weeks ago

We are snowbirds in a 35-foot 5th wheel. This park looks great, and it has so much to offer. Great walking path, river access, a field big enough to practice disc golf. But, being so close to Charleston and its suburbs makes it a very busy park. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, there were a number of tent campers with kids in the rv loop. The tent camping loop is amazing, with sandy paths and tent areas, water, and power. But you have to walk everything in. The rv loop gets tent campers because they can easily offload the tons of supply's needed for a family weekend. I only wish I could have moved our rv to the tent loop. We look for quiet places to stay...this was not one of them. Sites with 1 rv, a tent, 3 cars, a boat. 4 adults and 2 kids and 1 dog. Yes, that have a right to be here, but boy, were they loud. I would recommend this park for weekdays only in the off-season, nowhere near a holiday.

Chris McAllistera month ago

Beautiful and clean park! Full hookup sites have an abundance of room and tent camping looked great too! River and walking paths are beautiful!

Angie Nation Hutson5 months ago

Great place to go spend the day relaxing on the water with your family and friends!! The water felt great and I loved that we could take swim or get out and walk along the way. Lots of other people around us having a great time as well. I liked this much better than the faster flowing river in Columbia. It’s become a birthday ritual for me for the last 4 years now, but I’m thinking we’ll be going down this river a little more than once a year for sure.

Beverly Price2 months ago

Givhans is a small campground with shaded sites pretty close together. Campsite 10 worked well for us. We had full hookups, but having the bathhouse directly across from us was nice. There's a nice looped nature trail inside the park. Givhans is less than an hours drive to many lovely places. We went to James Island Park and to Folly Beach one day - ate delicious seafood at Lolo's. We visited Cypress Gardens another day and had delicious steaks at Brecks.

Amanda Mills2 months ago

We love this state park, so much we got married there!! We LOVE the rangers at this park. They’re so caring and accommodating whether you’re there for a day visit, camping or an event. We camped with family and had our wedding. They want to make sure your time there leaves you with good memories and eagerness to return. We rented shelter one and it turned out beautiful. We had about 45 people attend and there was plenty of space for seating and catering. Brides, if you’re looking for a small venue (and well within budget) this is the place. Also there’s plenty of parking.