Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey Introduce
For local adventurers seeking the perfect "camping near me" experience, Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey presents an idyllic retreat nestled in the beautiful landscape of Summerton, South Carolina. Located at 1268 Gordon Rd, SC 29148, this campground offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and warm hospitality, making it an ideal choice for families, solo travelers, and RV enthusiasts alike. You can easily reach them for reservations and inquiries at (803) 478-2262 or their mobile number, +1 803-478-2262.
One of the most striking features of Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey is its stunning environment. Situated alongside the expansive and picturesque Lake Marion, the campground boasts beautiful scenery characterized by tall, mature trees that provide ample shade and a sense of tranquility. The views of Lake Marion are described as stunning, offering a captivating backdrop for your camping adventure. Despite its convenient location just off Interstate 95, guests consistently report that they do not hear any traffic noise, allowing for a peaceful and undisturbed stay. This combination of accessibility and serene surroundings makes it a prime option when searching for "camping near me" that offers both convenience and natural beauty.
The campground offers a variety of services and amenities designed to enhance your camping experience. For those with RVs, many of the sites are spacious, providing ample room to set up and relax. While some sites, like C5 mentioned in a review, may have a sandy dirt surface requiring a rug for added comfort, the overall impression is one of well-maintained and generously sized camping areas. Leveling on some sites might present a slight challenge, but guests have found it manageable with the use of leveling blocks. The availability of spacious sites is a significant plus for RVers looking for comfortable "camping near me" options.
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey goes the extra mile in providing convenient services. One particularly appreciated amenity is the delivery of pizza (made by the front desk) and firewood directly to your campsite. This is especially convenient for those who may not be traveling with a vehicle or prefer the ease of having these essentials brought to them. The pizza has even received positive reviews from self-proclaimed picky New Yorkers, suggesting a surprisingly delicious offering. Additionally, garbage pick-up is efficiently handled each morning when you leave it in front of your site, contributing to the cleanliness and convenience of the campground.
For families, the campground offers several appealing features. There is a playground on-site, providing a dedicated space for children to play and have fun. The presence of Lake Marion also opens up opportunities for water-related activities, although caution regarding alligators is advised. The lake has a beautiful dock, perfect for enjoying the views or perhaps trying your hand at fishing. While the pool was closed during a February visit mentioned in a review, it is described as a fairly good size and is likely a popular amenity during warmer months. These family-friendly aspects make Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey a strong contender when searching for "camping near me" that caters to all ages.
The staff at Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Reviews highlight the warm welcome and accommodating nature of the front desk staff. One guest even received an unexpected refund for a night they had to leave early due to weather, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. This level of positive and attentive service can significantly enhance your camping experience, making it a key factor when choosing from "camping near me" options.
While one review noted that the store was "bare" due to new management taking over, it was implied that improvements were expected. This suggests that the campground is actively working to enhance its offerings and provide a better experience for its guests. The presence of a restaurant within walking distance offers an additional dining option for campers who may not want to cook every meal at their site.
Lake Marion itself is a significant feature of this KOA. It is described as huge and is known for its trophy-sized catfish and striped bass, making it a potentially excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to be aware that Lake Marion is also noted as being the most alligator-infested lake in South Carolina. While one guest reported not seeing any alligators on their side of the lake and was informed by staff that they are less common in areas with high water activity, constant supervision of children and pets is strongly recommended when near the water. This unique natural aspect adds both beauty and a need for caution to the "camping near me" experience at Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey.
In conclusion, for local residents seeking a memorable "camping near me" getaway, Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey offers a compelling package. Its beautiful lakeside setting, spacious campsites, convenient amenities like pizza and firewood delivery, family-friendly features such as a playground and lake access, and exceptionally friendly staff make it a standout choice. While being mindful of the presence of alligators in Lake Marion is essential, the overall experience promises relaxation, natural beauty, and a welcoming atmosphere right here in South Carolina.
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey Photos










Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey Location
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey
1268 Gordon Rd, Summerton, SC 29148, USA
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey1268 Gordon Rd
Lakeshore CampgroundGG5H+F3
Lake Shore CampgroundFox Squirrel Dr
Lake Marion Resort and Marina510 Ragtime Trail
Relaxed Retreat at Carolina King2498 Belser Rd
Cypress View CampgroundSantee
Pier Cabin 1Lake Marion
Poplar Creek Landing7 Poplar Landing Ln
Mill Creek Marina and Campground216 Lake Marion Ln
Sunny Days RV Park & Campground7528 Old Number Six Hwy
Stumphole Landing Campground18 Halter Ct
Camp Robinson1307 Greenall Rd
Elliott's Landing and Campground2010 Elliott's Landing Rd
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey Reviews
Stopped here for 1 night. Super easy on/off 95. We could see 95 from the beach but didn’t hear it at all at night. We got pizza delivered to our site. It was surprisingly delicious.
Apr 23, 2025 · Sue PBeautiful scenery with tall trees and a beautiful lake (Marion lake). The views were stunning. While it was close off I-95 we didnt hear any traffic. Most of the sites were spacious. Our site (c5) was very spacious but we were on sandy dirt so putting out the rug was a MUST. Leveling was slightly challenging, but not undoable. We did have to place some blocks under 2 of our tires. The staff is very friendly and very happy to see you. The woman at the front desk was so very nice and accommodating. We ended up having to leave a day early due to inclement weather and we were actually refunded that nights stay which was not expected but very much appreciated. The store is definitely bare but it was explained to us that new management was coming in so I would assume that will change. We were there in Feb so the pool wasnt open yet but its a fairly good size but nothing special. Garbage pick up is done every morning when you leave it in front of your site. They deliver pizza (made by the front desk) and firewood right to your site which is very nice for people who dont travel with a car. The pizza was pretty good and were New Yorkers so we can be pretty picky. My husband showered in their bathhouse and while it was clean the shower heads were at his shoulders and hes an average 59. There is a beautiful dock at Lake Marion as well as a beach, a community fire pit and a playground. I heard they have trophy size catfish and striped bass but we didnt have time to throw a line in. The lake is HUGE! That being said lake Marion is also the most alligator infested lake in all of South Carolina so kids and pets should be supervised at all times. We didnt not see any alligators and the staff said they arent typically on this side of the lake due to all the activity from water activities, but definitely use caution. There is a restaurant within walking distance but we didnt go there. All in all my family enjoyed the campground and we plan on coming back. Everyone was very friendly We camped at Santee / Santee Lakes KOA in a Motorhome.
Feb 25, 2025 · ChristyLee SansoneBest winter camping ever 5 of us and the dog had a great time! Did a catfish charter with "let's go charters" picked is right up on the dock! It was so convenient. It's close to 95 and groceries! They deliver the best pizza right to your camp site! So many great things! And the sunsets are to die for
Jan 03, 2025 · Lauren RhoadsIt's a KOA, so it is extremely overpriced. $81 WITH my KOA discount is too much for a dirt site. Staff was friendly and helpful but that is where it ends for me. When I got to my site there was an extension cord plugged into my pedestal, the cord was buried in the ground. Comes up the other side of the site where it connects to a wifi booster. Not to code, and dangerous. They also nail/screw electrical equipment, antennas and outdoor lights to trees which is unsafe and not to code. Restrooms are dated, dirty, and poorly maintained. Sinks and showers are peeling. Paint peeling. Floor drain broken. Back door is locked. Per fire code all exit doors should be unlocked or equipped with panic bars. No exit signs and no emergency lighting. Dividers are wobbly and have missing brackets. Mold growing. Wood trim soaked and pulling away from walls. Some stalls permanently out of order. Website shows a beautiful pool, but it's closed and green. Not enough water in it to run the pumps. And one of the spas has been permanently closed up with plywood. Their store has very little in it, cooler virtually empty. About the only good thing here is the pizza. They have a day room at the main office with some games and books, also tables which are set up for eating your pizza. There is a pile of old furniture and tires behind the dumpster. There is just one dumpster. No trash cans behind the restaurant/office. Trash gets piled up out behind the pizza store and then once a day they use a cart to take it to the dumpster. Health dept. regulations require there to be adequate trash facilities for any food service business. We only came here to escape the path of an oncoming storm. Can't see coming back. Only giving them 3 stars because of the nice ladies in the office.
Mar 17, 2025 · chris mSo I am here with my daughter husband and my son I stayed in on of the little cabins and upstairs the mattresses were on the floor and there was barley any air-conditioning so it was REALLY hot all night. In the middle of the night, there were random screams, and cars were super loud we payed for an arcade 10$ each and the arcade was just had some old games and most didn't even work i though this was gonna be great but whatever.
Mar 16, 2025 · Cheyenne Murdock
More Camping Near Me
Lakeshore Campground4.0 (9 reviews)GG5H+F3, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Lake Shore Campground4.0 (53 reviews)Fox Squirrel Dr, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Lake Marion Resort and Marina3.0 (159 reviews)510 Ragtime Trail, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Relaxed Retreat at Carolina King3.0 (455 reviews)2498 Belser Rd, Summerton, SC 29148, USA
Cypress View Campground4.0 (162 reviews)Santee, SC 29142, USA
Pier Cabin 14.0 (5 reviews)Lake Marion, SC 29142, USA
Poplar Creek Landing4.0 (144 reviews)7 Poplar Landing Ln, Elloree, SC 29047, USA
Mill Creek Marina and Campground4.0 (259 reviews)216 Lake Marion Ln, Vance, SC 29163, USA
Sunny Days RV Park & Campground5.0 (8 reviews)7528 Old Number Six Hwy, Santee, SC 29142, USA
Stumphole Landing Campground4.0 (252 reviews)18 Halter Ct, Elloree, SC 29047, USA
Camp Robinson5.0 (21 reviews)1307 Greenall Rd, Summerton, SC 29148, USA
Elliott's Landing and Campground4.0 (116 reviews)2010 Elliott's Landing Rd, Rimini, SC 29125, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Alpine Mobile Homes Park3.0 (39 reviews)
Palms Rv Living4.0 (8 reviews)
Campsite 535.0 (3 reviews)
Arroyo City RV and Boat Park4.0 (37 reviews)
Cataloochee Group Campground4.0 (22 reviews)
Huckleberry Hideaway0.0 (0 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
