From historic battlefields to colorful buildings to iconic beaches, South Carolina is steeped in history. If you’re looking for popular places to visit during your next trip to South Carolina, try a stop at some of these iconic landmarks.
Top Landmarks in South Carolina
South Carolina Landmarks
Congaree National Park
Named after the Native American tribe that used to live there, Congaree National Park is South Carolina’s only national park. Full of forests, a swampy floodplain, and the Congaree River, the park has many hiking trails for all skill levels. There are also many programs put on by the National Park Service rangers such as educational hikes and tours and a canoe tour through the forest.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The largest city closest to the national park is Columbia, which has many restaurants, museums, and attractions. We recommend checking out the South Carolina State Museum and EdVenture.
There is no onsite RV camping, so you will need to head to a nearby campground such as Santee/Santee Lakes KOA Journey.
The Beaufort National Cemetery
Those interested in military history will want to stop by the Beaufort National Cemetery. Located in Beaufort, this national cemetery was established by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. Originally intended for Union soldiers who died in the nearby hospitals during the Civil War, the cemetery now has interments from both Union and Confederate sides of the Civil War and the all Black Massachusetts 55th Volunteer Infantry. It also has interments from all major American wars such as the Korean War and Vietnam War.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
This national cemetery is near Hunting Island State Park and the city of Beaufort, which are other landmarks on our list. Things to see in Beaufort include Beaufort History Museum and Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
As far as RV camping goes, you can find nice sites at Point South/I-95/Yemassee KOA Holiday.
Fort Sumter National Monument
Located in the bay right outside Charleston is Fort Sumter National Monument. This fort marked the beginning of the American Civil War with the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861. Visitors can take a ferry to the fort and explore both the grounds and the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center. The site is run by the National Park Service and there are multiple tours and experiences that teach visitors about the history and origins of the fort.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There’s plenty to explore in Charleston! We’ve put together a local’s guide with tips on what to see and do. Some of our favorite attractions include South Carolina Aquarium and Waterfront Park.
There are a number of great RV parks in the Charlestown area. One of our top picks is Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday.
Hunting Island State Park
With over 5,000 acres of low country marsh, maritime forest, saltwater lagoon, and beachfront, Hunting Island State Park should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Not only can you hike, swim, and kayak, but this state park is also home to a 130-foot tall lighthouse. In fact, it’s the only lighthouse open to visitors in South Carolina.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
You’re near Beaufort, South Carolina so it’s an easy trip to see both Beaufort National Cemetery and Beaufort’s Historical District. You can also check out other attractions in the city such as John Mark Verdier House.
There are some great campsites located in the state park itself. It’s a fantastic place to park your RV and explore the area for a few days.
Cowpens National Battlefield
Another battlefield is on the list, but this time it’s from the Revolutionary War. Cowpens National Battlefield preserves and teaches about the American victory over the British at the Battle of Cowpens in 1781.
The battlefield has a visitors center with a museum dedicated to the American Revolution and this battle, as well as walking tours of the battlefield and the reconstructed log cabin of Robert Scruggs, the previous owner of the land. And yes, it is named after actual cow pens.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
On the northern side of the state, this battlefield is between Greenville, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina, meaning there is lots to see and do. Check out the Greenville Zoo or head across the state line to Carowinds.
Cowpens Battlefield RV Park is the best place ot park your rig while exploring this park.
Myrtle Beach State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park offers visitors more than just the beach! While the ocean is the star of the show and offers plenty of things to do such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and surfing, there are many other things to discover. From hiking and walking along the pier to educational programs for kids put on by the park to wildlife sightings, it’s the perfect place to spend a few days.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
If you can drag yourself away from the water, explore the rest of Myrtle Beach. We have a local’s guide with great tips on what to see, do, and eat. Some top attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach and Family Kingdom Amusement Park.
There are campsites inside the state park (many even have hookups!), making this an extra awesome destination.
Heyward-Washington House
This historical house in Charleston was the home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and was where George Washington stayed when he visited the city. The home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., this house was built in 1772.
These days, the property is open for tours and includes the house, carriage house, formal gardens, and has the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston. There are also children’s exhibits and a family and kids tour that teaches about the history of the home and area.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
You’re right in the middle of Charleston, so explore the city, Fort Sumter, and the next landmark on our list as well as spots like Charleston City Market.
As far as camping goes, we recommend the aforementioned KOA as well as the campground at James Island County Park.
USS Yorktown
The USS Yorktown is an aircraft carrier that served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War before being decommissioned in 1970. It was also used as the recovery ship for the Apollo 8 space mission and has been in several films.
Today the ship is a designated National Historic Landmark and is a museum ship at Patriots Point Naval and Military Museum in Mount Pleasant. Visitors can tour the ship and even spend the night as part of the experience. As part of Patriots Point visitors can also see the other museum ships and multiple military history exhibits.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
You’re just across the bay from Charleston and outside Mt Pleasant, so there’s plenty to explore! We really like the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum and Boone Hall Plantation is interesting to explore.
The Charleston RV parks mentioned above would be great places to stay. We also really like Oak Plantation Campground.
Beaufort Historic District
Beaufort Historic District is the historically preserved part of the city of Beaufort. Located on Port Royal Island, Beaufort was one of the towns occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War and as a result, many of the original buildings were preserved instead of being destroyed during the war.
The Historic District features more than 50 homes and buildings that have been restored and are available to see on walking tours, bus tours, and even horse-drawn carriage tours.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Beaufort National Cemetery is right outside town, and you’re not too far from the border of Georgia if you want to visit Savannah and the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
Thousand Trails Oaks at Point South is in a good location for those wishing to visit Beaufort, as is the aforementioned nearby KOA.
Rainbow Row
These 13 colorful historic houses on East Bay Street are called Rainbow Row for the variety of pastel paint colors. The buildings themselves are historic and in the 1930s members of the Society for the Preservation of Old Dwellings (now the Preservation Society of Charleston) bought some of these houses and began to paint them pinks, blues, greens, and other pastel colors. It’s become one of Charleston’s most photographed spots in the city, so swing on by for that perfect Instagram shot.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Check out the rest of the Charleston landmarks on our list and explore the rest of the city with our local’s guide. Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one attraction you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
If none of the Charleston area campgrounds mentioned so far suit your fancy, you might want to check out Lake Aire RV Park and Campground.
Planning an RV Trip to South Carolina
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour these amazing South Carolina landmarks. Hoping for more to do? Here are guides to some of the best South Carolina state parks as well as the best campgrounds in the state
