With southern charm, beautiful beaches, and lots of history, South Carolina is a wonderful place to go on an RV adventure! One of our favorite parts of the state however are the many South Carolina amusement parks.
You may not hear much about amusement parks in South Carolina, but trust us when we say that they are worth visiting. In fact, the fact that they are lesser known (and therefore less crowded) might just be part of what makes them great!
Why not plan an RV getaway to South Carolina and see what we’re talking about for yourself?
South Carolina Amusement Parks
The first part of planning a trip to see South Carolina amusement parks involves deciding which parks to visit. Below we’ve listed our favorite amusement parks in South Carolina. Take a peek at our list and see which ones seem like your kind of park!
- Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park
- Myrtle Waves Water Park
- Broadway Grand Prix
- Pavilion Action Park
- Pavilion Fun Park
- Discovery Island Waterpark
- Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park
- Splash Island Waterpark
- Splash Zone Waterpark
- Neptune Island Waterpark
Obviously, choosing some parks from this list won’t be enough. You’ll also need to know things like where to stay and how much to budget. Lucky for you, we’ve provided that information as well. Keep reading to learn exactly what you need to know for your South Carolina amusement park adventure!
Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park
The most popular—and definitely the best—amusement park in South Carolina is Family Kingdom Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach. Not only does this park boast all of the traditional amusement park fun you are accustomed to, but it also offers a water park option called Splashes Water Park that is just perfect for those hot summer days.
In Family Kingdom Amusement Park, you will find a wide variety of rides for people of all ages and interests. These include coasters for thrill seekers, kiddie rides for the little ones, and family rides such as a log flume, carousel, and tilt-a-whirl for the whole crew to ride together. There is so much to do in this park that one could easily spend a full day here, and you might even need two days to do it all.
Feeling hot? Head over to Splashes Water Park for some water fun that you won’t soon forget. The park is home to 18 attractions. These include several large slides, a handful of kiddie slides, kiddie play areas, and more.
RV Camping Near Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park
You will absolutely want to bring an RV along for the ride to Family Kingdom. That said, we highly recommend booking a campsite in advance, as Myrtle Beach is a very popular vacation destination. Wondering where to book? Try the park below.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground — An absolutely amazing (and huge) campground, Ocean Lakes Family Campground is like a tiny city. It features a restaurant, a store, a tiny water park, a seemingly endless number of campsites and condos, and plenty of other totally awesome amenities. The best part? This park is set right on the water, meaning you can walk to a private beach from your campsite!
Rent an RV near Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park!
Planning Your Visit to Family Kingdom Amusement Park & Splashes Water Park
Unlimited ride wristbands for Family Kingdom are $32.95. Meanwhile, individual ride tickets can be bought for $1.15 each, with rides requiring between 3 to 5 tickets each. There is no admission fee to enter the park.
On-site parking is available at Family Kingdom and costs $9 per car or $10 per bus. We imagine an RV could be parked with the buses, but have not confirmed that.
Outside food is not allowed in the park, nor are pets, weapons, or alcohol.
Myrtle Waves Water Park
Another great Myrtle Beach amusement park is Myrtle Waves Water Park located on the Broadway at the Beach strip of attractions. This is the largest water park in the state, meaning you definitely won’t run out of awesome things to do while you’re there. If you can only go to one water park during your time in South Carolina, make it this one!
For thrill seekers, there are plenty of amazing water slides to choose from in Myrtle Waves. These include the Riptide Rockets racing body slide, the Super Chute (which drops you off eight feet above the pool you plunge into!), the twisty turns of the Turbo Twister slides, and the Rockin Ray half-pipe double tube slide. These riders will also appreciate the FlowRider surf simulator.
Have little ones with you? There are plenty of kiddie play areas that are chock-full of small slides and interactive water features. Meanwhile, families can enjoy the wave pool and lazy river together.
RV Camping Near Myrtle Waves Water Park
Again, we highly recommend bringing your RV when you visit Myrtle Beach, and making a reservation is always your best bet in this area. You could totally wrap this park into your stay at the aforementioned Ocean Lakes Family Campground. However, if that place doesn’t seem right for you, you might prefer the campground listed below.
Pirateland Family Campground — Another amazing family RV resort in Myrtle Beach, Pirateland has everything you need to have a great time. The sites have full hookups and their amenities include a pool, a lazy river, mini golf, an arcade, a grill, and more. Of course, being right on the beach helps too!
Rent an RV near Myrtle Waves Water Park!
Planning Your Visit to Myrtle Waves Water Park
General admission to Myrtle Waves Water park is $27 for kids under 48 inches tall and $37 for those 48 inches and taller. Those under 3 years old enter for free and there is a discount for seniors, military members, and anyone visiting three hours before park closing.
Parking is available free of charge. Guests are welcome to bring food to enjoy in the picnic area right outside of the park, and food is also available to purchase within the park gates. Locker rentals are available and tubes are free to use.
Broadway Grand Prix
The sister park to Myrtle Waves Water Park, Broadway Grand Prix is—as you might have guessed from the name—a go-kart park, and it is an absolutely amazing place to be!
This park is also a part of Broadway on the Beach in Myrtle Beach, meaning it is easy to access. Additionally, there are often deals for those who plan to visit both Myrtle Waves and Broadway Grand Prix.
There are 7 different go-kart tracks here, meaning you can ride for hours and not get bored. On top of that, the park also boasts two different mini golf courses, both of which are totally fun. Lastly, you will definitely want to spend some time in the onsite arcade, which is chock-full of exciting games and prizes.
RV Camping Near Broadway Grand Prix
We’ve already mentioned a couple of great Myrtle Beach campground options. That said, those are far from the only choices. If you’re planning to take an RV trip to the area (and you totally should), you might consider the park below as well.
Lakewood Camping Beach — A totally awesome campground, Lakewood Camping Beach is located right on the water. It features an in-park water park that kids absolutely adore. Other amenities include full-hookup sites, clean bathhouses, a laundry room, and more. Obviously, the proximity to all that Myrtle Beach has to offer is pretty fantastic as well!
Rent an RV near Broadway Grand Prix!
Planning Your Visit to Broadway Grand Prix
The cost of your visit to Broadway Grand Prix is up to you. You can purchase tickets for the various attractions individually, or you can buy unlimited ride wristbands for the go-karts or unlimited play wristbands for the mini golf. There are also discounts available for those who visit both Myrtle Waves and Broadway Grand Prix. Are you a military member? There’s a discount for that too!
There is a snack bar onsite at this park, so you can grab something to munch on while you play.
Pavilion Action Park
Yet another great amusement park in Myrtle Beach and on the Broadway on the Beach strip, Pavilion Action Park is an awesome place to get your thrills. This is the spot in Myrtle Beach for adrenaline junkies, and once you arrive, you’ll understand why.
Attractions in this park include a pendulum ride referred to as The Beast, a super tall slide called the Riptydz Slide, a hang gliding simulator they call the Cliff Hanger, and the Speed XXL, an insane spinning ride that is meant only for the bravest of riders.
Want an extra dose of fun? Be sure to visit Pavilion Action Park’s sister park, Pavilion Fun Park, which we will discuss further below.
RV Camping Near Pavilion Action Park
We are still of the opinion that RVing is the best way to see Myrtle Beach. Honestly, you could take your RV to any one of the excellent Myrtle Beach RV parks mentioned above. However, if none of those look like your kind of place (something we have a hard time imagining), you might like the park below.
Myrtle Beach State Park — Myrtle Beach State Park is the place to go if you’re looking for budget camping in the area. While the sites are more expensive than those in most state parks, they are much cheaper than the ones in nearby private parks. This beautiful park is well-shaded and located right on the beach. The sites have full hookups, and clean bathhouses are available.
Rent an RV near Pavilion Fun Park!
Planning Your Visit to Pavilion Action Park
Admission to this park is free. Tickets for the rides at Pavilion Action Park can be purchased individually and are $2 each. Tickets are good at both Pavilion Action Park and Pavilion Fun Park. Alternatively, you can choose to purchase an all-day ride wristband for $39.95 and get unlimited rides all day long.
Outside food and drink are not allowed in Pavilion Fun Park. There is parking located nearby for a fee.
Pavilion Fun Park
As mentioned above, Pavilion Fun Park is the sister park to Pavilion Action Park. This is the place to go for less intense family rides. It probably goes without saying, but this park is also located in Myrtle Beach and is also a part of the Broadway on the Beach attraction area.
Attractions at this park include such gentle options as the Super Happy Swing, a giant Ferris wheel, a teacup ride, and an adorable train. This is the perfect place to take young children. If you have kids of all ages, consider spending half of the day at Pavilion Fun Park and the other half at Pavillon Action Park in order to ensure everyone is happy.
RV Camping Near Pavilion Fun Park
We’ve pointed out some of the very best RV campgrounds in Myrtle Beach already. That said, there is one we haven’t brought up yet, and we think this one is well worth mentioning, particularly if you like to camp in a more natural environment.
Hideaway RV Resort — Formerly known as Cypress Campground, Hideaway RV Resort is a clean and well-kept campground. While it doesn’t have the fancy amenities of the parks listed above, it is the perfect escape for fishing, relaxing, and enjoying nature. Sites have electric, water, and sewer, and bathhouses, a pool, and laundry facilities are all available.
Rent an RV near Pavilion Fun Park!
Planning Your Visit to Pavilion Fun Park
Just like Pavilion Action Park, Pavilion Fun Park gives you the option to buy individual tickets at $2 each or an unlimited all-day ride wristband. The tickets can be used at both parks, so if you buy too many to use one place, try heading over to the other park to use them up!
Once again, outside food and drink are not allowed inside the park, and nearby parking can be found for a fee.
Discovery Island Waterpark
Heading out of Myrtle Beach, our next stop is at Discovery Island Waterpark in Simpsonville, SC. This great little water park is run by the county parks and recreation department, and they have done a fantastic job with it! As you might imagine, this is a favorite place for locals during the hot summer months.
The park features something for everyone. A 25-foot tower holds both a tube slide and a body slide, giving riders plenty of awesome thrills. Meanwhile, the FlowRider surf simulator offers a challenge to those who want to try their hand at surfing.
Families will love floating the lazy river together and kids will have an absolute blast on the four-level water play structure, which offers all kinds of interactive water features. Have babies or toddlers with you? The zero-depth entry pool is the perfect place for them to splash and play.
RV Camping Near Discovery Island Waterpark
Not sure where to stay in the Simpsonville area? An RV makes the perfect lodging option. Of course, you will need someplace to park your home-on-wheels. This is where the RV park listed below can help you out.
Ivy Acres Lodge and RV Park — Located just 10 miles outside of Simpsonville, Ivy Acres Lodge and RV Park is a lovely place to call home for a few nights. The park is simple but offers everything you need to feel comfortable. Water and electricity are available at each site and some sites have sewer. Sites are level and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
Rent an RV near Discovery Island Waterpark!
Planning Your Visit to Discovery Island Waterpark
Admission to Discovery Island Waterpark is $13 for those 48 inches and taller, $9 for seniors (as well as those less than 48 inches tall), and free for anyone under 3 years old. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
A signed waiver is required for anyone to enter the water park. Lockers are available for $5 each, a concession stand offers snacks and drinks, and no outside food is allowed in the park.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park is located in Charleston and is run by Charleston County Parks. For a county-run park it is quite big, making it a great place to spend an entire day. The park is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, and once you visit, you’ll definitely see why.
One of the most popular attractions in the park is called the Washout. This slide features near-vertical climbs and drops as well as twists and turns. Want even more thrills? Rip Tide Run is another great pick. This one is a mat racing slide that will send you very quickly to the bottom. Tubular Twister is another great attraction that features three different slides and plenty of fun.
Those who visit with small children are sure to love Lily Pad Lagoon, a water play area for toddlers, and Otter Bay is where you’ll find slides for tiny thrill seekers. Slightly older kids will appreciate the Big Splash Treehouse water play structure, and everyone will have fun relaxing in the lazy river.
RV Camping Near Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park
You will absolutely want to take an RV along on your Charleston adventures. This gives you your own private space to spread out and relax. Of course, you will need a place to park the rig. Try the park below.
Oak Plantation Campground — A fantastic place to stay in Charleston, Oak Plantation Campground is green, shady, and a wonderful way to escape while staying close to the city. The sites feature full hookups, clean shower and laundry facilities are available, and a food truck and pool add to the experience. We also love that there is a pond onsite!
Rent an RV near Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park!
Planning Your Visit to Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park
The cost to enter Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park is $23.99 per person 48 inches and taller. Kids under 48 inches pay only $18.99 and seniors are just $13.99. Kids ages 2 and under enter the park for free, and those who visit after 3pm pay only $14.99. Group rates are also available.
Locker rentals are an option and cost $7 for a regular-sized locker and $10 for a jumbo locker. Outside food and drink are not allowed, but these things are available for purchase in the park.
Splash Island Waterpark
Another Charleston County Parks water park, Splash Island Waterpark is located in Mount Pleasant and is a great place to cool off during the summer. This park is big enough to keep you busy for a few hours, yet small enough that keeping track of your kids isn’t an issue, something many parents really appreciate.
The 200-foot body slide is one of the best attractions in this park. That said, the 16-foot “otter slide” is also tons of fun, especially for younger kids who might not be able to handle large slides. Another great option? The cyclone swirling water ride that the whole family can enjoy together.
Sprays, geysers, and raindrop waterfalls are tons of fun to play in, and the activity pool is the perfect place to bob around, cool off, and play with friends.
RV Camping Near Splash Island Waterpark
Need lodging while visiting this water park? The Charleston campground above would work as a great place to park your RV. However, if you want to be closer to Splash Island, the Mount Pleasant RV park below might be better.
Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA Holiday — We love KOA campgrounds. These parks are well kept and the staff are always happy to have you. This particular park offers full-hookup sites, clean restrooms, a dog park, a pond for kayaking, and a whole lot more.
Rent an RV near Splash Island Waterpark!
Planning Your Visit to Splash Island Waterpark
Because this park is smaller, admission is much cheaper. Guests under 48 inches tall pay only $6.99, and those 48 inches and taller can expect to pay $7.99 each. Seniors are only $4.99 and children ages 2 and under enter for free. Note that there is an additional $2-per-person fee at the gate, so you will want to come prepared to pay that.
Lockers, lounge chairs, restrooms with showers, and party packages are available at the park. Again, no outside food is allowed, but there is a concession stand near the pool.
Splash Zone Waterpark
The last of the Charleston County Parks water parks, Splash Zone Water Park is yet another local favorite. This park is smaller than Whirlin’ Waters, but a bit bigger than Splash Island. Many feel that this moderate size is the perfect compromise between the two.
For thrill seekers, the two super fun 200-foot slides are the perfect attractions. In fact, some visitors ride only these slides over and over again, skipping the other park attractions altogether.
Of course, not everyone loves large water slides. For these individuals, there is a 500-foot lazy river that is ideal for floating along and relaxing, as well as a leisure pool where you can hang out and play. Another great option? The colorful rainforest-themed water play structure, which features small slides, dump buckets, water sprayers, and a whole lot more!
RV Camping Near Splash Zone Waterpark
One of the best things about Splash Zone Waterpark is the fact that the county park that plays host to this water park is also home to a campground. This means you can bring your RV and stay right by the watery fun!
James Island County Park — James Island County Park is our favorite place to stay when visiting Charleston. This park is well shaded, comfortable, and offers all kinds of amenities. Full-hookup sites, clean restrooms with showers, and a shuttle to the city are all available to guests. The best part is, of course, that Splash Zone is right there in the same park!
Rent an RV near Splash Zone Waterpark!
Planning Your Visit to Splash Zone Waterpark
Plan to pay $11.99 per person to enter this park. If you have younger kids in tow, they will cost only $9.99 each as long as they are under 48 inches tall. Seniors cost just $6.99, those aged 2 and under are free, and anyone who visits after 3pm during the week will pay only $7.99. The aforementioned extra $2-per-person fee is charged here as well, so be sure to budget for that.
Lockers, showers, restrooms, lounge chairs, and party packages are all options at Splash Zone. No outside food may be brought in, but you can purchase concessions in the park.
Neptune Island Waterpark
The last waterpark on our list is Neptune Island located in Hartsville. This is a super well-themed water park that has island fun for everyone. Be sure to plan on spending an entire day in this park, because you will need it. In fact, you might even want an extra day!
For the little ones in your party, be sure to head to Piratesville Splash Pad for over 5,100 square feet of sprayers, dump buckets, climbing, and sliding. Want a place to relax? The lazy river is just the spot. Meanwhile, those who like wave jumping will appreciate the giant wave pool.
Of course, no water park is complete without some water slides. Neptune Island is home to plenty of slides, including a 30mph three-story speed slide, a twisting tube slide, and a mat racing slide. Yep, thrill seekers will love it at this park!
RV Camping Near Neptune Island Waterpark
Obviously, you will need a place to stay while visiting Hartsville. Since lodging options are few and far between, we highly recommend bringing an RV along for this getaway. Wondering where to park your RV? Check out the park below.
Lee State Park — Located about 20 minutes outside of Hartsville, Lee State Park is a great place to stay. This park is quite lovely and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and other types of outdoor recreation. We love that the sites have water, electricity, and sewer hookups, and the price to stay here is excellent!
Rent an RV near Neptune Island Waterpark!
Planning Your Visit to Neptune Island Waterpark
Admission to Neptune Island is $18.99 for those over 48 inches tall, $16.99 for those under 48 inches tall (as well as military members and seniors), and $3.50 for toddlers ages 2 and under.
Lockers can be rented for $6–$10 depending on the size you need. Outside food and drinks cannot be brought into the park, but there is food for sale in case you get hungry while you play.
Clearly, South Carolina amusement parks are not hard to come by, especially if water parks are what you’re looking for. That said, if you want to find a hidden gem that isn’t on our list, you might be able to do just that by searching “amusement parks near me” after checking into your campground.
Want to find other places to visit during your vacation? There are plenty of options besides South Carolina amusement parks! Check out the links below to learn about some of our favorite things to do in South Carolina:
