Road Trip with RVshare Charleston to Myrtle Beach

You have a choice of two main routes if you're planning a road trip from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. One choice is to hug the coastline along U.S Route 17. You'll have plenty of opportunities to dine on fresh seafood or stock up on saltwater taffy as well as take in cultural and historic sites. The drive takes you by Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, Santee Coastal Reserve, and the Francis Marion National Forest. The other route is to take Alternate U.S. Route 17 that bends around Francis Marion National Forest and offers stops at Lake Moultrie as well as state parks and state historic sites. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

Mt. Pleasant

Mt. Pleasant on U.S. Route 17 is a perfect gateway to the beaches on Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms. It's the fourth-largest municipality in South Carolina, and the town offers RV campgrounds with a dump station.

 McClellanville

This small fishing town is a great place to get a fresh seafood meal. The local campgrounds are a great jumping-off point for a number of outdoor adventures.

Georgetown

Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina. The town is dominated by steel and paper mills, but there is plenty of historic charm. Check out the historic waterfront area for shopping and dining. 

Murrells Inlet

As you'll find at many of the stops on your road trip itinerary from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet offers plenty of fresh seafood and Southern cuisine. It's in proximity to campgrounds that offer dump stations.

National Parks

Although there are no national parks along the short stretch from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, you can check the national parks guide on RVshare. Here, you can find national parks within a few hours of the route on your Charleston to Myrtle Beach RV road trip.

Reconstruction Era National Historical Park

About one hour and 25 minutes south of Charleston, you'll find the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park. It received its designation in 2019. The historic period known as the Reconstruction Era ranges from 1861 to 1900. Beaufort, South Carolina, and the surrounding lowland area played a vital role during this time of transformation. At the visitors center, you can learn more about this era that is frequently misunderstood. Camp Saxton, which was established in 1862, is part of this historic park and is currently located within a military installation. The Emancipation Proclamation was read to both soldiers and civilians in 1863 at Camp Saxton. Brick Baptist Church was built by enslaved people in 1855. The Penn School was established at the church in 1862, and the building still hosts an active church congregation. The Penn Center, which evolved from the Penn School, is also included in the Reconstruction Era National Historic Park.

Congaree National Park

 Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina and is located one hour and 45 minutes northwest of Charleston, so it would be pretty easy to visit on a Charleston to Myrtle Beach road trip. The park is 26,276 acres and protects a large swath of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. You can explore the park on foot via 25 miles of forested hiking trails or 2.4 miles of boardwalk that goes through the flood plain. If you prefer a water adventure, explore Cedar Creek by canoe or kayak along the marked canoe trail.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

You can explore the diverse array of plant and animal life by hike or by bike at this densely forested national park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park lies four hours and 25 minutes northwest of Charleston, just over the North Carolina border. The Hike the Smokies programs offer incentives for putting in miles along the trails. More than 90 historic structures, which include houses, barns, outbuildings, grist mills, schools, and churches, are strewn throughout the park. An auto tour booklet can help you find them all.

Nearby State Parks

RVshare has a guide to the abundant state parks in South Carolina and North Carolina. When visiting any of South Carolina's state parks, be sure to participate in the Ultimate Outsider program.

Edisto Beach State Park

Edisto Beach State Park is about an hour south of Charleston. At the Environmental Learning Center, you can learn about the ACE Basin as well as experience interactive exhibits such as the touch tank. In addition to camping, the park offers hikes, including wheelchair-accessible trails, fishing, and relaxing under some of the state's tallest palmetto trees.

Huntington Beach State Park

Sea turtles, marine birds, and alligators await you when you visit Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet. The park holds the National Historic Landmark Atalaya, which was the Moorish-style winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington. The Huntingtons bequeathed the property and adjacent Brookgreen Gardens to the state. Activities at the state park include hiking and biking trails, an interpretive trail, and boardwalks that jut into the freshwater lagoon and salt marsh.

Givhans Ferry State Park

Givhans Ferry State Park in Ridgeville is a great place to take a swim or to access the river for a canoe, kayak, or float trip. It's also a great spot for fishing and is popular for geocaching. Rare plants along the riverbank made this a Heritage Trust site. 

Myrtle Beach State Park

 Myrtle Beach State Park opened in 1936 and was the first park to open in the state's park system. In addition to beachcombing, fishing is a major attraction at this park. Visit the nature center, go on a self-led scavenger hunt, or play Maritime Forest Bingo. A nature trails winds through the maritime forest.

Along the Way

Charleston City Market

You can easily spend an entire day at the historic Charleston City Market. Roots of this landmark stretch back to 1788. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney gave the land to the city for the express purpose of a city market. Part of the deal included that it must forever be used as a market. From 1803 to the 1830s, the low buildings that stretch from Market Hall to the waterfront were built. Today, part of the market is enclosed with air conditioning. Throughout the buildings and stalls, you'll find over 300 vendors selling sweetgrass basket and folk art, chocolates, souvenir T-shirts, novelty gifts, African fashion items, Caribbean art, and so much more.

Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

This historic site marks the landing of English settlers in 1670. Start at the visitors center and follow the self-guided history trail. At the wharf, you'll find the Adventure, a 17th-century replica ship known as a trading ketch. The Animal Forest features animals that were indigenous to the area in the 1600s, including bison, bears, pumas, and otters. You can also walk or bike along the trails, which include 80 acres of English park-style gardens.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Not only was Fort Sumter critical in the Revolutionary War, but it is also considered the starting point of the Civil War. The only access to Fort Sumter is with Fort Sumter Tours. Experience a boat ride around the harbor, explore the grounds of Fort Sumter and learn about the events that led up to the Civil War. You can also visit the museum's store. 

Sewee Shell Ring Boardwalk

This archaeological site is located 27 miles north of Charleston along U.S. Route 17. The 120-foot-long interpretive trail can guide you around this site that is believed to date back 4,000 years.

Hampton Plantation

The plantation's roots date back to the early 18th century. The remains of this rice plantation in McClellanville serve as an interpretive site to reveal how rice cultivation relied on the slavery system. The site also explores the lives of the freed slaves who lived throughout the Santee Delta after emancipation. Excavation work has served to highlight the disparity between the lives of the landowners and the enslaved. This site also has a historic African American cemetery and a cemetery for the Rutledge family.

You'll find plenty of fresh ocean air and ways to explore nature when you cruise the South Carolina coast, and an RV is the perfect way to take your time and go where you want to go. If you don't own an RV, you can rent one from RVshare in either Charleston or Myrtle Beach. This picturesque route lends itself to hourslong or dayslong road trips, and you'll enjoy the bounty of Old-World Southern hospitality that's still very much alive in the Carolinas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Charleston to Myrtle Beach?

To plan an RV road trip from Charleston to Myrtle Beach, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Charleston to Myrtle Beach without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Charleston to Myrtle Beach. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!