KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
Exit 102 from I-95: Turn onto Road 400. Go 500 feet; turn right on Gordon Road. Santee Lakes KOA is straight ahead.
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You've set up camp on the north shore of Lake Marion — now what? Spoiler: there's a lot more to explore than you might expect.
Santee, South Carolina, has a way of surprising people. From the outside, it might look like a quiet stretch of I-95, but once you settle in at Santee Lakes KOA, you'll discover a corner of the Palmetto State packed with natural beauty, history, and Southern hospitality. Here's where to start exploring.
1. Santee State Park
Just a few miles from your campsite, Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion and offers cabins, biking, hiking, boating, and fishing in the heart of one of the nation's best-known outdoor destinations. Three nature trails — the one-mile Limestone Nature Trail, the one-mile Oak Pinolly Nature Trail, and the half-mile Sinkhole Pond Trail — wind through gorgeous lowcountry scenery. Rent a kayak from the solar-powered self-serve kiosk and get out on the water, or settle in at the accessible fishing pier next to the park store.
2. Santee National Wildlife Refuge
The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is home to wood ducks, catfish, white-tailed deer, and spotted salamanders — and that's just the beginning. Nearly 300 resident and migratory bird species have been spotted in this 13,000-acre preserve along the north shore of Lake Marion, making it one of the top birding destinations in the Southeast. Don't miss the Wright's Bluff Nature Trail and its overlook of Cantey Bay.
3. The Santee Indian Mound
The Santee Indian Mound, located within the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, dates back over a thousand years to a native culture that flourished centuries before the founding of Charleston. The 30-foot hill once served as a ceremonial and burial site for local tribes, and 16 graves have been excavated from the mound. It's a quiet, profound stop that puts a lot of history beneath your feet.
4. Pontoon Boat Tours on Lake Marion
Pontoon boat tours into Lake Marion's swampy headwaters depart from the marina at Santee State Park, taking visitors into the hauntingly beautiful flooded cypress forest. It's one of those experiences you can't quite describe — you have to see it.
5. Golf at Santee Cooper Country
Santee is home to three championship golf courses — Santee Cooper Country Club, Santee National, and Lake Marion Golf Course — all located within about 10 minutes of each other, each with its own driving range and practice green. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or looking for a casual round with the family, tee times are easy to come by, and the rates are wallet-friendly.
6. Fishing on Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie
Santee Cooper Country is known for world-class freshwater fishing, with species including channel catfish, striped bass (in season), largemouth bass, crappie, and bream. Guided trips are available for all skill levels — including for the kids. Check out local guide services like Catfishnfool, where children 16 and under fish for free, and if you don't catch a fish, you don't pay.
7. Sparkleberry Swamp Kayaking
For a truly otherworldly paddling experience, head to Sparkleberry Swamp, a submerged cypress and tupelo forest in the headwaters of Lake Marion that's popular with kayakers and several local outfitters offering guided trips. KOA Gliding beneath the canopy of ancient trees, reflected in still black water, is something you won't soon forget.
8. Swamp Fox Murals, Clarendon County
Look for the Swamp Fox Murals in Clarendon County, which depict Revolutionary War General Francis Marion — the inspiration behind the area's name. It's a fun, locally beloved piece of public art and a great excuse to explore the small towns surrounding the lake.
9. Edisto Memorial Gardens, Orangeburg
About 30 minutes from Santee, Edisto Memorial Gardens features nearly 5,000 rose plants and a beloved Children's Garden that transforms into a magical Christmas display during the holidays. It's a lovely, free stop for families looking to stretch their legs and smell the flowers — literally.
10. Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile
No trip to the Santee area is complete without stopping for some down-home Southern cooking. Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile is a local legend, the kind of place where the smell of slow-cooked pork pulls you off the highway, and the sweet tea is poured generously. Bring your appetite.
Staying at Santee Lakes KOA puts you right in the heart of all of it. Book your site today and start planning your adventure.
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