The Best Family-Friendly Stops Between Columbia, Charleston,

Santee Lakes KOA puts you right in the sweet spot between two of South Carolina's greatest cities. Here's how to make the most of the drive.

One of the best things about staying at Santee Lakes KOA is the location. Conveniently situated just off I-95, the campground sits approximately 75 minutes from both Columbia and Charleston — making it the perfect base camp for day trips in either direction. Whether you're heading north toward the state capital or south toward the Lowcountry, the road between is full of places worth stopping. Here's your family-friendly guide to the whole corridor.

 Columbia (About 75 Minutes North)

South Carolina's capital often gets overlooked in favor of Charleston, but families who make the trip are pleasantly surprised. It's a city with big-city attractions and a small-city feel.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden covers 170 acres and is a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden situated along the Saluda River, home to over 3,000 animals and 5,700 plants. It's the largest gated attraction in South Carolina, drawing over a million visitors a year. Plan for a full day — the kids won't want to leave.

EdVenture Children's Museum One of the largest children's museums in the South, EdVenture is an award-winning, hands-on space built for curious young minds. It's interactive, engaging, and a genuine hit with kids of all ages on a rainy afternoon.

South Carolina State Museum The SC State Museum offers four floors of permanent and changing exhibits in a former cotton mill along the banks of the Congaree River. It's the largest museum in the state and includes a digital dome planetarium—a great stop for older kids and curious adults.

The Boardwalk Loop Trail gives kids room to run and plenty to see, making it a great place for families to explore together. In late May, the park hosts a breathtaking natural spectacle: synchronous fireflies that all light up at precisely the same moment — a phenomenon so popular it now requires a lottery for evening viewing passes.

Columbia Fireflies Baseball. With a casual atmosphere, a Kids Play Zone, and a grass section, a trip to see the Fireflies at Spring Communications Park is one of the best ways for kids to spend an evening in Columbia. Minor league baseball at its finest — affordable, fun, and very family-friendly.

 In Between: Hidden Gems Along I-95

The stretch of I-95 between Santee and Charleston passes through some of South Carolina's most interesting small towns and natural areas. Don't just drive through — stop.

Santee National Wildlife Refuge (Exit 102) Right near your campground, this 15,000-acre federally managed preserve along Lake Marion is home to nearly 300 resident and migratory bird species and the ancient Santee Indian Mound. Even a short stop rewards visitors with wildlife sightings and a sense of deep history.

Colleton State Park (Exit 68) About 3 miles off I-95, Colleton State Park overlooks the Edisto River — one of the longest, free-flowing blackwater rivers in the country. It's an ideal place to stretch your legs and have a picnic, with a Cypress Swamp Nature Trail winding through live oaks, river birch, loblolly pines, and bald cypress.

South Carolina Artisans Center, Walterboro (Exit 57) Just 3 miles off I-95, the South Carolina Artisans Center showcases the work of more than 300 juried artists from across the state. It's a wonderful spot to browse for handcrafted souvenirs and support local makers — and it's free to enter.

Charleston (About 75 Minutes South)

Historic, beautiful, and endlessly entertaining, Charleston is one of America's most beloved cities — and it's very welcoming to families.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. At Patriots Point, kids can explore fighter planes and old naval warships, including the aircraft carrier that recovered the Apollo 8 astronauts. It's one of the most immersive, hands-on history experiences in the Southeast Charleston Waterfront & Beaches. The Charleston barrier islands offer gorgeous beaches worth visiting year-round. Sullivan's Island is one of the closest and most popular, just 20 minutes from downtown. Isle of Palms offers plenty of restaurants and facilities, while Folly Beach has a laid-back, surf-town vibe. 

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides A horse-drawn carriage tour is one of Charleston's most quintessential activities, with knowledgeable guides bringing the city's history to life in an entertaining way for visitors of all ages. It's slow, scenic, and perfect for kids who need a break from walking.

Charleston Water Taxi The Charleston Water Taxi sails a loop around Charleston Harbor from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is a budget-friendly way to do a boat trip — with a chance to spot dolphins and pelicans. Children under 3 ride free. 

International African American Museum Built on the exact site where many Africans first arrived in America, the International African American Museum at Gadsden's Wharf tells powerful stories of resilience, culture, and contribution through beautifully curated exhibits and interactive displays. Younger visitors can explore the African Roots Family Room, a hands-on space designed for families. 

With Santee Lakes KOA as your home base, you're never far from an adventure. Book your site today and start mapping out your South Carolina road trip.