Local Area Recreation Near Santee / Santee Lakes KOA Journey

Adventure Awaits Just Outside Camp!

Santee Lakes KOA sits at the heart of one of South Carolina's greatest outdoor playgrounds. Cast a line on legendary Lake Marion — famous for record-breaking catfish, largemouth bass, and striper — or book a guided fishing trip with local expert Corey Casey right from camp. Explore the Santee National Wildlife Refuge (2 mi), home to nearly 300 bird species, American alligators, hiking trails, and a 7.5-mile wildlife auto tour. Paddle through ancient bald cypress forests at Santee State Park (5 mi), or tee off on one of nine championship golf courses within 20 miles. History buffs will love the 1,000-year-old Santee Indian Mound just minutes away. Take a pontoon wildlife and swamp tour through stunning cypress wetlands, or hop in the car for a 75-minute drive to historic Charleston. Whether you're fishing, birding, golfing, or paddling, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences surrounding Santee Lakes KOA.

Fish Santee Cooper with Captain Corey Casey

Fish Santee Cooper with Captain Corey Casey

Get on the water with one of Santee Cooper's most passionate local guides. Captain Corey Casey grew up fishing these lakes his entire life, following in the footsteps of his grandfather — a Santee Cooper guide for 58 years. Now a USCG-licensed captain and competitive tournament angler, Corey brings a lifetime of local knowledge to every trip. He offers guided fishing trips targeting catfish, largemouth bass, and striper on the legendary Santee Cooper Lake system home to world-record catches and over 170,000 acres of world-class freshwater fishing. Half and full-day trips are available for up to three anglers, with all tackle, bait, and gear provided. Beginners, families, and seasoned anglers are all welcome. Just bring your South Carolina fishing license and a sense of adventure.

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Fish Santee Cooper with Chris Platts

Fish Santee Cooper with Chris Platts

Experience the best fishing on Santee Cooper with local expert and competitive kayak angler Chris Platts. Based right here in South Carolina, Chris offers guided kayak fishing trips on one of the Southeast's most legendary lake systems — home to world-class catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Chris brings the local knowledge, passion, and gear to make every trip unforgettable. In addition to guided trips, Chris is affiliated with Tactical Fishing Company and the Relaxed Retreat at Carolina King, and partners with Palmetto Hat Co. — connecting anglers with everything they need on and off the water. Follow along, book a trip, and discover why Santee Cooper is one of the most sought-after fishing destinations in the country. Your best catch is waiting.

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Golf Courses

Golf Courses

Santee Lakes KOA sits in the middle of one of the Southeast's most beloved golf destinations. Three championship courses are located within minutes of the campground, all within a mile of each other and all just off I-95 at Exit 98.

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Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Santee National Wildlife Refuge

The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is your destination to see wildlife, hike and bike, hunt, fish and enjoy boating. Visit the historic Santee Indian mound which was used as a British Garrison during the Revolutionary War.

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Santee State Park

Santee State Park

Located in South Carolina's well-known Santee Cooper Country, Santee State Park sits along Lake Marion. South Carolina locals know the lake for its abundant population of large catfish.

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Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson

Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson

Santee Indian Mound and Fort Watson is a historic archaeological site located in North Santee, Clarendon County, South Carolina, near Summerton.

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Lake Marion

Lake Marion

Lake Marion is a large man-made lake in central South Carolina. It has a 315-mile shoreline and covers nearly 110,000 acres of rolling farmlands, former marshes, and river valley landscape. With territory spanning five counties, the lake is referred to as South Carolina's inland sea.

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