Santee Lakes Campground in Summerton, South Carolina

We left Massachusetts pulling our travel trailer. The second person who motioned to us in South Carolina pulled over and told us that there were sparks coming out of something or other. This was a case of not being able to pull this travel trailer without it possibly bursting into flames (seriously). I wish we had gotten the man's name who saved us. If you are reading this, let me know - thank you!!

We were once again lucky when we found a campground a few miles away. We hobbled over there and set up hoping to find a repair shop opened perhaps the next day since this was Christmas Day. Within minutes the security guard at Santee Lakes Campground, where we pulled in, came over and for about $100.00 told us he could fix us up in no time.

In the meantime we walked around the campground and made the best of our time here at 1268 Gordon Road in Summerton, South Carolina where it is snowing. The phone number is 803-478-2262. It was easy to find and right off I-95 at exit 102.

About the campground

I wasn't all that impressed at first glance. We had a picnic table and a full hook-up. It seems we can make a fire but there is no fire pit. The site is large but not paved so we are on a combination of pine needles and dirt.

Most of the sites are seasonal so it is very quiet, which is a plus. Many of the seasonal units are in poor condition. There are a few that are not. A handful of people are like we are - just staying for a short time while heading elsewhere.

The cost is $32.50 a night. That sounds like a lot but as we walked around the campground I could see its appeal.

The amenities

There is a well-maintained mini-golf area, two playgrounds, one of which is obviously new, a recreational building with pool tables in it, and a beautiful lake with a beach, boat ramp and fishing pier. The lake is called Lake Marion.

There are water and electric sites and water, electric and sewer sites. There are 200 sites, 154 of them are pull-thru sites, which is always a perk!

There is a store, laundry, pool, hot tub, and a kiddie pool.

The campground is near Fisheagle Wildlife Tour Boats, Pocotaligo Park, where you'll find 1,296 feet of boardwalk and winds around 40 acres of swamp, Fort Watson, the site of a British Outpost which was on top of a 30-foot Indian Ceremonial Mound, and golf courses.

A huge perk and a reason to stop here on your way is that there is free and exceptional Wi-Fi!