Looking for Lodging on Santee Cooper?

by Ron Presley

Settled quietly on the shoreline of Lake Marion, Palmetto Shores RV Resort provides visitors with clean, quality lodging, all kinds of campground extras, and a location that can’t be beaten.    

Most of my travels are related to fishing and over the years they have taken me to the Santee Cooper Lakes in South Carolina many times. I have been fortunate to fish for and catch quality crappie, stripers, and catfish from the popular lakes. It is one of those locations that continually calls me back.

I recently had the opportunity to visit again when the KingKat Sweet Sixteen catfish tournament took place out of Palmetto Shores RV Resort. Although I had been close to the resort before I had never visited. Discovering it for the first time was a true pleasure.

My first contact was by phone. In arranging for lodging I was treated with courtesy and efficiency. With my lodging arrangements complete I waited for the day I would leave for the Sweet Sixteen.

Guests are welcomed to Palmetto Shores RV Resort at the registration desk at the front of the property. As they leave the office they enter the property through the security gate.The resort is conveniently located off of I-95 just a couple of miles north of Santee, SC. Once I pulled off the interstate, I was only minutes to the lobby and check-in where I was treated to more service and courtesy. I was given a verbal description of the facilities and a map directing me to my cabin. It is a huge property and every staff member I connected with made me feel welcome.

As I drove from the office I entered the resort through a security gate and passed by many of the conveniences the resort offers. The resort features the largest private beach on Lake Marion, which is the largest lake in the state, full RV hookup sites, cabins, a boat ramp, boat slips, 2 swimming pools, and a lazy river among its many amenities. And the free property-wide Wi-Fi was great. I always notice Wi-Fi because it is important to me for my work while on location.

The main office building also contains a convenience store with all kinds of supplies that can help you enjoy your trip or pick up something you forgot.Don’t worry if you forget something. The conveniences begin as soon as you enter the office. They have anything from groceries, beer and wine, RV and camping supplies, fishing gear, miscellaneous toys, and souvenirs. Actually, they have about anything you may need or possibly forgotten at the last minute.

According to the owner, Amanda McGovern, the lake with beachfront access and the pools, including the lazy river and kiddie pool, are the main attractions. The outdoor gaming area is also a huge hit.

You will also find a Snack Shop that has pizza, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, soft-serve ice creams, chips, and drinks. If you get a little hunger pang it can be taken care of quickly on-site.

If you are interested in restaurant dining with an awesome view of the lake you will find the Lake House Restaurant right next door. Although not part of the property proper it is convenient and you can enjoy a beautiful South Carolina sunset while dining with a little southern hospitality thrown in.

“We are a family and big-rig-friendly resort,” offered McGovern. “We offer plenty of lakefront amenities for all ages. The resort is under new ownership/management as of January 1, 2021, and proud to have been voted Best Campground in Clarendon for 2021 and 2022.  Voting is also currently taking place until the end of February for the 2023 Awards and we have been nominated again!”

The anglers fishing the Sweet Sixteen tournament were also impressed with their stay at Palmetto Shores RV Resort. Clean rooms, friendly staff, boat charging accessibility, and room to park their boats were among the things they mentioned.

“It was an awesome venue,” praised angler Mike Mitchell. “Our cabin was nice and comfortable with plenty to enjoy for the whole family. It’s a great location just off the interstate next to the lake.”

“Palmetto Shores was very accommodating and a beautiful place to stay,” said KingKat angler Sean Martin who fished with his partner Carl Morris Jr.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better host than Palmetto Shores RV Resort,” commended Craig Shirey. “They meet our every need and more. I brought my daughter with me and she had a blast there.”

And finally, the winners of the tournament, Team Westbrook (Joe and Demetria) said, “Palmetto Shores is second to none. It was the nicest place we have stayed away from home in a very long time. We really appreciated the level of security we felt while staying there. We had no worries about our fishing gear and the staff and owners were very friendly and accommodating.”

Likewise, Palmetto Shores RV Resort was pleased to have the tournament organizers and anglers as quests for a few days and they obviously took good care of them. The Sweet Sixteen event at the resort was a win-win for all involved.

“We are still reminiscing about all the excitement from the KingKat event,” concluded McGovern. “Actually, we were kinda’ surprised at how sad we all were on Sunday once Bob Denen, his team, and all the anglers left.  We thoroughly enjoyed having them all here, as they are such great people and just so genuine and kind individuals.”

Looking for a place to stay on Santee Cooper? Reservations can be made by calling 803-478-6336. Follow them on Facebook or find more information, including a full list of amenities, on their website.

When you are in the area stop by the Santee Cooper County Information Center at 9302 Old Number Six Hwy, Santee, SC, and pick up a Travel Guide. You will also find plenty of information on all kinds of area attractions. Visitors are also invited to contact them by phone at (803) 854-2131.