South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

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Campgrounds in South Carolina — Sanitation

Family campgrounds, RV parks and resident camps (those that provide one or more permanent buildings as sleeping quarters) must obtain a permit from DHEC to operate. To get a permit, a campground is required to meet the minimum public health and safety standards set out in S.C. Regulation 61-39 Camps.

In addition to other regulations, campgrounds must provide a safe drinking water supply, a well maintained sanitary sewage disposal system, enough toilets and showers to meet minimum ratios based on number of campsites, and garbage storage and disposal system that does not attract rats or other vermin.

Local laws, regulations or ordinances may require camps and/or campgrounds to meet more stringent standards than those specified in S.C. Regulation 61-39. Please check with city and/or county officials for information regarding any requirements they may have for camps and/or campgrounds.

Public Health, Safety Complaints

Although DHEC does not inspect campgrounds routinely due to limited staff, we do investigate complaints involving sanitation and public health.

For example, people sometimes complain about a campground's unsanitary bathhouses, mosquito breeding, and sewage system malfunctions.

Complaints: To file a complaint about a campground, contact the local DHEC Environmental Health office that serves the county where the campground is located.

Primitive and Membership Camps — Permits Not Required

Some camping facilities are not required to get a permit from DHEC. This includes primitive camps that do not provide water or sewage hook-ups, private hunt clubs, private fish camps, and membership camps. However, these camps must comply with all other applicable regulations.

Information for Campground and Camp Owners, Managers

Sanitation/Operational Permit: To apply for or renew your facility's permit, contact your local DHEC Environmental Health office.

Apply for a S.C. Retail Food Service Permit.

Learn about S.C. Coastal Permits.

Related Links

Locate campgrounds in S.C. using a search tool provided by the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

For more information on DHEC's General Sanitation program, contact us at (803) 896-0655.