- U.S. Military Recreation Facilities
- South Carolina
- Short Stay Recreation Area
Short Stay Recreation Area
205054 1 20 1 73
Location
Installation
Joint Base Charleston, SC
GPS Coordinates
33.256684, -79.987284
RV Gate Coordinates
33.257594, -79.9846
Directions
Directions
FROM THE NORTH: Take I-95 to exit 122 SouthEast on US-521. Follow US-521 for 22 miles to US-52. Turn South and go another 26 miles to Manigult Dr. Turn right and go another .6 miles and veer to the right as the road changes names to Old Black Creek Rd. At end of the road, turn left onto Short Stay Rd. Campground is at the end of the road. ---- FROM THE SOUTH: Take I-26 to exit 199 East on US-17 Alternate. In about 18 miles, turn North on US-52. In about 1.5 miles, turn left on to Powerhouse Rd. There's a sign for the Rec Area. Go .25 miles and turn right onto Old Black Creek Rd. At the end of the road, turn left onto Short Stay Rd. Campground is at the end of the road.
Contact Information
Phone Number
(843) 743-2608 or (843)761-8353
Fax Number
(843) 761-4792
Mailing Address
Short Stay JB Charleston, 211 Short Stay Road, Moncks Corner, SC 29461
Email Address
Campground Information
Authorized Users
Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD Civilians, Sponsored Guests. Read this Article on Authorized Users
Season
Year round.
Reservations
Accepted 3-moths in advance, but not by Email.
Internet Access
Wi-Fi available (only near the office).
Mail Forwarding
Must use local USPS General Delivery.
Pet Information
Allowed with the usual leash and clean-up rules.
Campground Information
Tents and waterfront RV sites can stay up to 30 days. Stay limit for PCS status is 30-days. Stay limit for all others is 180-days per calendar year. Lodging rates vary on type of lodging. Large rental halls also available. $1 per person day use fee. Annual and group day passes available. Rentals available includes 2BR Villa, 3BR Villa, Roundetta, 1BR Log Cabin, 2BR Log Cabin, Bunk House, Clubhouse, Conference Center, boats of various sizes.
Big Rig Friendly?
Facilities
Propane, Game room, Volleyball, Conference Center.
Amenities
- Dump, Sewer
- Water
- Electric
- Tent Area
- Laundry
- Showers
- Playground
- Picinic Area
- Fishing
- Boating, Boat Rentals
- Boat Ramp
- Shoppete
- Swimming
- Snack Bar
- Marina
Site Information
Type of site | Spaces | Hook-ups | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
RV Sites (Waterfront) | 17 | W/50A/C | $35 | N/A | N/A |
RV Sites (Wooded) | 68 | W/30,50A/C | $25 - $28 | N/A | $450 |
Tent | 17 | None | $15 | N/A | N/A |
Cabins, Villas, Pavilions, etc. | 38 | Full | $50 - $325 | N/A | N/A |
Other Information
Weather Information
Lakeside campground with great fishing. Boat rentals, cabins, and villas available for rent.
Map
User reviews
52 reviews
Overall rating
3.9
Location
4.1(52)
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.9(52)
Amenities/Facilities
3.6(52)
Value
4.0(52)
Overall Experience
3.9(52)
July 16-19, 2021
Overall rating
4.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We stayed for our first time this last weekend. It was perfect weather and very enjoyable. We checked in late and was met by Clyde the security guard who took us right to our spot. Clyde was very friendly. As were the young men we met at the store and the dock the next day. We enjoyed hanging out the next day at our trailer and on the beach. We also drove around the the cabins and villas that were not rented. We did not see inside but would probably rent one in the future. Yes, there were campers that we didn't see people at, and they could be permanent, but it was not trashy. Just camping toys laid next to trailer. No dog poop anywhere(although poop trash cans and bags would be great!). All of the campers were friendly. Saturday night, you could hear music and fun but not even loud or annoying. Sunday and Monday was so chill and laid back. On Sunday we rented a ski boat for the day and just had a relaxing cruise around the lake. (Next time fishing or tubing). I will say the boat was a little "rugged" as the upholstery was very torn and there was a "trick" to do with the trim for the motor. But for the price for the day....excellent! The only star removed was for the bathrooms in the campground. There was a serious mess made in one of the ladies bathrooms that sat most of the weekend. The lady that came and cleaned them on Sunday was there several times before we left Monday afternoon. So she was on top of it, maybe the person before was not or they didn't have someone. We had a great time and will be back! Friendly, convenient, fun works for us. Rhanson
25 June 21
Overall rating
1.0
Location
1.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
1.0
Overall Experience
1.0
Dog poop everywhere. Human waste behind our site. Couldn’t see it but i smelled it. Dirty. Cigarette butts. Shower facilities below average. Needed mowing. The permanent residents were permanent. We were scheduled for two nights; left early the morning after the first night. What a shame.
9-12 November 2019
Overall rating
4.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
As an old school, long term tent camper who's moved up to a four wheeled camper this month? I love this place. For $16 a night, you can't whup it with a battalion of Marines. I'm one site off the waterfront with all the views and less cost in a Class B camper. Plenty of area to walk with my two little pups and the people staying here are friendly. We found the trails leading off my current site and walk those a couple times a day for exercise. The staff are extremely friendly and attentive to needs. I originally planned on an overnight only, but extended two more days to relax in comfort and warmth. The store is decently stocked and very reasonably priced for a camp store. Yeah, there's leaves everywhere. It's fall and they do that. Makes me feel like I'm outdoors and it smells wonderful!
29 July - 2 Aug 2019
Overall rating
2.9
Location
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
2.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
3.0
Not what I expected, expected more from an Air Force facility. Stayed only four days, about thirty miles from downtown Charleston. Gate is manned by young inexperienced young ladies every time I came in. Checking in was pretty smooth, except for determining which spot you want, hard to tell without driving all over. Saw a lot of homesteaders with old, dirty and decrepit campers. After the second day we were inundated with ants. Shower/bathhouse needs more attention. Will probably return, if certain sites were open
5 April - 8 April 2019
Overall rating
3.5
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
3.0
This is our first stay at Short Stay. We are from just a few hours away and don’t get to go often or far on weekend vacations. The location is awesome, situated on the banks of Lake Moultrie, one of the premier lakes in SC. Arrival and check-I; was easy. I was given a list of sites available based on what I reserved and sent to pick my site. Thank goodness I was going Vern the option as out of 12 sites only one was not covered in water. I understand that it had rained heavily that morning but to have the majority of the available sites covered in water really isn’t acceptable. We noticed that the best sites that didn’t have concrete pads were occupied by full-time residents or old, broken down looking rigs that have obviously not moved in a very long time. We had at least three immediate neighbors that are obviously using these sites as seasonal or permanent sites and only come in every now and again. I would have to say that over half the campground sites are occupied full-time. Out of 68 sites not t listed as “Monthly” over half are filled long-term. The 50 amps sites all have concrete pads and most are water front. Some of these seem to have permanently parked rigs on them. I’ll know better next time to make sure I reserve a 50 amp site. The store was nice and appeared to be new. The bath house left much to be desired. The shower stall that I used was dirty with someone else razor stubble smeared on the walls, thankfully the stall was large enough that I could avoid the wall easily. Overall it was a decent place for the place, however, I have stayed at nicer for less. If they would get the permanent RV storage out and clean up the sites so that they don’t all flood when it rains it would be a much nicer place.
Dec 29-31, 2019
Overall rating
4.3
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
Nice campground. The 50 amp sites area all concrete. Site 7-20 (50 amps) all have water view. All the 30 amp sites are on dirt, and most of the 30 amps sites were flooded during this time. They have had more than 8 or nine days of rain. There are several full timers living at the campground and some of the other sites were being used as long term storage. Everyone we talked with pleasant to deal with and I am looking forward to going back. Worth the drive. We only had two issues and weather is not something that any of us can control. The other is was that, we went out for a few hour drive (Class B) and when we returned our rug was missing. We left it because it was soaking wet and to show the we are coming back. We did ask the security guards if they moved it and they said they did not. The store is open 24 hours, and they have boat rental. We only paid $24 per night (it is off season).
March 6, 2018
Overall rating
4.5
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
Short Stay - $18 a day for wooded site with electric/water Pro(s): o Location, the park is on Lake Moultrie o Available rentals of a plethora of aquatic toys (boats, tubes, etc.) o Fully Furnished homes/cabins available for a nominal fee o Large covered picnic areas available for rent o Gate for entry into park (code required and it is changed weekly) o Variety of spots – pull thru, back in, concrete/gravel o Many spots were double if not triple width of spots we have had elsewhere o Man-made beach for swimming o Large playground for children o Brand new, easy to use centrally located dump station o Very easily accessible handicap shower with build in bench o Temperature controlled bathhouses Con(s): o No internet at sites, however we were told they had some signal near the office (dead center of grounds) o Gravel lots (older sites/wooded sites) are pretty uneven after years of use o Laundry room was outdated (1.75 per load) o Game room was just a pool hall that was out of order o A fair amount of long term residents
August 3-21, 2017
Overall rating
2.6
Location
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
2.0
Overall Experience
2.0
I had just left the Navy RV campground in Kings Bay Ga. the number rated campground in the military,only to come to one dirty campground at short stay. I mean all there is trash from one end to the other. The full timers in the park is worst than ever. My understanding is they can stay for one year,and must leave for one day. Oh wow, during that year you collect stuff,which junks up the park. One site has a RV, one large boat,3 golf carts, a covered up pile of whatever,a work truck which is loaded with all kinds of carpenter gear. This one is of the better sites. None of the site are the same size,some could be two sites,this is one of them. I really hate the way this park has gone hill,and it stems from change of command. If I was a first time camper and saw this mess I would have second thoughts. I would like to make a comment about the lake front site,i have no idea who designed them,but I'm sure it had to been a Clemson Engineer, the sites are made for 5th wheels, and pull behinds. Real RV's class "A" need to be able to pull in so they can have the view of the lake.The office staff,are professional and should be realized for their work, I would like to point out Jodie Adams,who during my three week she was one big help to me. I had to move and change my reservation dates and she was instrumental in doing so,Thank you Ray Wyatt USN Retired
Aug 20-22, 2017
Overall rating
1.0
Location
1.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
1.0
Overall Experience
1.0
Worst experience ever. Two words, bed bugs. Rented a three bedroom cottage/townhouse and they are tired and run down. Could use a complete scrub down. Windows and doors don't shut properly blinds are broken and kitchen is dirty with stains on wood from many years of hands and never been cleaned. But the worst is waking up on the first morning to a bed stained with little blood stains from my husband and I being munched on by bed bugs in condo number 13. We freaked out they offered condo number 10 to move to. We did a thorough inspection before we moved in and that too had bed bugs. Fecking gross. We had to wash all of our things in hot water and inspect all of our things. we got a refund and got the heck out. I can deal with campy trust me this was a nightmare. Whole place needs a makeover and apparently a fumigation! Never again.
June 2014
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We stayed 5 days, enjoyed the park greatly. Personnel were very friendly and always helpful. We visited Charleston while at the park and it was a short drive to any and all attractions as well as the beach. Our stay was so great we plan on returning in the future.
17 - 21 June 2015
Overall rating
4.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Stayed 4 nights and enjoyed the facility. We were a late check-in but the office was staffed by Security who showed us the available sites and helped us get checked in. During the week it is peaceful, the lake and beached are enjoyable. During the weekend the park did become crowded but not unruly or noisy. Our spot (site #75) was shaded and water and electric were provided. There is no sewage hook-up at the site so we had to use the dup station, which is very nice and clean. The restrooms were clean and working. My family and I enjoyed our stay and we will use this facility again if in the area.
16-21 June 2014
Overall rating
3.8
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
3.0
This was the 2nd time I hosted my biannual family reunion at Short Stay. Renting a waterside campsite for my camper and a couple of Villa for my family. All and all, a perfect place for such with only one exception and that is the tremendous amounts of goose crap EVERYWHERE!. The beach was so loaded with piles of goose droppings that all were walking around carefully. Kids where trying to dig the sand with toy shovels but Moms warned to just stay away. The morning raking by a tractor needs to be more frequent. I know money is tight with MWR but this is a health issue. Most of the Villa grounds were covered with piles of poop where the birds roost at night. Sidewalks, parking areas all loaded with droppings. The Canadian Geese are becoming more than temporary and for the few years we've been coming to Short Stay, they are growing in number as they are largely unmolested. I would rate all 5's except for the untended too poop piles. Please CLEAN UP THE POOP and give Short Stay back to us.
9 - 11 May 2014
Overall rating
4.7
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We camped on the waterfront pad #15. PROS: The view out our back window was picturesque. The pads are new concrete and very wide and accessible. The office/store was clean and well stocked. Restrooms/showers are clean and well kept. Several times during the evenings we observed security patrolling the areas. The park was very busy this weekend, but we never heard loud music, noise or disturbing parties. CONS: The wifi works, but is very slow. There is no sewage system, but the dump station is close by. No cable. All and all, we had a great time and will return in the future.
February 19, 2014
Overall rating
1.0
Location
1.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
1.0
Overall Experience
1.0
This place is a dump. In the RV section the homesteaders have it looking like the "hood." There is no host because no one will work for a 1099 and no pay. The lady in the store told us the host left because they were charging the host for living on-site. The place has no help and does not plan on getting help. This place would be a great location if someone would take charge and clean it up. Don't go into the bathrooms/showers. This should be removed from the camping list.
Multiple times
(Updated: April 10, 2013)
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
I'm a native Charlestonian and I have been to Short Stay more times than I can count. I'm also a DoD employee. Short Stay is a wonderful place to spend time at. It certainly isn't the Isle of Palms with luxury accommodations, but I'd rather bring my family here than the beach! We've camped, stayed in the 1 room log cabin, and also stayed in the villas. Yeah, they are seriously out dated and worn out, but that's part of the charm of SS. We also enjoy renting their boats and hanging out in the lake. I will continue to support SS and spend my summertime weekends there with my family.
13 - 21 July 2012
(Updated: August 02, 2012)
Overall rating
3.2
Location
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
3.0
Unlike other reviewers, we were greeted by the camphost Ms. Beth, who says she's been there fo'evah. She was helpful, and escorted us to our site (site #44 which is HUGE). She chatted with us while we were leveling the rig (36' that had tons of room to spare) and let us know of the happenings around the campground, the facilities, etc. Then a security guard came by with a tag for the car and a map of the place since we arrived after hours. So the hospitality was great, but I could only rate it three stars because the cleanliness wasn't so great. The bath house had clean toilets, but disgusting showers. The bathrooms at the front near the laundry and game rooms was very outdated, and dirty the three or four times I visited throughout the week. Laundry - 4 washers, 6 dryers (only 4 working though) - if it worked, it seemed to work well, so that was good. Boat ramp #1 was really shallow, but we were still able to put in there. "beach" area had duck poop en masse, and the swimming roped area was rather small, but always had a lifeguard around. Pros = location was convenient to my family in Summerville and Macedonia. Mostly quiet, folks definitely friendly. Great value at $13/night. Cons = 30 amp service (sweating like crazy when it got to 100 outside because we could only run one A/C unit), no sewage hook ups, and a severely outdated dumping station - old sump pump made that job much worse than it had to be.
23 Jul 2012
(Updated: July 23, 2012)
Overall rating
1.0
Location
1.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
1.0
Overall Experience
1.0
Had Truck problems in Virginia on the day before (Sunday) our scheduled reservation. Sent an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. last night, and called at 0730 to cancel my reservation. I gave all my info and then was greeted by "your $18 is not refundable". I asked about the refund policy which I could not find on the online info, and was told that a cancellation was required 30 days in advance.????? Now that is NOT very friendly, nor helpful. We stay at almost every military FamCamp we can find on our CONUS tour, but this is really ridiculous. Amber was willing to give me a credit but we are not coming back this way for another 10 years, maybe....Oh well, just a note of information for those wanting to stay at this facility...
July 20-22, 2012
(Updated: July 23, 2012)
Overall rating
1.6
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
1.0
Overall Experience
1.0
We have never camped at Short Stay, this was our first time. We have gone here for picnics & family gatherings. Bathrooms are really old in the camp area. The ladies was somewhat clean, except for the showers. The mats were so gross that I had to keep my sandals on. The toilets were so old that the paint was coming off, I didn't know if it was dirty or not. The men's bathhouse was never cleaned, my husband went in there Friday night, it had poop on the seat and when we left early Sunday morning it never had been cleaned. He said the showers were so dirty. I agree that there isn't much updating that has been done in many years. The only friendly helpers were the desk help & one police officer.
We came out of the bathroom Saturday and we saw a condom by a big oak tree near there, there was dog poop on the grounds (smelled bad) looked bad!
We came out of the bathroom Saturday and we saw a condom by a big oak tree near there, there was dog poop on the grounds (smelled bad) looked bad!
13-18 Jun 12
(Updated: July 02, 2012)
Overall rating
4.3
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
2.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We stayed at Short Stay, 13-18 Jun 12 in campground spot 6 in a Fifth Wheel. We have stayed here several times. Totally enjoy the area easy to take day trip into Charleston. The campground could use some updating but not totally non-enjoybale. There seems to be several rigs that are extended stay and has a lot of items stored outside that makes for unsightly campsite. The same Camphost is there and we have been going for two years now at least 10 stays total. She has not once came to greet us and ask if we need anything. We asked this past stay about getting assistance with the fire pit clean out. She stated go to the front office and ask them. What is the Camphost suppose to do if not assist and greet campers? We have stayed at several FM's and by far this is the WORST Camphost ever.
24 June 2012
(Updated: June 26, 2012)
Overall rating
3.3
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
2.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
3.0
I stayed one night at Short Stay, 24 June 2012 and was in villa #25. The place was clean but outdated...Old. The staff was across the board very friendly and professional. I figure the furnishing from the 1960's era. An example of an inexpensive fix not done would be the shower head. It was old and inadequate by any standard. The villa was stark and unfriendly but the location and neighbors were great. Of note, when I arrived I noticed the US flag was tattered and unserviceable. I brought it to the attention of the facility manager (Civilian) and was assured the flag would be replaced. If you go in the near future and do not see a new, serviceable flag...Ask why? By the way if you stay one night as I did...Bring a bar of soap.
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