Short Stay Recreation Area
203971 1 20 1 73
User reviews
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
September 15-19, 2011
(Updated: September 18, 2011)
Overall rating
3.5
Location
3.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
3.0
Great place to stay, price is right and campground is good. Our complaint was security. First night there we had a dog next door barking and yowling until after 1am. Second night there same campsite had a loud party going on. We called security and complained, they went to the site and left and the noise did not stop. We were awake until 2am listening to it. Next day, we go to park across from the conference center to pick up wifi. One security car came by and said nothing. Another came and told us we could not park there. Day before there were at least 10 cars parked there as they were having a festival at the conference center. We are disappointed security was not more aware of what was going on.
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.
Aug 30 to Sep 06 2011
(Updated: September 11, 2011)
Overall rating
4.7
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Very accommodating as we arrived w/o reservations and were given site over Labor Day weekend. Only real negative is housekeeping of restrooms/bath house. Not very thorough cleaning. Wonderful facilities, gorgeous views, friendly patrons. Most staff pleasant; some were smug and rude. Overall wonderful.
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
April 21 2010
Overall rating
4.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We spent two days in round house #42 in April 2010. This was our first try at military rec areas and certainly will not be the last. Our roundhouse was spotless, we were greeted in a most professional and friendly manner and everything concerning our stay was fully explained. I strongly recommend this as a place to vacation for a few days or possibly get the family together for a few days. I am retired USN (CPO) and appreciate places like Short Stay. Keep up the good work. A job well done.
Aug 14, 2010
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Short Stay is so easy to get to and the accommodations are more than ample no matter what area you stay in. The staff is always helpful and friendly. There is a lot to do here, although my favorite is fishing. Have rarely gone fishing here and not caught something. For my money, I won't miss an opportunity to go to Short Stay.
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.
April 6-10 2012
(Updated: April 11, 2012)
Overall rating
2.7
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
1.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
3.0
I have been using this RV park for 6 years plus,and i have never wrote and comment about it. I just want to say that the welcome aboard staff at the check-in office are a outstanding group of people,and that the camp host is one of the best in the business. Thank you. However the grounds it self are so dis-organized that it can be confusing. Site are so spread out,and some are really close,and the park lets you store any and everything on your site,that it overflows onto other sites. Kids,dogs,run wide,quite times are NEVER enforced. This place could be one heck of a rv park if only there were uniformity here and that the rules were carried out. Fines need to be placed on people that let there dogs run wild and also not cleaning up after them. The sites need to be cleaned up and all the trash that rvers collect on their site needs to be discarded,in other words the mind-set of the people that live or visits short stay needs cleaning up as enforcing the rule,have better security. The bath houses are usually cleaned cleaned twice,which it should be,but once they are the pits,because of the people not cleaning up,and allowing their kids to use the place as a play area. I know this will take time,and a effort by all. 50 amps electric would be nice.
27 June- 9 July 2011
(Updated: March 15, 2018)
Overall rating
2.6
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
2.0
This was our 2nd visit and probably wont be back. The only problems we seen were with the campers and not the campgrounds. We camp with a dog, when we walk him we take along a bag to clean up after him. It seems some people don't bother doing so. People seemed to leave their trash throwing about making it look like a trailer park.
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
April 13-20, 2010
Overall rating
4.6
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Loved our visit to this FamCamp. The campground is close enough to Charleston to get to anywhere you want within about 45 minutes. We found the camp itself to be clean and well maintained although as with previous reviews the bathrooms and showers could use some work. Campsites have plenty of space and all the waterfront sites have water, power (30 amp), and cable. The cable did not work well but we did have a few good channels. We were on site 17 and were able to receive a weak WIFI signal most of our visit. The camp has a nice shoppette, boat rentals, fishing on Lake Moultrie and plenty of wildlife, squirrels, birds, and we saw a few gators as well. The only busy time in the park was on Saturday and Saturday night, lots of children, some not so well behaved but nothing outrageous. I would recommend this campground to anyone who wants to visit the Charleston area or just want to lay back and relax for a week. I would definitely stay here again.
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.
May 28th through 30th 2012
(Updated: May 01, 2012)
Overall rating
3.4
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
2.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
4.0
I love Short Stay we go there quiet often as I like it better than going to the beach. This was our first stay at one of the Villas. It felt very dirty, there were hundreds of spiders and bugs IN the villa which was not comforting. The blankets and sheets are about 30 years old and have seen better days. The villas are okay I'd say 2 star kinda deal but they need to be cleaned better the carpets are nasty and you can smell it when you walk in (granted the building its self is old too). The floors were sticky and dirt everywhere, I don't know if it was jut our Villa but it was not pleasant. However, we had a lake front view and the sunset was beautiful. No complaints as far as the campground its self because like I said I love short stay and would diffidently recommend going but if your staying in a cabin or villa you might want to check it out first.
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.
MARCH 19 - 31, 2012
(Updated: April 01, 2012)
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
I'm not a number rater, either I like a campground or I don"t. Well, I like this famcamp! Had electric and water hookups. Large sites. Very clean, had staff cleaning park every day. Park was almost full and very quite. Lake was beautiful. Will certainly come here again.