Middleton Place
Charleston, SC
Formal gardens begun in 1741, with grass terraces and butterfly-shaped lakes above the Ashley River and a stableyard with craft demonstrations. Admission is charged; the house museum tour costs extra.
Middleton Place is a historic plantation with gardens on the Ashley River near Charleston, South Carolina. Lonely Planet dates the layout to 1741; it was commissioned by the wealthy politician Henry Middleton. Enslaved people terraced the land and dug the geometric canals. The gardens combine formal French design with romantic woodland, and the guide calls them the oldest in the US.
Union troops burned the main house in 1865; a guest wing from 1755 survived the fire and now houses the house museum. The grounds border flooded rice fields, and rare-breed farm animals such as sheep graze there. The cafe serves Lowcountry dishes such as she-crab soup and hoppin' John; you can also bring a picnic. An inn of modern glass buildings overlooks the Ashley River. Please check opening hours, admission and house tours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Charleston, SC
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 32.9000, -80.1380
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Fain's RV ParkMotorhome stopover6 mi from Middleton PlaceMotorhomes
- KOAMotorhome stopover7 mi from Middleton PlaceMotorhomes
- Bon Aire RV Park & CampgroundMotorhome stopover8 mi from Middleton PlaceMotorhomes
- Lake Aire RV ParkCampsite9 mi from Middleton PlaceWi-Fi
- Camping at James Island County ParkCampsite14 mi from Middleton PlaceTentsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- KOA KampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Middleton PlaceMotorhomes
All campsites in South Carolina · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Middleton Place?
Middleton Place is in Charleston, SC, at GPS 32.9000, -80.1380. It is about 20 mi from Folly Beach.
Can you camp near Middleton Place?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fain's RV Park, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Middleton Place?
Middleton Place is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lowcountry oaks, Ashley River plantations and Congaree.
What is there to see near Middleton Place?
Places worth a stop nearby: Drayton Hall (4 mi), Angel Oak (13 mi), Rainbow Row (15 mi) and Fort Moultrie (19 mi).
When is the best time to visit Middleton Place?
The most pleasant months are usually March–April and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in May, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)