Few people in South Carolina realize you can spend the night in the state's most famous WWII museum, an aircraft carrier now permanently anchored in the Charleston harbor. An overnight or weekend camping trip here is one-of-a-kind in the Palmetto State and, given the opportunity, one that shouldn't be missed. For years, thousands have been camping overnight inside the decommissioned vessel and you'll want to also.
But there are some limitations that make the stay all the more coveted. As long as you are traveling with an organized youth group of a total of 10 or more people, then you can be among the lucky that get to spend the night on the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point.
You and each member of your group will essentially become one of the sailors... eating, sleeping and exploring where they lived while at sea.
You'll dine in one of the two crew cafeterias.
... sleep in their bunks...
and walk in their footsteps. Recently, the program added access for campers only to an area of the ship that's been closed off to the public for 40 years.
In addition to exploring the USS Yorktown, you'll also get access to the other vessels that are part of the Maritime Museum. Ever been on a submarine? You can (and will) if you're camping overnight on the USS Yorktown.
Overnight camping on the USS Yorktown is only available to organized youth groups of 10 or more people. The are rules regarding the number of adults that must accompany the group and they vary depending upon the ages of the children in the youth group. (Basically, the younger the children are, the more adults required to accompany.)
Would you ever want to spend the night on a WWII Aircraft Carrier?
The USS Yorktown is located within the Patriots Point Naval Maritime Museum at 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464. Overnight camping is limited to only organized youth groups of at least 10 persons - and the adults that accompany those groups. Basic pricing varies and is currently $45/per camper for one night without a special educational program (includes breakfast and lunch); $75/per camper for one night including an educational program (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner); and $99/per camper for two nights including an educational program (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for two days). Learn more at this overnight camping link on the official website for Patriots Point.
If you can't get enough of the great outdoors and camping is one of your favorite activities, then check out this amazing waterpark campground in South Carolina!
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