High Water Fest
Don’t let spring pass you by without some fun! Head off in your RV to North Charleston, South Carolina, for the ever-popular High Water Festival.
Event information
High Water Festival at Riverfront Park offers a boutique two-day music experience April 26-27 in North Charleston, with over 15 acts performing across two stages and no overlapping sets. While the festival doesn't provide onsite RV camping, nearby Charleston-area campgrounds put you within 15-30 minutes of the venue, offering full hookups and Southern hospitality. Ticket options range from General Admission ($125-225) to VIP ($410-695) and Platinum ($925-1,750), with premium tiers including complimentary parking passes and exclusive viewing areas. Gates open at 1 pm both days, and the festival operates on a cashless system with bike valet service and rideshare zones. Charleston KOA and Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA provide excellent staging areas just 15 miles from Riverfront Park, combining convenient festival access with full RV amenities and the freedom to explore South Carolina's stunning coastal region.
What Makes High Water Festival Special?
High Water Festival represents the South's most beloved boutique music gathering, blending indie rock, folk, and Americana against the scenic backdrop of North Charleston's historic Riverfront Park. The venue sits along the Cooper River, where century-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss create natural canopies over festival grounds.
The two-stage setup ensures you won't miss a single performance—no overlapping sets means you can catch every artist on the lineup. Saturday leans into folk with Lord Huron and Mt. Joy, while Sunday brings Arcade Fire and Counting Crows to center stage. Between sets, The Refuge area offers curated food from regional restaurants and craft beverages under the shade of those majestic oaks.
Charleston's Lowcountry charm extends beyond the festival grounds. The region's blend of historic architecture, pristine beaches, and renowned culinary scene creates the perfect framework for a memorable RV adventure. Spring weather during the festival typically delivers sunshine and temperatures in the mid-70s, though afternoon showers aren't uncommon.
To maximize your festival experience, explore Charleston RV rentals for the largest selection and closest proximity to Riverfront Park, or discover North Charleston RV rentals to stay right in the heart of the action.
Tickets
High Water Festival experiences involve several pricing tiers, with options for both single-day and weekend passes.
Festival Tickets:
- General Admission: $125 (1-day) / $225 (2-day weekend)
- GA+: $275 (1-day) / $400 (2-day weekend)
- Stono Stage Bleacher Seats: $325 (1-day) / $475 (2-day weekend)
- VIP: $410 (1-day) / $695 (2-day weekend)
- Platinum: $925 (1-day) / $1,750 (2-day weekend)
Premium Ticket Benefits:
- VIP includes upgraded restrooms, private bar, dedicated food vendors, front-of-stage viewing at Stono Stage, and access to the VIP Lounge with shade and lawn games
- Platinum includes all VIP amenities plus complimentary beverages (beer, wine, seltzer, coffee), all-inclusive dining, exclusive front-of-stage viewing at both stages, and one complimentary parking pass per ticket order
Additional Costs:
- RV campground fees ($30-80 per night)
- Food and beverages at the festival (cashless only)
- Rideshare or parking fees if not included with premium tickets
- Fuel and supplies for your RV adventure
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book tickets during presale periods for the lowest prices before increases
- Consider GA+ tickets for enhanced experience without premium pricing
- Reserve campground accommodations immediately when tickets go on sale
- Bring refillable water bottles (hydration stations available throughout the venue)
- Cook meals in your RV to offset festival food costs
Explore High Water Fest RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
North Charleston is a beautiful city nestled between Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It’s accessible via I-526 and I-26 and sits on the doorstep to Francis Marion National Forest, the Bonneau Ferry Wildlife Management Area, and the Ernest F. Hollings Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge.
Navigating your way through the natural attractions and built-up city areas can take considerable patience and skill. Therefore, those who are new to the area may like to monitor traffic and any delays on DriveNC to get to their destination safely. High Water Festival is eight miles northeast of Downtown Charleston along the waterside of Riverfront Park.
Parking areas
Limited off-street parking is available at Riverfront Park, which is the site of the former Charleston Naval Base. You can enter the parking area from the naval base entry or via Virginia Avenue by following the signs.
However, parking is better suited to pilot vehicles, rather than large motorhomes such as Airstreams and Sprinters. If you have purchased a VIP or Pearl Experience package, your parking is reserved and included. Otherwise, consider the convenience of parking off-site and making use of public transportation.
Public Transportation
Cycling, walking, taxis, and rideshare service providers are actively encouraged by High Water Festival organizers. There is a bike valet service for fans who want to ride a bicycle from their RV, as well as pick-up and drop-off points for rideshare services. To make the process go smoothly, there will be attendants, police, and signage for all those converging on the area for the festival.
Where to stay
Onsite
Because High Water Festival is located at a former naval base, it’s not set up to cater for campervans, tenters, or anyone looking for somewhere to stay overnight. When you attend daily, you must vacate the premises before you return the following day. Fortunately, North Charleston has a myriad of different RV campgrounds near Riverfront Park to satisfy any avid traveler.
Nearby
Charleston KOA
Located in Ladson, just 15 miles from Riverfront Park, Charleston KOA offers the perfect festival basecamp with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. The campground features spacious RV sites, a coffee cafe and lounge, swimming pool, playground, and golf cart paths throughout the property. Basketball courts, horseshoes, and a recreation hall provide evening entertainment after festival days.
Mount Pleasant/Charleston KOA
Situated next to the historic Oakland Plantation, this unique campground sits about 20 miles from the festival and offers wagon rides, lakefront activities, swimming docks, hiking trails, and boat launches. The property includes a Kamping Kitchen, splash pad, camp store, and modern facilities—creating a resort-like atmosphere for your festival weekend.
Lake Aire RV Park & Campground
Located in Hollywood, within 15 minutes of downtown Charleston and about 20 miles from Riverfront Park, Lake Aire provides full hookup sites, water and electric-only options, and even a mini-campground on the small lake island. Clean bathrooms, modern showers, swimming, and fishing make this a peaceful retreat after festival days.
Oak Plantation Campground
Several miles west of Charleston on Johns Island, Oak Plantation offers spacious, private sites with satellite TV and wireless internet capabilities. The campground features a small fishing lake, disc golf course, dog walking areas, playgrounds, and quick interstate access to both Charleston attractions and Riverfront Park.
Getting around
Getting around High Water Festival is fairly effortless on foot, and organizers ask that you leave your bicycle with the valet or any wheeled transportation back in your RV. Everything from entertainment and music, through to food and market stalls, are within a convenient walking distance of each other at Riverfront Park.
However, if you have purchased a VIP or Pearl Experience package, you can jump aboard the golf cart shuttle that provides quick transport to and from the reserved parking area and main festival entrance.
What to pack
Clothing
Charleston's late April weather typically delivers beautiful spring conditions with highs in the mid-70s, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through. Pack layers to handle temperature changes throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential—you'll be on your feet for hours exploring the festival grounds. The Lowcountry sun can be intense, so bring wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Don't forget a light rain jacket or poncho that packs small. When the weather turns, the festival continues, and you'll want protection without bulk. Quick-dry fabrics work best for both sunshine and sudden showers.
Gear
Bring your festival spirit with comfortable folding chairs for The Refuge lounging area, though chairs aren't allowed in viewing areas except ADA zones. Small purses and fanny packs are permitted, but larger bags must be clear and mid-sized. Refillable water bottles are crucial—hydration stations are scattered throughout the venue, and staying hydrated during full festival days is essential.
Sunscreen and bug spray top the must-pack list. Charleston mosquitoes are legendary, especially near the waterfront, and the spring sun is stronger than you think. Bring portable phone chargers, as you'll be capturing memories and coordinating meetups all day. VIP and Platinum guests can rent lockers and mobile charging units.
Health & Safety
Standing through multiple sets can take a toll. Pack blister prevention supplies, extra socks, and comfortable insoles for your shoes. A small first-aid kit with pain relievers, bandages, and any personal medications provides peace of mind.
Earplugs help protect your hearing during louder sets while still enjoying the music. Cash isn't accepted at the festival (it's fully cashless), but keep some in your RV for emergencies or off-site purchases.
Where to eat
Cooking
Your RV kitchen becomes your secret weapon for High Water Festival weekend. Prepare hearty breakfasts before heading to the festival each afternoon, and cook late dinners when you return to your campground. Most Charleston-area campgrounds provide full hookups, picnic tables, and grilling areas.
Stock up on groceries at Charleston's Publix, Harris Teeter, or Whole Foods before settling into your campground. Fresh shrimp, local produce, and Southern staples make for memorable RV meals. Campground amenities at places like Charleston KOA include full kitchens and community grills.
Restaurants
Charleston and North Charleston overflow with dining excellence. Park Circle, the neighborhood adjacent to Riverfront Park, offers walkable restaurant options perfect for pre-festival meals. Explore EVO Pizza, Madra Rua Irish Pub, or Code Name Ginger for casual bites within minutes of the venue.
Downtown Charleston, about 8 miles south, delivers world-class dining from Husk's Southern ingredients to FIG's farm-to-table creations. Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant serves fresh seafood with waterfront views—perfect for your non-festival day exploring the area.
Vendors
The Refuge area showcases Charleston's renowned culinary scene with curated food from regional restaurants and bars. Expect elevated Southern fare, from pimento cheese creations to Carolina BBQ, alongside globally-inspired dishes. Previous festivals featured artisanal pretzel stands like Get Baked Pretzels with crab and cheese stuffed options, fried oyster po'boys, and vegan pizza.
VIP ticket holders have access to dedicated food vendors with quicker service lines, while Platinum guests enjoy all-inclusive dining in the Platinum cafe with complimentary food throughout both days. All festival transactions operate cashless—credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments only.
Safety
Security
High Water Festival maintains comprehensive security protocols to ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for all attendees. Security screenings occur at both festival entrances, with the new pedestrian bridge providing a secondary entry point that improved 2025's traffic flow and congestion issues from previous years.
Festival staff monitors the venue continuously, with clear emergency exits marked throughout Riverfront Park. The festival's bag policy prohibits liquids from being brought inside, and all bags must be either small purses/fanny packs or mid-sized clear bags. Don't bring prohibited items like weapons, professional cameras with detachable lenses, or outside alcohol.
Weather
April weather in Charleston typically delivers sunshine and warmth, but the Lowcountry is known for sudden afternoon thunderstorms. The festival continues through light rain—there's no weather contingency plan for cancellations, so prepare accordingly.
Monitor weather forecasts before each festival day and dress in layers with quick-dry fabrics. The venue's century-old oaks provide natural shade in The Refuge and other areas, but open viewing areas offer little protection from sun or rain. If severe weather threatens, festival staff will provide updates through official channels and social media.
Your RV provides the perfect weather refuge. Between sets or during breaks, you're just a short drive from climate-controlled comfort, hot showers, and the ability to change into dry clothes or warm up.
Medical
First aid stations operate throughout Riverfront Park with trained medical staff on-site for both festival days. If you need medical assistance, ask any festival staff member for directions to the nearest station. For more significant medical needs, MUSC Health and Trident Medical Center both sit within 15 minutes of Riverfront Park.
The cashless festival system means you won't need to carry cash for emergencies, but keep your phone charged for communication. VIP and Platinum areas include dedicated concierge staff who can assist with any health concerns or connect you with medical personnel quickly.
