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Sumter National Forest and the Hartwell Lake region offer several tent-only campgrounds, particularly around the Chauga River area where more primitive tent camping experiences can be found. Grapevine Campground provides tent-specific sites along the river, while Riley Moore Falls Campsite offers dispersed camping accessible via a one-mile trail that requires high-clearance 4x4 vehicles to reach the trailhead. These tent campsites are primarily primitive and suited for campers seeking a more natural experience away from developed facilities.
Tent campsites throughout the area typically feature basic amenities including fire rings, with some sites including picnic tables. Most primitive tent sites near Hartwell Lake lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. Access to many backcountry camping spots involves driving on rough forest roads with rocks and potholes, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for reaching certain trailheads. A visitor commented, "Sites are spread out, nice river nearby. Entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains." Vault toilets are available at select locations like Grapevine, though many primitive tent areas have no restroom facilities whatsoever.
The tent camping near Hartwell Lake offers genuine solitude and natural settings. Many campsites are positioned along the Chauga River, providing direct water access and the peaceful sounds of flowing water throughout the night. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "It is a great place for solitude, and the Chatooga River is close by." Tent campers frequently find spots that are well-shaded and separated from neighboring sites, creating privacy even during busier periods. Summer brings higher usage at waterside tent campgrounds, particularly at spots like Riley Moore Falls which features a large beach area below the waterfall. Winter and early spring offer significantly quieter camping experiences with fewer visitors at most primitive tent camping areas near Hartwell Lake.
"Very quiet, little to none road noise. Overnight allowed. Clean restrooms and refilling water bottle station. Little shade."
"Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything. Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe."
from $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $33 / night
Check Availability"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
"Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out. Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail."
"Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends."
"It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."
"Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"
"This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee."
"My only complaint was that the grounds could have been cleaner but I’m sure part of the blame is on the poor weathers we have been having for the past few weeks."
"Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."
"Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
TravelerWe camped next to the fishing pier, the site was a bit uneven and I had to do some creative engineering to get my 26' rig level. It has been very quiet during the week. By the way, we have great T-Mobile service.
ScoutThis camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
RangerThe campground is VERY remote with challenging access. We have a 4x4 pickup and still not sure how comfortable we would be attempting to take our 21' travel trailer to it.
I'll estimate that the access road is a very rough 4-5 miles and while it starts out as paved the road becomes packed dirt (red clay) and quickly narrows and winds through the hills at a sometimes steep incline. The opportunities to pull over should someone approach from the other direction are few and would mean a lengthy backup for someone. Not sure I would recommend the road in a passenger vehicle.
The campsites we visited were nice and well trimmed, many were creekfront and there were bear-proof trash receptacles and vault toilets. Each site also had a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.
During our visit it was peaceful and mostly empty.
RangerWe stayed on site #25 in early August but due to the elevation the weather was mild.
There were plenty of activities to keep us busy at the park and the staff was friendly and helpful.
One thing that surprised us and worth mentioning is that even though the park is massive, the campground appears to have been an afterthought as it, and the sites are generally very small. It would be nice to see them expand it and make the changes to increase the size of sites.
Also, as we have seen at other parks kids on e-bikes is becoming a real problem and safety concern. Young children, many not wearing helmets, continually racing around the campground with no regard for speed limits or traffic signs. It is a recipe for an injury or an unfortunate fatality.
Hopefully parks will begin addressing this issue.
GuideWe have been here a few times and love it. The hosts are kind and check on everyone throughout the day. There is a lot of room between the camp sites. There is a lot to do in the area. The bathrooms are clean and grounds well maintained.
RangerEnjoyed a week long stay in late July, being at a higher elevation the weather was great. Sunny and comfortable during the day and cool crisp evenings in the 60's.
The access road is a bit steep but wasn't too bad for our RAM 4x4 pulling a 21 ft. trailer.
There are some larger sites but many of them are on the short side so be sure to confirm it will be deep enough for your needs before reserving.
I have to give a big kudos for the volunteer camp hosts on site, one night at dark there was a storm/tornada watch issues and the hosts and park ranger went to every site and advised everyone to seek shelter in the bathhouses.
The storm passed in about an hour and everyone was safe, but it is GREAT to know that the staff responded in a professional manner to assure everyone's safety.
Loved our stay, everyone was friendly and pleasant, hope we can get back again soon.
Tent campsites near Hartwell Lake offer primitive camping experiences within the Sumter National Forest, where elevations range from 700 to 1,000 feet. Camping options include both roadside pull-offs and more secluded spots that require short hikes. Night temperatures typically drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even during summer months when riverside campsites provide natural cooling.
Trout fishing access: Fish the Chauga River where camping at Grapevine Campground puts you riverside. "I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day," reports a camper who frequents the area.
Waterfall exploration: Visit King Creek Falls via a half-mile trail from Burrells Ford. "The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy," notes a visitor who stayed at the campground.
River swimming: Cool off at the large beach area below Riley Moore Falls where tent campers can enjoy swimming after the 1-mile hike in. "Large beach below the falls so likely busy in the summer," reports a camper who visited in April when "lightning bugs were out."
Campsite privacy: At Jones Gap State Park Campground, campers appreciate the distance between sites. "Each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself," writes one camper who has stayed at multiple spots in the park.
Night sounds: The rushing water creates natural white noise at streamside tent sites. "The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep," notes a camper who stayed at site #10 in Jones Gap, where the main trail runs alongside the river.
Wildlife viewing: Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area offers camping in untouched wilderness. "It's a very quiet area right along the foothills trail and I highly recommend camping here," writes a visitor who notes the area allows hunting in designated seasons.
Access challenges: Many tent campsites require specific vehicles or hiking. At Riley Moore Falls Campsite, "a 4x4 will get you to trailhead, spots for maybe 3 vehicles. Would not attempt without 4x4. Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out."
Limited facilities: Primitive sites typically have minimal amenities. At Burrells Ford, "the pit toilet in the parking area tends to be better maintained than the one in the campground," and campers are advised to "bring your own toilet paper!"
Road conditions: Forest service roads can deteriorate quickly. "Entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains," notes a visitor to Grapevine Campground, where the final 2.3 miles are "curvy, bumpy, hilly forest road."
Short hike options: Choose sites with manageable approaches for children. "Site (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc) with a little work and a few trips," reports a parent who camped with a toddler at Jones Gap.
Water play areas: Find campsites with safe river access for children. "Spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop," notes the same family who found the location perfect for both toddler and dog.
Gear transport solutions: Consider alternative ways to move gear for sites without direct vehicle access. At Burrells Ford, one visitor "saw a Father and son taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea. So you can either backpack it in or take a wagon to take your stuff in."
Alternative farm camping: When traditional campgrounds are full, consider Denver Downs Farm where RVs can set up in open fields. "This is a farm and outdoor event center with a 140 acre field you can camp in. Very well maintained. We came here on Thanksgiving weekend because all other campgrounds were full."
Safety considerations: Forest roads to tent campsites rarely accommodate larger vehicles. "You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended," warns a camper about Grapevine's 2.3-mile forest road access.
Distance from amenities: Plan for self-sufficiency as most primitive tent campgrounds lack hookups. "There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything," notes a visitor to Denver Downs Farm, where the large open field camping feels "very safe" despite being basic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hartwell Lake is Weldon Island with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hartwell Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Hartwell Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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