Fishing, swimming, and paddling on Lake Keowee draw most visitors to South Cove County Park, a county-managed campground on a peninsula in Seneca, South Carolina. The layout puts water within reach of nearly every site. As Cheryl W. puts it, "Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view." A boat launch ramp serves campers who arrive with their own watercraft, and paddle board and kayak rentals are available on site for those who don't. A sandy beach area near the day-use section provides a dedicated swim spot when direct lake access from a site isn't available.
Shade is limited. Most waterfront RV sites sit in open terrain without significant tree cover, which matters in summer when temperatures climb. A handful of tent sites do have tree coverage, but they're fewer in number. Campers who run warm should factor this in when booking, especially for July and August stays. The park draws families with kids, in part because several play areas are within walking distance of the sites, and geese are a known presence along the waterfront.
Full hookups, including 50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections, make South Cove a practical base for RVs up to 40 feet. The campground also has showers, a dump station, and WiFi. Sites are tiered, and reviewers consistently note the grounds and bathhouses are well-maintained. One detail worth knowing: there are no trash cans at individual sites or in the bathhouses. The trash drop-off is located in a separate section of the park, which can be inconvenient for campers with dogs.
The entry gate closes at 10 p.m. with no exceptions, so late arrivals will find themselves locked out. Peaches E. learned this firsthand after a highway closure turned a three-hour drive into six, ending the night at a nearby Walmart. Reservations are available, and the park operates year-round. Campers looking at campgrounds around Seneca will find South Cove among the most water-accessible options in the area, with the Lake Keowee Campsite for RVs 🏞 and Crooked Creek RV Park both a short distance north if sites are full.
Rates run $20 to $50 per night, and the campground's position directly on the lake makes it worth booking ahead, particularly for weekend stays in warmer months.
Description
South Cove park is located on the clear waters of 18,500 acre Lake Keowee. Camping is located on a 15 acre peninsula offering 86 campsites with water and electricity on each site with 41 sites waterfront. Two bath houses serve the campground area and a dump station is located near the entrance of the park.
South Cove Park offers a wide variety of day use facilities as well as lakeside camping. Fishing, boating, sailing and water skiing are readily available via three access ramps. Day use facilities include four tennis courts, basketball, playground areas, picnic areas, a handicapped accessible fishing pier and a waterfront sand beach for sunbathing. South Cove has two shelters that are available by reservation only.
Arriving campers must have camping equipment and be prepared to set up. Only registered campers will be allowed in the park after park hours. The park gate is locked nightly at 10pm and opens at 7am.
- One Rv per site or two tents or one RV and one tent per site
- Six (6) persons per site max
- Golf carts are allowed (see Golf Cart Rules)
Pets welcome (leash rules apply)
- Alcohol is not allowed, including the campground area
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Please note: The Recreation Building at South Cove County Park is not available on holidays. On all other days, reservations must be made through the Park office.
ALL WEDDINGS MUST BE BOOKED IN PERSON AT THE PARKS, NO EXCEPTIONS.
County Ordinance 2002-15 prohibits consumption and/or possession of alcoholic beverages in all Oconee County Parks.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSouth Cove County Park is located in South Carolina near Seneca
Directions
From Seneca: Hwy 123 to Hwy 28 toward Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into the park. From Interstate 85 South: Take exit 1 (Hwy 11) approximately 13 miles to Hwy 123 towards Seneca. Take Hwy 28 towards Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into park. From Interstate 85 North: Take exit 19B (Hwy 76) towards Clemson University/Seneca. Turn left onto Hwy 123 towards Seneca. Take Hwy 28 towards Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into park.
Address
1099 South Cove Road
Seneca, SC 29672
Coordinates
34.711597 N
82.966673 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/5/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/5/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
