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Established Camping

Alston Trailhead

5 Reviews
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Alston Trailhead, near Newberry, South Carolina, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. This free location offers a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for tent and RV camping, with a spacious parking lot and several camp areas featuring fire pits.

Visitors have mentioned the beautiful scenery and easy access to the Palmetto Trail, making it a great place for morning walks. While there are no bathrooms or drinking water available, many campers appreciate the quiet environment, with one reviewer noting, “It was like being a kid where you could hear the train off in the distance.”

The area is known for its natural beauty, with plenty of trees and open spaces to soak in the sights. Just keep in mind that the nearby train tracks can be a bit noisy at night, but that hasn’t stopped folks from enjoying their stay. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer visit, Alston Trailhead is a convenient and scenic choice for your next camping adventure.

Description

County

The Alston trailhead park provides parking, picnicking, camping, and canoe access on the Broad River. 3 night maximum for camping.

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Location

Alston Trailhead is located in South Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

Alston Trailhead: From Columbia: I-26, exit 97, take US 176 west 11 miles; turn east on SC 213; drive 3.1 miles, turn right onto Alston Road (1st road after the bridge); road changes to unpaved, take right fork, cross RR track and go under the trestle; parking is on the left at the top. From Spartanburg: I-26, exit 82, take 773 to Pomaria, east on US 176 to SC 213; turn east on 213; follow directions above.

Coordinates

34.24355474 N
81.31786099 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 24, 2024

Nice free spot

We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Rachel S., April 24, 2024
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  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Rachel S., April 24, 2024
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IThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2023

Amazing site, minus the train

This site is awesome. The scenery is beautiful and it is super easy to access. You can hear coyotes howling at night.

The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite.

Everything else was perfect for us though!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Isabel B., October 8, 2023
Will C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2023

Stay at TrailHead

Beautiful place! Unfortunately no space for us to drive our bus to a camp spot but plenty of room in parking lot. Just a nice little spot to stop before hitting the road again.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Will C., September 29, 2023
Addison C.
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Amazing camp site

There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot

Sitemain
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Addison C., July 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Addison C., July 13, 2023
  • Review photo of Alston Trailhead by Addison C., July 13, 2023
Ron K.
Reviewed Jan. 15, 2022

Alston Campground

This place is nice and quiet. Except for being snuggled up to a train track. Twice in the night the train came through. But we laughed, it was like being a kid where you could hear the train off in the distance and would ride your bike to go watch it pass. Nice experience, beautiful trailhead, lots and lots of bikepackers. It’s so cool to have somewhere like this in our own backyard. Definitely Recommend!

SiteSite #5
Month of VisitDecember

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Alston Trailhead?

    Alston Trailhead is located at 243 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Alston Trailhead?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Alston Trailhead, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Alston Trailhead have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Alston Trailhead does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Alston Trailhead?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.