Kevin S.
Scout
ScoutThe Shores of Asbury
Hospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
Camping near Abbeville, SC
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Campgrounds near Abbeville, South Carolina cluster around several lakes and recreation areas within a 30-minute drive of town. Parsons Mountain Lake Campground provides tent and RV camping with lake access and hiking trails, while Calhoun Falls State Park offers spacious waterfront sites with electric hookups. The Sumter National Forest contains several established camping areas including Fell Hunt Camp, which accommodates tent campers in a circular arrangement ideal for group camping. Most camping areas in the region feature water access, with Lake Russell, Lake Greenwood, and smaller forest lakes providing recreational opportunities.
Road conditions throughout the region vary by location and season, with most state park campgrounds featuring paved access roads while forest service areas may require higher clearance vehicles. Summer brings temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. "Most sites are spaced enough apart for privacy and have tons of wooded area for hammocks. From sites 19-24 you can see both the sunrise and sunset over the lake," noted one camper at Calhoun Falls State Park. Cell coverage can be spotty, particularly at forest service campgrounds and some areas of Calhoun Falls, where visitors report having limited to no service depending on their carrier. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer water and restroom facilities, though primitive sites typically have vault toilets only.
The waterfront camping experience dominates visitor reviews, with Lake Russell at Calhoun Falls receiving consistently high ratings for spacious sites and water access. Several visitors mentioned the ability to keep boats tied up or kayaks at their sites for easy morning paddling. Wildlife observations commonly include armadillos, black snakes, and various bird species. Campers report varying levels of privacy between campgrounds, with Calhoun Falls offering more secluded sites while Parsons Mountain provides a more communal atmosphere. As one visitor described, "This is a really great campsite with restrooms and fire rings. There is a trail that climbs to Parson Mountain recommended only for people who are fit enough because it is strenuous." Seasonal camping limitations exist at some locations, with Parsons Mountain open only from May through mid-November while most state parks remain open year-round.
Best Campgrounds near Abbeville (138)
1. Calhoun Falls State Park Campground
"We travel and camp at many places across South Carolina but this was our first visit to Calhoun Falls State Park. What a gem! Beautiful scenery, large, spacious lakeside campsites."
"This is my favorite South Carolina Park. Most sites are waterfront. It's peaceful in the spring and beautiful in the fall."
2. Elijah Clark State Park Campground
"From the main entrance is a winding wooded road to the main store."
"Set up well for families with children… room to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards; playground; putt putt course; trails to walk; beach areas all around the camp ground for easy access to the water."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability3. Parsons Mountain Lake Campground
"Parsons Mountain Recreation Area sits beside a small lake called Parsons Mountain Lake."
"If you really want to challenge your self, there is a trail that climbs to parson mountain and is recommended to only people who is fit enough because it is strenuous"
4. Lake Greenwood State Park Campground
"It’s a primitive, tucked in the woods spot on the lake. The camp sites are wonderfully spaced out. We stayed in sites you had to park and walk to, but the walk was very short."
"This review is neither negative or positive. Just how it is, so you know before you go. The park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded. All roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits."
5. Hamilton Branch State Park Campground
"The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake."
"We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access."
6. Fell Hunt Camp
from $5 - $150 / night
Check Availability7. Mistletoe State Park Campground
"We camped in one of the tent only walk-in sites located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. We had a ton of stuff, not realizing it was an uphill and pretty long trek, but it was totally worth it."
"My kids played in the lake and we used our kayak and paddleboards. The beach was nice as well. We drove about 20 minutes to South Carolina and the J. Strom Thurmond Dam."
from $12 - $175 / night
Check Availability8. Hickory Knob
"Hickory 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"
"Large resort State Park with lots of activities and access to Strom Thurmond lake. Friendly and very helpful staff."
10. Baker Creek State Park Campground
"Campground Review: Baker Creek is a seasonal campground, and is the place to go if you love the water and love to spend your days floating lazily in the South Carolina Midlands. "
"We were able to drag water floats and things down to the waters edge outside our site."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 14 min from Augusta, GA
- 1 hr 21 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Abbeville, SC
263 Photos of 138 Abbeville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Parsons Mountain Lake Campground
Fell Hunt Camp
Calhoun Falls State Park Campground
Hester's Ferry Campground
Green Acres
Broad River Campground
Hickory Knob State Park Resort — Hickory Knob State Park
Richard B Russell State Park CampgroundB
Elijah Clark State Park Campground
Moon Landing Campground
Hawe Creek - J Strom Thurmond Lake
Recent Reviews near Abbeville, SC
670 Reviews of 138 Abbeville Campgrounds
- PPaul S.
GuideEnoree River Winery
A Wonderful Winery Experience and Overnight Stay!
What a lovely little find! We spent the night at Enoree River Vineyards & Winery and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Arriving in our RV was a bit of a squeeze navigating the trees near the entrance, but we managed to get through without any problems.
Once settled, we headed inside for a wine tasting, and that’s where the experience really shone. Kelly looked after us and was absolutely delightful—friendly, welcoming, and a pleasure to chat with. She made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The wines were excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t resist leaving with three bottles!
A fantastic place to spend the night, unwind, and enjoy some delicious local wine. We’d happily visit again and would definitely recommend it!
Stuart K.
LegendHickory Knob
Lakeside Retreat with a Touch of Southern Charm
Hickory 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!
- OOlivia K.Scout
Bussey Point Wilderness Area
Okay campsite
When we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
- TT&VGuide
Ridge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
Very nice campground
We had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
- DDan B.Scout
South Cove County Park
Best camping site ever!
This camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
sara S.ScoutRock Springs RV Park
Great bath house!
This rv park is limited in some ways. There's a club house that's more like a small child's play room, and the play ground has a basketball hoop but no court. However it does offer a small laundry room. The bath house is great! Always clean and stocked, it has good AC/heat, a big spacious shower, hooks for towels and a little table to put your shower stuff on. My least favorite about the park is that pretty much ALL of the sites are under constant sun until it drops behind the trees in the evening which makes the RV super hard to keep cool during the day
- RRichard A.
RangerRidge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
Campground in need of some renovations and general TLC
Let me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
- CChris M.
TravelerHolliday Park Campground
Hidden Gem
The campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
Guide to Abbeville
Camping spots near Abbeville, South Carolina are primarily clustered around man-made reservoirs created in the mid-20th century. The region sits at approximately 400-600 feet above sea level with red clay soil that can become slippery after rain, affecting shoreline access. The primary camping season runs April through October when high temperatures average 75-90°F, though several campgrounds in the area remain open year-round with reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Russell: Calhoun Falls State Park offers excellent access for kayakers with sandy areas at some lakefront sites. "We camped here for a long weekend. Kayaking, large spacious site right on the water, beautiful lake. A great way to social distance and get some down time," noted Kevin A. at Calhoun Falls State Park Campground.
Hiking opportunities: The 5-mile Rock Dam Trail at Mistletoe State Park features moderate elevation changes and seasonal water crossings. "This trail was supposed to involve several water crossings, but when I was here in September, the water level was extremely low and nothing was flowing beyond a trickle," reported Andy S., who recommended spring visits for the best experience at Mistletoe State Park Campground.
Golf and shooting sports: Hickory Knob offers an 18-hole golf course with reasonable greens fees plus skeet shooting facilities. "We went specifically to golf, and had a great round. You do need to reserve a tee time," advised Tracy H., who also mentioned hearing the grounds crew mowing throughout the day.
What campers like
Lakefront site privacy: At Hamilton Branch State Park, sites are arranged to maximize lake views while maintaining separation between campers. "Secluded sites allow for privacy. Great, helpful staff! Park is surrounded by a like and most sites have direct access to the water," explained Brian C. at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground.
Well-designed tent areas: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful layout of non-RV sites. "The tent sites are probably the best tent sites I've camped at. Spaced out and the pad area is great. They all have good tree coverage and are somewhat secluded," reported Justin S. about his experience at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Group camping configurations: Fell Hunt Camp features a unique circular arrangement ideal for multiple tents. "20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses. The water in the spouts is well water and delicious. Would be a great spot for some group camping!" noted Brittany S. at Fell Hunt Camp.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage is spotty throughout the area with service decreasing further from major roads. "There is NOTHING near by so make sure you take your food for the stay," advised Ashley W. about Parsons Mountain Lake Campground, highlighting the need for adequate provisions.
Insect management: Multiple campers report persistent ant issues at waterfront sites. "Everything was great about our site, except the ants!! We were overrun with ants getting into our camper, eating the dog food, and anywhere they could fit their little bodies!" warned Jess B. at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly by season, affecting shoreline access. "The site is right on the lake with a wide trail leading directly to the water. The water was low during our trip so the immediate shoreline was a bit squishy going through the damp clay. I'd recommend water shoes," suggested Sarah at Hamilton Branch State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water access considerations: Not all lakefront sites have easy water entry points for children. "From our site had a walkway/steps to the lake. There was a sandy area to the lake," noted Ashley W., highlighting the benefit of sites with established lake access at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Playground locations: Lake Greenwood State Park offers playground equipment near camping areas. "Kids love it! Summer stays booked. Books up 13 months in advance holiday weekends. Tons to do and see for all ages Even on rainy days," shared Brittany C. from Lake Greenwood State Park Campground.
Family activities: Some parks offer structured outdoor programs. "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about," reported Bill C. after visiting Elijah Clark State Park with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "The sites are all dirt, very few are level. The are pretty close together. In need of maintenance," warned Susan C. about Baker Creek State Park Campground.
Pull-through availability: Larger rigs should target specific loops at Calhoun Falls. "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through," observed Rachel G. at Mistletoe State Park, though similar configurations exist at multiple area campgrounds.
Weather impacts on access: Roads throughout the region can become difficult after rainfall. "The camp sites have gravel and a fire pit for most of them. Nearby to the camp sites there are restrooms and showers though expect spider webs on either as they are used infrequently except at the height of Summer," reported Roy R. at Parsons Mountain, highlighting the seasonal maintenance schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Parsons Mountain Campground located in Abbeville, SC?
Is Parsons Mountain Campground located in Abbeville, SC?
Yes, Parsons Mountain Lake Campground is located in the Abbeville area. This recreation area features a small lake that's popular for fishing and includes a roped-off swimming area (maximum 6 feet deep). The campground offers a peaceful setting in the Sumter National Forest. For campers looking for alternatives in the broader region, Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake is another option, known for being quieter and less crowded than other nearby camping areas. It's situated on a peninsula along the Little River section of Lake Thurmond.
Are there affordable camping options in Abbeville, SC?
Are there affordable camping options in Abbeville, SC?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly camping options near Abbeville. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground offers economical camping with convenient access just off I-85. While the sites may not be premium waterfront locations, they provide good value for overnight stays. Springfield - Hartwell Lake is another affordable option, providing 79 campsites with full water and electric hookups. Many of these public campgrounds maintain reasonable rates compared to private facilities, especially during off-peak seasons. For the most economical experience, consider camping during weekdays or in early spring or late fall when demand is lower.
Where are the campgrounds near Abbeville, SC?
Where are the campgrounds near Abbeville, SC?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Abbeville, SC. Calhoun Falls State Park Campground is one of the closest options, offering spacious lakeside campsites with beautiful scenery and lake access. Another nearby option is Hickory Knob State Park Resort, which provides lakefront camping with various amenities. Both parks are situated on the South Carolina-Georgia border, providing excellent water recreation opportunities on Lake Thurmond (also called Clarks Hill Lake). These campgrounds offer a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities within a reasonable drive from Abbeville.
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