RV camping near Abbeville, South Carolina offers multiple options within a 40-mile radius along Lake Hartwell and Lake Thurmond. The region features moderate elevation changes between 300-800 feet above sea level with clay-based soil that can become muddy after rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping rarely sees temperatures below freezing.
What to do
Water recreation access: The Point at Lake Hartwell provides lakefront property with a private boat dock and proximity to a public boat ramp. "We had our boat, they offer a decent area for boat parking & the boat ramp/dock to access beautiful Lake Hartwell was ok!" notes one visitor at The Point at Lake Hartwell.
Fishing opportunities: Lake access from multiple campgrounds supports year-round fishing. At Thousand Trails Carolina Landing, visitors appreciate the "Great Fishing, Quiet, Serene, beautiful" setting according to one camper, with bass and crappie being common catches during spring and fall months.
Equipment rentals: Big Water Marina offers paddleboard and kayak rentals directly from their facility. "We love this spot. Most of the camp spots are not shaded, but right on the water. Boat rentals are available as well as paddle boards and kayaks," shares a camper about their experience.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Campsites with direct water views rank highly among visitors. "My family and I enjoyed camping on the beach here by the lake. The campground had a lot to offer. There was a restaurant/bar, playground, Marina, stage with live bands," reported a guest at Big Water Marina & RV Park.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain quiet hours and space between sites. "This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again," noted one visitor about Lake Thurmond RV Park.
Seasonal activities: Holiday weekends feature special programming at some locations. One visitor at The Point at Lake Hartwell mentioned, "They offer a pool but no other activities (they did have some 4th activities but it was all seasonal). It backs to the lake so if you have a boat it's nice."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Internet connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Hoppin Horse Farm RV site, visitors can expect reliable connectivity, while at Carolina Landing, "AT&T was minimal, T-Mobile was minimal" according to a reviewer who stayed there.
Reservation requirements: Summer and fall weekends often book completely 2-3 months in advance, particularly for lakefront sites. Winter camping typically remains available with shorter notice periods.
Seasonal closures: Some amenities close during cooler months. One Carolina Landing visitor noted, "The pool closed at 4:30. Our hope was to spend some late afternoon time at the pool, but that didn't work out."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At The Point at Lake Hartwell, one family mentioned the campground "had a lot to offer. There was a restaurant/bar, playground, Marina, stage with live bands. My kids had so much fun and can't wait to go camping here again."
Swimming options: Many lakefront properties offer designated swimming areas. "We did look online beforehand for hikes, but it was nice to get someone else's opinion. The hiking was awesome!" shared a visitor about activities near Springwood RV Park.
Timing considerations: Spring camping offers cooler temperatures and flowering landscapes. A reviewer staying at Carolina Landing in spring noted, "We enjoyed being on the top of the mountain by ourselves, sipping coffee and hot chocolate. The leaves and trees were beautiful, changing back to green and getting ready for the summertime."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require leveling blocks or systems. "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways," reported one RVer at Lake Thurmond RV Park.
Site sizing considerations: Larger RVs face limitations at some parks. At Fireside RV Park, a visitor noted, "Spots are fairly close but the people all seemed friendly. There seemed to be quite a few long term campers but the place was clean. The grass is very nice instead of dirt or gravel pad next to you."
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary in quality throughout the region. One RVer at Carolina Landing warned, "The park also has lots of hills which can be a challenge for some RVs. There are also some very tight turns on these hills. Some campsites are level, some are very unlevel."
