Glamping near Aiken, South Carolina offers diverse accommodations across eastern Georgia and western South Carolina. Located along the Savannah River Basin, this region sits at 400-500 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures reaching into the 90s. Winter nights drop to the 30s, creating a year-round camping destination with distinct seasonal challenges.
What to do
Water activities: Lake Thurmond access Most glamping sites in the area provide direct access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill Reservoir). At Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, campers enjoy easy water entry. "We swam right from our site and loved it. The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views," notes a recent visitor.
Hiking options: Trail systems Several parks maintain extensive trail networks for nature exploration. Magnolia Springs State Park Campground offers hiking with wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper reports, "There is a beautiful natural spring and the site has a museum. Campground has spacious sites. Bath house is well maintained."
Animal encounters: Farm experiences For a different glamping experience, some locations feature farm animal interactions. As a camper at Crunchy Acres noted, "Come meet their chickens, goats, pigs, turkey, and rabbits! Rent go-carts or sit around the campfire with some s'mores."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Privacy between accommodations Unlike more crowded campgrounds, many glamping options near Aiken provide well-spaced sites. According to a visitor at Mistletoe State Park Campground, "Tucked way back in a big pine forest and nestled right up on the banks of Clarks Hill Reservoir it is well worth the effort to find reservations at this park."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities Campgrounds in this region regularly receive praise for cleanliness. One camper at Elijah Clark State Park Campground remarked, "Elijah Clark state park was nice and quiet. Pretty views and clean bath houses."
Lake views: Premium waterfront locations Many glamping accommodations feature direct water views. "Love the big selection of waterfront sites," noted a Mistletoe State Park visitor, while another at Elijah Clark mentioned, "Nice campground & beautiful lake. We launched our kayak from campsite."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Seasonal variations Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, while winter evenings drop into the 30s. At Hickory Knob State Park Resort, a visitor advised, "I've stayed here in summer and winter months. Site 18 had great water access. Beach is made of clay so be sure to wear shoes unless you don't mind red feet."
Supply planning: Limited nearby services Most glamping locations sit away from major shopping areas. One camper noted, "Not much around outside park. There was a dollar general about 12 miles away for supplies." Another recommended, "Because the nearest town of McCormick is a bit of a hike to get to, be sure to bring everything you need with you."
Site selection: Location matters Campground layouts vary significantly. A visitor advised, "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through." Another noted, "Site #2 is definitely best -- feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Lake precautions Lakefront locations require vigilance. One camper at Raysville Campground advised, "Next time we come, we will make to bring a fishing pole and some tubes to float in the water." Another noted some sites have "a retaining wall at the water so it's about a 3" step to the water. We plan to bring a sep ladder next time."
Entertainment options: Beyond swimming Several locations provide family-focused amenities. A visitor reported, "The park had a great store selling souvenirs, ice, firewood, worms for fishing. They also have kayak rentals." Another mentioned, "For the hikers the trails are great, and very in difficulty to keep things fun."
Site spacing: Group configurations Certain areas accommodate multiple family groups. One camper noted, "sites by the water some even connect to each others by stairs which is nice if more than one family is camping together!" Another mentioned, "There is a covered picnic area beside the bathhouse and playground with 3 picnic tables and it's own fire pit... if you were camping with a few other families it would be amazing!"
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: Size and hookups RV glamping options vary across locations. At Plum Branch RV Park, a visitor noted, "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."
Connectivity: Variable service Internet and cell service differs throughout the region. One RVer reported, "I have Cricket (7.98dn, 0.84up), ATT (27.69, 0.3 up), Visible (7.2dn, 1.2up), Verizon (44.9dn, 1.88 up), T-mobile mifi (no 4g nor 5G service)."
Campsite access: Navigation challenges Some sites present maneuvering difficulties. A visitor at Hickory Knob mentioned, "Some sites are challenging to back into but worth the effort," while another noted, "A little small for our camper but once we got it into the spot, it was great."
