Camping options near Aiken, South Carolina range from forested state park sites to lakeside locations with river access. The area features pine-dominated landscapes with elevations ranging from 300-400 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months typically reach 90°F with high humidity, creating distinct seasonal camping considerations.
What to Do
Kayaking on the Edisto River: Access excellent paddling routes from Aiken State Park Campground, where campers report "So worth the trip! Beautiful hour long paddle from Aiken St Park" and "a great place to go kayaking." Rentals available seasonally.
Mountain biking at Bartram Trail: The trail passes through Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake campground, providing excellent riding opportunities. "Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property," notes one visitor who returned specifically "with a few friends for some mountain biking."
Swimming in spring-fed waters: The main campground area at Aiken State Park includes "a spring fed pond with a swimming area" alongside fishing opportunities and playgrounds. Families appreciate these accessible water features during hot months.
What Campers Like
Secluded primitive sites: Mistletoe State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites with varying water access. "Site #2 is definitely the best — feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock," while "Site #4 is probably second best, better for hammocks probably as no great level ground."
Lake views and stargazing: Petersburg Campground sites provide exceptional lakeside settings. One camper noted, "Our site like most was right on the lake, and because we were out on more of a peninsula had great sunsets" while another appreciated the "dark starry night skies" visible from the shoreline.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing ponds and lake access. "We saw many people with kayaks and canoes" at Aiken State Park, where the primitive sites are "near a large fishing pond and creek."
What You Should Know
Storm and seasonal damage: Recent hurricane impacts affect trail access at Aiken State Park. "Hurricane damage is every where. Only one hiking trail is open. Keep an eye out for broken limbs on windy days," cautions a recent visitor in March 2025.
Limited cellular coverage: Most campgrounds in the Aiken region have minimal phone service. At Petersburg Campground, expect disconnection as there is "no phone or internet use" which contributes to the quiet atmosphere.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Primitive sites typically have outhouses while main campgrounds offer full facilities. At Mistletoe State Park, "It is a 5 minute (or so) walk to the real bathroom (which also has showers) back in the main campground" from the walk-in sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Fishing programs for kids: Mistletoe State Park provides complimentary fishing equipment for children. "Free fishing pole for kids" mentions a camper who stayed in cabin 5 and enjoyed easy water access with their family.
Consider campsite location carefully: At Aiken State Park, "the primitive sites do all have a small fire pit, and there are two outhouses." Families appreciate that "in the main park there is a few fishing ponds with the ability to rent Kayaks, a spring fed pond with a swimming area, hiking trails, playground."
Wildlife encounters as education: Petersburg Campground offers opportunities to observe nature, where families "could hear everyone's conversations" across coves but also enjoyed watching local wildlife. Parents should note the poison ivy present in some areas.
Tips from RVers
Limited site sizes at some parks: At Aiken RV Park, traffic noise impacts roadside sites. "Since we booked so late our site was near the road. I would choose the sites farther from the road next time as traffic is pretty high on this road."
Full hookups available but limited: Many campgrounds offer water and electric but not sewer connections. At Petersburg Campground, "Hook ups are well maintained as are the roads and trailer parking areas" with "power and water hookups, dump station."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Aiken: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with standard restrictions. Barnyard RV Park is particularly pet-friendly with "level pull through sites" and easy access to walking areas. While there are "no frills like a pool," the location provides convenient access to nearby attractions with your pets.
