10 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tugaloo State Park Campground and Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA house premium glamping accommodations with easy lake access and modern amenities. Both locations feature upscale yurts and safari-style canvas tents with actual beds, electricity, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. The Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA includes cabin-style glamping units with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and furnished outdoor spaces overlooking Lake Hartwell. Table Rock State Park adds geodesic domes and premium canvas structures to the region's glamping portfolio, all equipped with quality linens, comfortable furnishings, and private decks. "It's a quiet place, easy to find and close enough to the little town. My brother lives on the other side of Lake Hartwell and he took me out on his pontoon! What a beautiful lake with many private islands to pull up onto."
Lake Hartwell provides the scenic backdrop for water-based activities directly accessible from most glamping sites. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at Springfield campground, where "sites have little beaches for access to the water" according to a visitor. The glamping resorts maintain private swimming areas, fishing docks, and boat launches exclusive to overnight guests. Springfield's designated swim beach remains meticulously maintained even during peak season. Hiking trails connect directly to several glamping pods and domes, with the most scenic routes found at Keowee-Toxaway State Park and Table Rock State Park glamping areas. Most properties maintain on-site markets for essential supplies, while firewood is provided at seven of the ten glamping resorts. Winter bookings often include special stargazing programs and heated outdoor gathering spaces not available to conventional campers.
"The area presently offers 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 79 public campsites with full water and electric hookups, 6 comfort stations (4 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1"
"We stayed on site 7 for 4 nights and then site 68 for 2 nights. Water access wasn't the best on 7, but we enjoyed it. The park and hosts were nice."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $76 / night
"Several trails. God sunsets if you were in the right site. Large Clem bathrooms that were cleaned frequently. Mold on the shower curtains and not enough trash cans."
"The Family and I are new to camping, we came here because of a group event at pavilion 1&2 the office attendants were nice and helpful, our site (14) was amazing with great view of lake Hartwell and"
Available next weekend
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
"Once we actually arrived to our site, it was beautiful and easy to pull through. Only a little off level, which we fixed easily. Great cement benches and huge fire fits on site."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $265 / night
"The bathrooms were clean. Water pressure was decent. Great place for a quick overnight. Little bit noisy for a long stay."
"Great KOA to stay at near Clemson University. It's not on Lake Hartwell, but it is near it. Be sure to check out the camping cabins."
"Great for families, as there are drive up camp sites with fire pits and plenty of space, and spread out so it still feels like you have privacy. Lots of great hikes."
"The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants."
Available next weekend
"Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime."
"We arrived late in the day and the camp hosts were friendly and quick to assist with checking in. There are several large play areas in walking distance."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $50 / night
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
"The site we had was right next to the bank of the lake....we could have fished from inside our tent. It was nice and quiet."
"That didn’t take away from this campgrounds beauty. It appears that this was a former state park but has now been bought by KOA. As far as Holiday KOAs are concerned, this one is up there."
"We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."
"Situated on a lake. Campgrounds were close together with not enough trees for sound barriers but plenty of trees for hammocks."
Available next weekend
"Our site was surrounded by trees, plenty of options for hammocking/pitching a tent. It does include a fire pit with a grill grate option."
"The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities."
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
TravelerStayed 1 week in site 12. Great small campground, clean and quiet. Jojo was a great host and 5pm happy hour gathering was fun. Will DEFINITELY return. Its a great spot for launching adventures.
LegendHickory 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!
TravelerWe camped next to the fishing pier, the site was a bit uneven and I had to do some creative engineering to get my 26' rig level. It has been very quiet during the week. By the way, we have great T-Mobile service.
ScoutThis was a really lovely campground. We were greeted by Jojo and escorted to our spot by Daegan who helped us get our camper situated. The campground was clean and tidy, and had firewood and ice available for purchase. The happy hour at 5 is a great way to meet your fellow campers. Nearby there are restaurants and a few shops. The location is very close to several waterfall hikes.
ScoutThis camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
RangerWe stayed on site #25 in early August but due to the elevation the weather was mild.
There were plenty of activities to keep us busy at the park and the staff was friendly and helpful.
One thing that surprised us and worth mentioning is that even though the park is massive, the campground appears to have been an afterthought as it, and the sites are generally very small. It would be nice to see them expand it and make the changes to increase the size of sites.
Also, as we have seen at other parks kids on e-bikes is becoming a real problem and safety concern. Young children, many not wearing helmets, continually racing around the campground with no regard for speed limits or traffic signs. It is a recipe for an injury or an unfortunate fatality.
Hopefully parks will begin addressing this issue.
TravelerOriginally intended to do some car camping after a day of hiking but I ended up reserving a camp site and grabbing a tent from a near by Walmart and I enjoyed every minute of it. This may not matter to most but it may matter to some...I am a black male and although I didn't see many people that looked like me, everyone was extremely friendly. Definitely got a lot more attention than I would have liked but at least I knew pple were looking out for me lol. Beautiful scenery, fun trails, fishing, a full outdoor experience.
Springfield - Hartwell Lake offers waterfront sites with varying beach access. Many campsites sit right at the lake's edge, with some having small coves perfect for kayaking. The campground maintains separate loops with different terrain features, from more wooded areas to open lakefront spots. Water and electrical hookups are available at most sites, though there's no sewer connection at individual campsites.
Paddling on Lake Hartwell: Springfield campground provides convenient water access for canoes and paddleboards. "We stayed at one of the small loops, waterfront right at a small cove. Very nice side, some shade but decent water access. No problem to Launch the canoe and the sup," notes one visitor to Springfield - Hartwell Lake.
Hiking the natural trails: The region features several hiking options across various difficulty levels. "The nature trail is great," explains a camper at Sadlers Creek State Park Campground. For more challenging terrain, Table Rock State Park provides "two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views."
Fishing from your campsite: Many lakefront sites allow fishing directly from your temporary home base. At South Cove County Park, one camper describes it as a "great campground with great hosts and great fishing. Beautiful lake with crystal clear water. Easy access."
Waterfront accessibility: Most sites provide direct water access, though quality varies. "I believe every site is lake front. The view of the lake is amazing and perfect. Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those," reports a camper at Springfield.
Privacy between sites: Tugaloo State Park Campground gets praise for spacious sites: "Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature. Water, power and cable at the sites with grey water dumps very numerous." The mature trees provide natural barriers between campsites.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent positive reviews. "Clean bath houses. Large and level campsites. Quiet. Beautiful lake views," mentions a Springfield visitor. Another notes the "bathrooms and bathhouse generously spread out and is mostly quiet."
Seasonal considerations: Lake Hartwell experiences significant seasonal variations. Some campgrounds have limited operating seasons, like Springfield which runs from "Apr 1 - Oct 31." During summer months, boat traffic increases substantially.
Water level fluctuations: Lake access can change based on water levels. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, a camper warns: "make sure to check the water level; I've had to help push boats back into the water a few times and there has also been instances when our canoe floated off when the water rose."
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various wildlife in the area. "We saw deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders," reports a visitor to Table Rock State Park. Some parks post bear warnings, though actual sightings are rare.
Camp store availability: Most larger campgrounds maintain small stores for essentials. "They also have cabins with docks and yurts as well," mentions a Tugaloo State Park visitor, highlighting the range of accommodation options beyond traditional camping.
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. South Cove County Park has "several large play areas in walking distance" according to a recent visitor. The same park also receives praise as "great for family camping" with good swimming options.
Swimming areas: South Cove County Park offers designated swimming spots that are family-friendly. "The lake is great for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals," notes a visitor, making it convenient for families without their own equipment.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals. One camper at Sadlers Creek mentions, "Always see lots of deer and rabbits," making morning and evening walks potentially exciting for younger campers.
Site selection for tent campers: When tent camping with children, consider site terrain. At Sadlers Creek, a visitor cautions: "our campsite didn't have a tent pad (not disclosed on the website) and it was all gravel, so we were pretty uncomfortable with only sleeping bags to lay on."
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have tight roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. At Tugaloo State Park, "Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but sewer connections are less common. At Springfield, "There is no sewer at sites but water and electric up to 50amp," and visitors should prepare to use dump stations instead of having sewer at individual sites.
Site levelness: Reports on site levelness vary widely between campgrounds. At Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA, a camper mentioned, "Our site was very level, no leveling needed," which is particularly important for larger RVs.
Off-season availability: For RVers seeking quieter experiences, several campgrounds remain open year-round. South Cove County Park operates "All year" and offers "Beautiful tiered campsites" with recent upgrades to existing sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there yurts available for glamping in Anderson, South Carolina?
While traditional yurts aren't widely documented in Anderson specifically, the surrounding area offers alternative glamping structures. Table Rock State Park Campground provides a variety of accommodation options suitable for different camping styles, though you should call ahead to check for yurt availability. For those willing to venture slightly further, Pine Ridge Campground offers cozy, air-conditioned cabins that provide the comfort glampers seek. These cabins feature amenities like air conditioning and are situated near recreational facilities including a pond, playground, and jump pad for kids.
What glamping options are available in Anderson, SC?
The Anderson area offers several upscale glamping options. Oconee State Park Campground features well-maintained cabins with air conditioning, two bedrooms, full kitchens, bathrooms, and fireplaces—perfect for those wanting comfort while enjoying nature. For a luxury group experience, Cherryfield Creek Luxury Group Camping provides pristine shelters and covered platforms that elevate the car camping experience. Both locations offer beautiful natural surroundings while providing amenities that go well beyond traditional camping, making them ideal for glampers seeking comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
What RV and trailer parking options exist near glamping sites in Anderson?
Several campgrounds near Anderson offer excellent RV and trailer parking alongside glamping options. Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA features creekside back-in sites with full hookups including cable, concrete patios, and strong WiFi. This small campground (less than 50 sites) provides a range of amenities including clean bathhouses and recreational facilities. Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA is another excellent option with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, toilets, and is specifically designed to be big-rig-friendly, making it perfect for those with larger RVs or trailers who want to be near glamping opportunities.
Keep Exploring
