Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, SC

Camping near Lancaster, SC, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend.”
• Fishing and Boating: At Dreher Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, “We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced.”
• Picnicking and Relaxing: Kings Mountain State Park has great picnic areas. One camper noted, “Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The bathhouses were clean although it looked like there was some mold... but the shower was hot and welcomed.”
• Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the park rangers. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, “Small but well maintained, friendly staff.”
• Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One camper stated, “Spacious site! We were able to fit 2 tents.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, “No electricity, but there’s LTE connection. Also only one pit toilet for each gender and no running water at the site.”
• Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Ebenezer Park Campground mentioned, “I thought it was very noisy and crowded.”
• Site Levels Vary: Some sites may not be level, which can be tricky for RVs. A reviewer at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly.”

Tips for camping with families

• Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds, like Iron City Campground, have playgrounds for kids. One parent shared, “Fun for kids: Pool with splash mushroom; playground.”
• Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with lakes for swimming and fishing. A visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground said, “We swam for an hour or two... it was nice knowing that there are no alligators there.”
• Plan for Group Activities: Choose campgrounds that allow for group camping. A camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, “I have been going to this campground since I was a kid. I always enjoy it.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground noted, “The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website.”
• Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven, so having leveling blocks handy is a good idea. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, “We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level.”
• Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve said, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”

Camping near Lancaster, SC, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor adventure!