Best Campgrounds near Clemson, SC

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers love the hiking opportunities, especially at places like Davidson River Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful, and there are plenty of smallmouth bass to be claimed as well!"
• Swimming: Cool off in the water. Campers at Lake Powhatan enjoyed the lake beach, with one saying, "It’s the perfect size for kids."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were kept clean and were in better conditions than other state parks we’ve visited."
• Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "The campground is VERY quiet and many of the spaces were rather private."
• Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground remarked, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick-up twice a day is great!"

What you should know

• Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
• Tight campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground said, "These campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared."
• Bear country: Keep food secure to avoid bear encounters. One camper at Mount Pisgah Campground shared, "I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. At Devils Fork State Park Campground, a family enjoyed the "crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us."
• Plan for meals: Bring your own firewood and food. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground noted, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."
• Engage in nature: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground said, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
• Use leveling blocks: Many sites can be uneven. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "Some sites are very uneven, resulting in some rather interesting on-the-fly engineering by other campers."
• Plan for amenities: Not all sites have electric hookups. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The campground is more small RV friendly due to narrow roads."

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.