The Blythewood area offers visitors diverse camping experiences across gently rolling Piedmont terrain. Located in central South Carolina, the region maintains a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making it accessible for camping year-round. Campsites generally sit between 300-500 feet elevation, with many properties featuring mature pine and hardwood forests.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Chester State Park's 160-acre lake provides excellent fishing for bass and crappie. According to one visitor, "There are tournaments throughout the year, as well as boating, kayaking, & fishing." The park also features a paved walkway to a dock and sitting area.
Disc golf course: Chester State Park Campground offers a championship disc golf course that winds through wooded areas. A recent camper noted, "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course."
Hiking trails: Cane Creek Park maintains several trails perfect for day hikes through forested areas. One regular visitor explains, "I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods and they LOVE IT! A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off."
Paddling: Rentals for kayaks and canoes are available at multiple parks in the region. "I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours," shares one Cane Creek Park visitor who appreciates the water access.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: The smaller campgrounds around Blythewood offer peaceful retreats. One camper at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground described it as a "Very cute park! Little park, but very quiet and relaxing!"
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained amenities. A visitor to Cane Creek Park reported, "We have stayed at Cane Creek 2x now and enjoy the park so much. Lake, hiking trails and nice wooded campsites with fire rings and close proximity to bath houses."
Reasonable rates: The area offers good value for campers. One visitor to Andrew Jackson noted, "Campsite rates are very reasonable and all sites have electric and water and 3 sites also have sewer! Bathrooms and showers are clean and staff are friendly and helpful!"
Historical sites: Several parks include museums and historical structures. An Andrew Jackson State Park visitor mentioned, "Took a walk on the nature trail and it was a nice, short hike and then we looked at the museum and schoolhouse."
What you should know
Site conditions vary: Some campsites feature challenging terrain. At Andrew Jackson State Park, one camper reported, "We stayed on site 16 right on the lake. Beautiful views. Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok."
Limited yurt camping: Yurt camping near Blythewood, South Carolina is available at Falcons Nest FamCamp, though military access is required. A visitor confirmed, "Must have access to Shaw AFB to stay. $20 per night. No long term prices. No stay limit."
Weather considerations: Sudden storms can impact camping plans. One Cane Creek visitor noted, "Only problem is that both times we visited there was a storm and power went out for hours. Can't really do anything about that!"
Reservation recommendations: Most parks require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Parks with glamping and yurt options near Blythewood, South Carolina typically fill quickly on weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Cane Creek Park offers complimentary recreation options. A visitor noted, "The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there."
Kid-friendly parks: Lee State Park Campground offers unique experiences for children. One camper shared, "The ranger is very friendly, and made the kids' visit even better!" Another mentioned, "Awesome park with many trails and a pond for the kids to swim!"
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to observe animals. Lee State Park provides unique equestrian experiences where "Hosts were super nice, even when we got in late. Was wonderful to wake up and see the horses."
Structured activities: Holiday weekends often include special programs. A Cane Creek visitor mentioned, "Holidays usually have some activities for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection caution: Larger RVs may find navigation challenging at some parks. One camper at Andrew Jackson State Park noted, "It is a great campground but tight fit for our 30 foot camper."
Hookup availability: Most established campgrounds offer water and electric, with some providing sewer. At Andrew Jackson, a camper reported, "All sites have electric and water and 3 sites also have sewer!"
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some sites. A visitor to 6 Points @ Raven Micro Farm advised, "The property is slightly hilly."
Proximity to urban areas: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to larger cities. One Andrew Jackson visitor noted, "The park is located approximately 20 miles from Rock Hill and 30 miles from Charlotte so there is plenty to see and do on the days you want to do some sightseeing!"
