Tent campgrounds in the Greenwood, South Carolina area provide access to waterfront settings and forest terrain. Leroys Ferry Campground offers secluded lakefront tent sites at affordable rates, with many campsites accessible via trails leading to the water. Fell Hunt Camp features over 20 tent sites arranged in a circular configuration, suitable for group camping. Sedalia Campground provides primitive tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in options throughout the year.
Most primitive tent camping areas near Greenwood operate on a first-come, first-served basis with minimal amenities. Leroys Ferry charges $10 per night with payment collected via drop box, requiring exact cash. Several campgrounds feature fire rings and pit toilets but lack picnic tables. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering well water pumps while others require campers to pack in all drinking water. Vault toilets are maintained at sites like Sedalia, but trash service is limited, with most locations requiring visitors to pack out all waste. The terrain typically consists of natural, minimally developed sites without defined tent pads.
Waterfront access represents a primary draw for tent campers in this region, particularly at locations like Leroys Ferry where sites are positioned approximately 100 feet from the lakeshore. This proximity allows for swimming, sunset viewing, and water access directly from campsites. During holiday periods, primitive tent areas often remain less crowded than developed campgrounds, providing greater solitude. The Palmetto Trail runs through Sedalia Campground, making it particularly suitable for through-hikers seeking overnight tent camping. Sites situated farther from access roads typically offer more seclusion. One camper noted, "For that kind of isolation right on the water for only $10/night, I'm not complaining much about the site."
from $5 - $150 / night
"10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
"Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
from $10 / night
from $75 / night
"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
from $25 / night
from $125 / night
ScoutIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
RangerPetersburg is a campground with million dollar views that has become a forgotten asset of the federal government.
The property is mostly overgrown and landscape maintenance appears to be a forgotten concept, like bathhouse maintenance.
On a positive note it has been reported that the government is approving funds to restart the modernization of these once great recreation locations.
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!
ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
GuideWe had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
RangerLet me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
TravelerThe campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
GuideThis is my favorite South Carolina Park. Most sites are waterfront. It's peaceful in the spring and beautiful in the fall. The pull-through sites are great for waking up to lake views and a sunrise or sunset over the lake
Tent camping options near Greenwood, South Carolina primarily cluster around the Sumter National Forest and Clarks Hill Lake (also known as Strom Thurmond Lake). This 71,000-acre reservoir forms part of the Georgia-South Carolina border, with primitive camping areas positioned along its numerous coves and inlets. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter nights can drop below freezing.
Hiking accessible trails: The Palmetto Trail runs directly through Sedalia Campground, making it convenient for overnight hikers seeking primitive accommodations. One camper noted, "If you are thru-hiking, this would be a good place to camp for the night." The trail connects multiple sections of the Sumter National Forest.
Cycling opportunities: Road cyclists find excellent routes throughout the region. As one Sedalia visitor mentioned, "If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes." Most forest roads receive minimal traffic, creating safer riding conditions away from busier highways.
Fishing access: Raysville Marina provides direct lake access for anglers. According to one review, the staff is "friendly, accommodating, very responsive" even during off-season periods when facilities may operate with reduced hours. Several primitive campsites around the lake perimeter offer shore fishing within walking distance of tent sites.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at various primitive sites. At Fell Hunt Camp, visitors enjoy access to clean water sources. One camper mentioned, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious. Would be a great spot for some group camping!"
Group camping configurations: Several campgrounds feature layouts specifically designed for multiple tents. Fell Hunt Camp offers "20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses," according to a visitor who rated it highly for group accommodations.
Uncrowded conditions: Many primitive sites remain available even during peak periods. At Soap Creek Marina, campers find "Pull-up RV or tent spots with fire pits and picnic tables" along with "nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot." The relatively undeveloped nature of many sites contributes to lower occupancy rates.
Payment systems: Most primitive campgrounds utilize self-payment methods with specific requirements. Many lack change-making capabilities, requiring exact cash for drop boxes.
Limited amenities: The best tent camping near Greenwood, South Carolina typically includes minimal facilities. At Sedalia Campground, campers should note there are "no picnic tables" despite having "fire pit and access to running water" along with "vaulted toilets."
Seasonal variations: During hunting seasons, campground occupancy changes significantly. At Sedalia, one camper observed, "Hunters use it a lot. Fall deer hunters spring turkey hunting. Often gets packed." Plan accordingly if camping between September and January when several hunt camps operate at capacity.
Trash considerations: Many primitive sites lack waste disposal facilities, requiring vigilance from campers. One Sedalia visitor reported, "I picked up a small bag of trash left by previous campers before setting up. There are trash receptacles nearby, but alas, some people leave their trash at the campsite anyway."
Swimming access: For families with children, waterfront camping at Leroys Ferry receives positive reviews. One family-focused visitor commented that it's a "Great place for the whole family for fishing and camping."
Safety considerations: Sites farther from water edges may be preferable for younger children. At Raysville Marina, visitors describe it as their "Home away from home" but note there is "No bathhouse," which may impact comfort for families with small children.
Spacing between sites: Tent camping areas with adequate separation between sites create better family camping experiences. One Leroys Ferry visitor noted that "sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable" contributed to a positive experience, especially for groups requiring multiple tents.
Cleanliness factors: Families should consider campgrounds with maintained facilities. At Clarks Hill, one visitor specifically mentioned it as a "Very clean park. Great fishing," making it suitable for family outings combining camping with water activities.
Leveling challenges: Most primitive sites lack graded parking areas. At Leroys Ferry, an RVer observed, "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level," suggesting bringing adequate leveling equipment.
Size limitations: Small to medium RVs fare better at primitive campgrounds. Sedalia accommodates smaller vehicles as one RVer noted, "it is a great area for primitive camping and for dry camping if you are in a small RV."
Water access points: RVers should identify water fill locations before arrival. While some campgrounds have potable water, many require bringing supplies from municipal sources in nearby towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Greenwood, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Greenwood, SC is Fell Hunt Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Greenwood, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Greenwood, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
