Camping options near Simpsonville, South Carolina range from state parks with waterfront views to family-friendly facilities with recreational amenities. The area sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 feet, creating mild conditions for year-round camping. Most campgrounds in the region experience temperatures between 50-90°F depending on season, with higher humidity levels during summer months.
What to do
Hiking and waterfall viewing: Table Rock State Park Campground offers access to multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views," notes John B., who appreciates that the park is "not as busy as the Smokies." The park includes several waterfall viewing opportunities within walking distance of camping areas.
Water recreation: South Cove County Park provides direct lake access from most sites. "You can go into the lake right from your site. If you don't have access from your site, there is a really nice sandy beach area for swimming," explains Cheryl W. The park also offers paddle board and kayak rentals for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.
Fishing: Pine Ridge Campground maintains a catch-and-release fishing pond that supplements their other recreational facilities. The staff regularly stocks the pond and maintains the shoreline for easy access. Colin H. notes that the owners "have done great things with this campground" including maintaining "lots of fantastic amenities."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Travelers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at campgrounds near Simpsonville. Mary C. describes Pine Ridge Campground as having "beautiful restrooms kept clean" with security features like "a combination lock on them." This attention to maintenance extends beyond restrooms to common areas and recreational facilities.
Waterfront access: Tugaloo State Park Campground provides direct water access with scenic views. "Most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature," reports Maggie G. The park includes multiple swimming areas and boat launch facilities.
Family-friendly activities: Oconee State Park Campground offers diverse recreational options beyond standard camping. The park includes hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots suitable for all ages. "We had a wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of days at a cabin with friends," shares Maddi P., who appreciated the "small trails behind the cabin to explore."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Simpsonville require advance booking, particularly during peak seasons. This includes glamping close to Simpsonville, South Carolina, where accommodations fill quickly during spring and fall. Weekends book faster than weekdays, often months in advance.
Access restrictions: Some campgrounds implement evening access limitations. Amanda W. explains that at South Cove County Park "the campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked."
Seasonal considerations: While glamping facilities near Simpsonville operate year-round, Keowee-Toxaway State Park experiences different conditions throughout the seasons. Nichole W. describes how they "kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site" during warmer months, noting that water levels can fluctuate seasonally.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds designed specifically for children. At Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA, families appreciate the "fire truck playground and the Johnson Creek Mining Company water tower and trough," as Myron C. observed. The recreation area includes additional activities like "a ping pong table, a swimming pool, and cornhole boards."
Swimming options: For families with children who enjoy swimming, South Cove County Park provides lake access with designated swimming areas. "Great campground for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground," notes Roxy M., though she warns: "Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer ranger-led activities and nature programs. CJ C. recommends Table Rock State Park, mentioning they "stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike." The park also features multiple waterfalls and educational displays about local wildlife and geology.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When glamping close to Simpsonville, South Carolina in an RV, select sites carefully based on size and terrain. Liz H. found that at Tugaloo State Park Campground, "really enjoyed the lakefront campsites. We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room."
Electrical considerations: Some campgrounds experience occasional power issues. Daniel G. notes that at Keowee-Toxaway State Park, "twice in one week this campground experienced a complete and total power outage each of which lasted for hours." RVers should prepare backup power options, particularly during peak usage periods.
