Best Tent Camping near Central, SC

Recent Tent Reviews in Central

1209 Reviews of 63 Central Campgrounds

• 

  Alexandra E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Devils Fork State Park

  Best swimming hole in the upstate

  I love coming here to swim. Signal is very poor for Verizon. The sites are not super private but not too close to each other. The prices per night are ridiculous imo for a non full hookup campground but hey I still pay it just to swim in lake Joccassee.

• 

  Alexandra E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

  Beautiful waterfront sites

  Amazing place. We went in the winter so it wasn't too crowded. Sites are waterfront and spacious

• J

  Julia G.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2024

  Devils Fork State Park

  Great spot for hammocks

  Not too far from the water, which was great since we brought our own kayaks and kayaked to two water falls. Lots of trees to hang hammocks (we had 3) which is good because the only place to pitch a tent is on the pads which aren’t very large. They are basically concrete pads and we couldn’t steak the tent down well. Many dead limbs in the trees so be careful where you pitch your tent, or hang your hammock. Since the site is near the marina we could see/hear boats docking. Each site has a bear box which are roomy and were clean. The bathhouse was clean and well lit. The RV/camper sites are pretty close together with narrow roads. The park was beautiful and mostly clean. I found a tire in the water a few miles out on the way to the first waterfall and took it to a ranger the next day. He was happy to take it.

• 

  Alexandra E.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 18, 2024

  Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

  Amazing views and nice campground

  Very good spot near the lake. Awesome views and good signal at least for Verizon. Water pressure was a bit inconsistent so watch out for any issues that may cause

• 

  Camen K.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 1, 2024

  Sunset Campground

  Unprofessional

  Very rude and unhelpful said he would call me back to let me know if there was any openings. He never called back.

• 

  Cindy S.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 24, 2024

  Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

  Beautiful Lakeview Sites

  Campsite surround the lake. Sites are plenty big and lead to the lake. Campground was very peaceful. We had a small walk to bathroom with showers.

• 

  Alexandra E.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 21, 2024

  Paynes Creek Campground

  Hidden gem!

  I loved everything about this campground. The sites all have beautiful views and lake access, they are decently apart from each other. And has great signal! I was getting consistent 5G 3 bars at least with Verizon. The bathrooms don't have showers so plan accordingly

• 

  Linda F.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 2, 2024

  Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

  Blue valley

  I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice , secluded

• 

  rhett T.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 17, 2024

  Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

  A nice peaceful spot

  I have gone to Sarah’s creek multiple times. It fills up sometimes but there are plenty of free spots around the area

• 

  Twan M.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

  North GA Sweetspot

  I’ve been camping at Sarah’s Creek for years - you can pay online or at the campground itself (envelope/tag system), etc. There is absolutely ZERO Verizon service. 26 sites, all with picnic tables, fire rings and lantern posts. Some are better than others. The creek is shallow for the most part but there is a trail marked by a bright green circle spraypainted onto a pine tree shortly before the first few sites (on the left as you enter, just before the campground begins) where there are some small falls and a nice little swimming/bathing hole. Trout fisherman’s delight. Road is easy enough but has a lot of dips and switchbacks; 4x2 is completely adequate, though could be tough in extremely wet conditions. Sarah’s Creek is the perfect weekend getaway. Lots of trails to bike/explore, too.

• 

  Betsy W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2024

  Henderson Reservoir Dispersed Site #1

  Clean

  Clean and large. Creek below

• C

  Catherine O.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 30, 2024

  Coneross Park Campground

  Beautiful scenic park

  We stayed at site 28, which wasnt waterfront but had a small view of the water past other sites. The sites are all good sized. Ours fit our camper and large truck, and still had room for three tents on the pad. The layout looks massive but its easy walking. The beach is a five minute walk. There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding. The heavy foliage makes everything private. Theres no sewer hookups because its an old Corp of Engineers park, but the dump stations are modern and nice. The bathhouses were old and grubby and could use some upgrades. We didnt shower but did use the toilets occasionally to conserve on black water space. But I did peak at the showers. Theyre push-button jail-style. Bring bikes, swimming gear, and any watercraft you have and youll have a great time.

• 

  Frank P.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2024

  Broken Oak Organics

  Great Host, numerous nearby mountain hike trails

  Secure, tidy, private, stream side and cozy spot with on site grown fresh vegetables.  Nearby locally owned eateries.  Plentiful asphalt plus off road bicycling.  2024 shower and bathroom.

• 

  Maria E.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Davidson River Campground

  Nice Spot

  We were in Laurel loop in a double site. It was perfect for 2 tents and our 17’ camper. Nice woodsy site, although you can hear a bit of road noise. No cell signal but we were able to set up our star link with a patch of open sun behind the site. We actually forgot to bring coffee so it was great to have the coffee truck 5 mins away outside the campground. Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles wore out the dogs perfectly!

• 

  Jon W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 15, 2024

  Broken Oak Organics

  Great family getaway

  Easy access to the site and the beautiful river. Nice level site with a Mountain View. My family enjoyed the huge lawn for yard games, and the river was beautiful! Shallow enough for the kids play, with some nice spots to catch 

  Brown and rainbow trout. Bathroom and shower was really nice and clean. Fire pit was steps away overlooking the river. Fair price for all the amenities. Kayak rentals were even available.

• 

  Kevin A.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 13, 2024

  Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

  Another Favorite

  We’ve camped here multiple times. We are always impressed with the spacious sites, lake access, quiet relaxing atmosphere.

• J

  Joel S.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2024

  Avery Creek Roadside Camping

  No access in June 2024

  No access to road itself or to its campsites due to recent storm damage according to NFS sign at northern terminus of Avery Cr Rd.

• 

  Jay J.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 9, 2024

  The Point at Lake Hartwell

  Great place to go, friendly staff

  Eenjoyed staying there, staff was awesome and really did a great job keeping the guest happy. The 4th of July events was awesome and was a full day of contest and ended with a DJ kicking the tunes. Recommend to all to give them a try!

• 

  Amanda A.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 7, 2024

  The Point at Lake Hartwell

  Quiet but lacking

  Stayed over 4th of July weekend. Couldn’t believe how quiet it was for a holiday. There isn’t anything around at all. They offer a pool but no other activities (they did have some 4th activities but it was all seasonal). It backs to the lake so if you have a boat it’s nice. But when we went on the lake we saw many other campgrounds that looked nicer. There is one dumpster that we had to walk to to throw trash away. No pick up or closer locations. Not level sites. Mostly seasonal which is fine but not a great place or easy to get in/out of if transient. Other campgrounds closer to Clemson. No town nearby at all.

• 

  Kevin A.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 3, 2024

  Tugaloo State Park Campground

  Georgia is a great state

  We live in NC and have camped all over the eastern US. By far Georgia is a state with some of the very best infrastructure. Roads are great. State Parks are some of the best and we’ve camped at many. Tugaloo State Park is a nice park. Right on the lake. Lots of lake related activities. This area of the campground (sites 73-105) has a unique layout in that a large number of sites are pull through and arranged sideways along the access roads. This makes the sites long and narrow and results in close neighbors. The elongated sites mean the picnic table and fire pit are at far end and feel disconnected from the site. Roads are well maintained and sites all seemed pretty level. We were in site 97 with W/E. The bathhouse was very close, but we did not use it. We were a few rows back from the lake but had a view of the lake through the tall pines that provided some shade. We’ve camped here a couple of other times and would come back again.

• 

  not weird but different

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  North Mills River

  Close to home

  We frequently visit this campground for weekend trips as it is close to us. It is easily accessible and does have areas for your garbage but there are no bathrooms which puts a small damper on a family visit. The water is pretty clear and has an abundance of trout so it is great for fishing and swimming.

• 

  not weird but different

  Guide

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  Devils Fork State Park

  Great spot to family camp!

  We had a very pleasant time at this campground. The water and bathrooms were close and clean which was great for the kids and our dogs to get water. The lake was a short walk and absolutely stunning! Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us. There are plenty of small mouth bass to be claimed as well! We will definitely be back!

• J

  Jeff B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 19, 2024

  Orchard Lake Campground

  Great getaway

  This campground has amenities for all types of camping styles. We will definitely be back!

• 

  Debbie B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Cullasaja River Campground

  Visiting

  This is one of the most prettiest places on the River.Very nice and welcoming. They have very well maintained Riverfront. And have social events, and very Kind people such as Mr. Sandy. Very close to attractions ie on waterfall Byway! And IN the Forest,Beautiful store with local Gems.and Knitted items.Last but not least, Church gatherings.

• T

  Tom

  Guide

  

  Jun. 12, 2024

  Tallulah Gorge State Park

  Camping at Tallulah Gorge state park

  Pretty nice campground, although the sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to. Campground facilities are clean and very well kept (they rake the sites and shovel out the fire pits). Bath houses are kept clean and stocked also. We camped in site 31 with our 32 ft TT. It was tight backing in, I would say that out of the "standard" sites 28, 30, 32 and 34 are the best sites available. Nice trails with beautiful scenery, the hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it. Overall a really wonderful park.

• J

  J. J.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 11, 2024

  Thousand Trails Carolina Landing

  Average Park- Would return

  Cabin 3 stars- Older cabin, clean, spacious with very large living area, loft area small and a bit dingy, shared porch Campground 3 stars-wooded, shady, hilly Amenities 3 stars- a bit run down Staff 3 stars-average

• 

  Jaimie R.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 4, 2024

  Cartoogechaye Creek Campground

  Amazing !!!!

  We booked for a week here simply because we couldn’t find anywhere for a weekend at the beginning of May of 2024. Then we extended 3 days, then 3 more, then 5 more…you get the idea. Upon arrival I was disappointed. Simply because I booked a spot I thought would A. Not be directly across from the dumpster and be able to see the horses from our campsite. We are directly behind the dumpster and there’s no enclosure. Then the horses were in a different pasture the first 2 weeks we were here. The spots are close together but most people aren’t even here. If it were full, and you don’t like your neighbors, you’re screwed. BUT, that’s not the case here. Many things that are available aren’t listed on the website. Here’s all the positives: The horses are friendly, walk over, I’ve pet them all and even fed fresh fruit, (not too much!) it’s the best part of my day! Verizon, when connected to campsite wifi is full bars and at times 5g. Take advantage of mapping out your mountain drives because you will not have reception “up there!” No complaints! The owners are absolutely hospitable. If you need anything, they live onsite and will accommodate. We were able to order from Amazon and simply go pick up in open office when no one is there. They are able to see who goes in and out, so no worries about the security of your stuff. The walk around the road is cool. If you don’t walk, you’ll miss the creek that travels the backside of the property. It’s cold and rocky, but I just put on water shoes (big lots in town $9.99). It’s gorgeous!!! The evening lightning bug show has been unreal. They light up the back side (by dumpster) for hours! BIRDS GALORE!!! Song sparrows, chipping sparrows, chickadees, northern parulas, ravens, house finches and swallows with babies in bird houses-awesome nature! Shaded spots but still sun! Also only one amber light by shower house. If you want to stargaze, book away from it. Showers and bathrooms are good. 3/3 excellent water pressure. I played my music and enjoyed a roomy shower! Bugs are around but nothing too crazy. Weather dependent for sure. I simply use eucalyptus oil mixed with lotion and the biters don’t come near me. Otherwise just gnats. Mosquitoes love my husband and the 3 weeks we have been here, no bites. And he doesn’t use anything. Firewood available if you get it yourself, charge for bringing it to you. We were missing a fire ring and I had messaged the owner and by the time we got back, a brand new one was all put together at our site for us! Laundry is super convenient because they aren’t monetarily operated. It’s an honor system. 2 washers 2 dryers. One is an HE washer, so if you have that detergent, you’ll be happy! Now, the rest. You’re in Franklin. About 7 miles from downtown, easy to get to Walmart, restaurants, gas, ice, groceries (INGLES) including liquor. Not open on Sundays. You are centrally located to Asheville, Knoxville and Atlanta. The trails, rafting, gem mining, rock hounding, hiking, the drives to the balds and gaps are absolutely stunning, if you aren’t athletic. The waterfall loop from Franklin is Google searchable and highly recommended. Just drive around and get lost. It’s beautiful. Drove to a town west, (Murphy) and it was also incredible! Just come, relax, go have appetizers at Gracious Plates on Main Street, walk the area, the garden club of Franklin has done some beautiful gardens and the history is cool. Graff’s has great food (burgers, fried shrimp)as well, so while you feel far from things, you really aren’t. There is some road noise but you can’t really see the vehicles much since you’re low and covered by trees. Perhaps because our site is closer to the bend in the road above and no one is here. With everything else, not a complaint. I would stay here again without a doubt. The locals are awesome, the fellow residents that own property that I originally thought was part of the campground but is not, are as nice as could be. We even hung out and bought the dogs treats for their daily walks! Good community. Lovely area!