Best Camping near Chester, SC

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Chester, SC is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Chester campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Chester and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Chester, SC (66)

Showing results 1-10 of 66 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Chester

448 Reviews of 66 Chester Campgrounds


  • Chris C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dreher Island State Park Campground
    Nov. 12, 2024

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Great 4 days

    Great camping fire temps. Weather was rainy towards the end but enjoyed the stay. Our site #3 was a pull through. A little to close to main road (about 6’) but that was the only issue otherwise not much to complain about. Water was cold and crystal clear.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    Oct. 30, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Very nice family friendly camp

    The campground is well kept and clean. The owners are wonderful and all amenities are maintained in a like new state. They are constantly improving the campground and have family friendly activities for all. Halloween is a must see event in this camp with everyone decking out their sites.

    We are well traveled and have visited many campgrounds in various states. This is among the best we have ever experienced.

  • Davis
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Oct. 26, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    It was very peaceful

    My husband and I stayed here for a few days at the beginning of October. It's very quiet and peaceful. What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm. The staff was friendly and very helpful but they leave at 4pm and you can't check in till 3pm. I guess there's good and bad like with all places.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Cane Creek Park

    Great spot for families

    Awesome spot for families and multiple night stays. Family environment comes with more noise but as long as you are expecting it you won’t be disappointed.

  • Cindy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dreher Island State Park Campground
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful and Peaceful

    This place offers lakefront views and surrounded by tall trees. The bathrooms are air conditioned and the water is hot. The only problem I had was the cleaning schedule of the women’s bathroom seemed to take place around 7:30ish in the morning.

  • Carol J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Disappointing

    I recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10.  The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only.  Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews .  In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small.  The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day.  The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure.  But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.

  • Christina G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dreher Island State Park Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful Site

    Stayed for 2 nights at Tent Site 4 in early May and had wonderful weather! There was a big storm for about an hour after we set up camp, but the site drained well and it wasn't too buggy despite being right on the water. Loved the walkability, super easy walk on a slight decline from our parking space next to the stairs/path to the site. Two good spots for setting up a hammock. Loved watching the birds and occasional fish. Water and electric available and functioning on site. Quick walk to bathroom/shower.

    Overall a great experience!

  • Deanna L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Elmore RV Park
    Jun. 17, 2024

    Elmore RV Park

    Good for staying close to city

    I lived here for two years on a long term spot. If short term you will be In a small gravel lot. There are no amenities, no shower houses. No frills.

  • Don W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    May. 28, 2024

    Primitive Camping By the Creek

    Close and secluded

    My daughter and I decided to camp at the last minute. This place was close to the interstate but still very secluded. Plenty of firewood and next to a creek. I highly recommend.

  • Olivia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    May. 24, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Safe Gated Campground

    Campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours. The spots are very close to each other but that didn’t bother me. I chose spot D16 which is the only camping spot with a bit of an uphill ramp from the car to the camp spot. The rest lie flat. Didn’t help that I have a tent that attaches to my car so it made that difficult.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Peach Haven
    May. 13, 2024

    Spacious Skies Peach Haven

    Beautiful and Quiet

    I love this place, with nice wide sites and many with views of three ponds nestled in the woods. The place was squeaky clean and the bathhouse very well designed. There are fun and funky places to visit nearby. The spring wildflowers are starting to bloom and I remember the scent of honeysuckle everywhere. A great blue heron hangs out at the fishing ponds.

  • Tracie S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park Campground
    May. 12, 2024

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Our Favorite Getaway

    This is one of our favorite spots! We can boat, fish, ride our golf cart, hang out by the fire and just enjoy the moment. It also has wonderful handicap accommodations. Hands down one of our favorites!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 6 Points @ Raven Micro Farm
    May. 12, 2024

    6 Points @ Raven Micro Farm

    $69 Glamping, Hike to Site

    Six points @ Raven Micro Farm LLC is a fully loaded Glamping site. Equip with a Bell tent, thick Japanese cotton sleeping mat, linens, full-size propane grill, cookware, utensils, dishware, and more.

    This is a walk-in site, bring your hiking boots. The property is slightly hilly.

    Be advised that the site is private excluding when we are out doing farm chores or as the animals are rotated.

  • Lisa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    May. 9, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    They have added to already beautiful campground

    This is our favorite getaway from Charlotte, NC. Level lots, nice pool, enclosed dog lot, clean bathhouse, clean laundry room & activities. As of April 2024 they have added a nice playground. Lisa is the best host.

  • Chad L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina
    May. 4, 2024

    Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina

    Just Right

    This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days. Taylor Creek is newer with less trees providing lots of open space and great for Solar regeneration. Both sites are very clean and well maintained. Just a short walk to the lake.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Alston Trailhead

    Nice free spot

    We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees.

  • Lisa S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Getting better & better

    Our favorite for weekend getaway. Clean and well kept. Owners are fantastic. They have upgraded playground. Dog park is so nice to have on site.

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
    Mar. 24, 2024

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Crowded but cool

    Took my gf here to one of the walk-in sites for her first time camping. I love that it's so close to the city but still so beautiful! It did feel like everyone was very close together, but otherwise the facilities were great.

  • Logan S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA
    Mar. 16, 2024

    Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA

    Very Friendly and Cozy Campground with Plenty to enjoy

    The owners and host are amazing at what they do! They’ve planned so much for this campground that our kids have had 5 days of things to do each day. We’ll definitely return and mark this as a favorite campground.

  • Paul R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dreher Island State Park Campground
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lakeside

    Stayed at TENT site 13. It sits with two other tent sites on a small peninsula at the bottom of Dreher Island State Park. It’s a nice large site with a large tent pad. There quite a few good trees to hang a hammock, which I camped in. Absolutely gorgeous sunrise, sunset, and when I was there the moon was full.

  • Mekyla Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron City Campground, Inc.
    Feb. 12, 2024

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Great small campground

    We stayed for a month in January. Lisa was wonderful and very accommodating to us. Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again.



Guide to Chester

Camping near Chester, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Lake Greenwood State Park is a great spot for fishing and kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful site right on Lake. Plenty of places to walk. Beautiful scenery."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Kings Mountain State Park for a mix of nature and history. A reviewer noted, "Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Dreher Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy watching birds and other wildlife. One camper shared, "Loved watching the birds and occasional fish."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Croft State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse is clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the park rangers. One reviewer at Kings Mountain State Park stated, "The park rangers are all nice, respectful, and keep the place clean."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful views at Lake Greenwood State Park. A visitor remarked, "The campground itself is great, it is steep so big plenty of blocks! Great views."

What you should know:

  • Site Sizes Vary: Some sites can be tight, especially for larger RVs. A camper at Andrew Jackson State Park mentioned, "Sites are not plentiful or level and it is tight backing in."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Ebenezer Park Campground noted, "If you don't own a boat, there is not much to do."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds may close for maintenance or seasonal reasons. One camper shared, "Tried to camp here, but it’s closed for the next year."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Iron City Campground has a nice playground that kids will enjoy. A reviewer said, "They have added a nice playground."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities like fishing and hiking. A visitor at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground mentioned, "Many trails to hike on and many beautiful sites close to town."
  • Safety: Many campgrounds have security patrols, making them feel safe for families. A camper at Cane Creek Park noted, "The park ranger regularly patrols, making it feel safe."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites to make parking easier. A visitor at Croft State Park Campground mentioned, "Site #37 felt significantly sloped to me for our setup."
  • Hookups Availability: Check for electric and water hookups before booking. A camper at Dreher Island State Park Campground shared, "Water and electric available and functioning on site."
  • Plan Ahead: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park advised, "You must really check the site description or plan on bringing lots of levelers."

Camping around Chester, SC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions