Camping options near Chester, South Carolina range from state park facilities to national forest campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The area sits in the South Carolina Piedmont region at elevations between 400-600 feet. Sites throughout the region typically have gravel or paved pads, and campers can expect mild winters with occasional freezes and hot, humid summers that regularly exceed 90°F from June through September.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Chester State Park Campground features a championship disc golf course that attracts players throughout the year. "There is a professional disc golf course on site," notes Bill C. about Chester State Park Campground.
Boat rentals for lake exploration: Multiple parks offer affordable boat rental options for visitors without their own watercraft. "There is fishing, kayaks and canoes at the boat dock for rent," mentions Bill C. about Chester State Park, while Damon O. adds "a lake with rental kayaks and paddleboats" makes it his "favorite state park in SC so far."
Nature trails: Parks near Chester offer hiking trails of varying difficulties, most under 3 miles. "The trails are well marked and wide that run along the lake edge," explains one Chester State Park reviewer. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "So awesome to have hiking trails that lead right out of the campground," writes Kathy L., making it convenient for campers to explore without driving.
Lake activities: Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing and boating. At Cane Creek Park, Emily B. reports, "I load up my kayak once a month or so and paddle around the lake for hours. Trails, shelter areas, and bathrooms are always well taken care of."
What campers like
Spacious communal areas: Several parks feature well-designed gathering spaces that campers consistently praise. At Chester State Park, David S. describes "an amazing seating area near the fishing dock, with multiple hanging bench swings, communal fire pits and a great view of the lake."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment. Jason R. describes Woods Ferry Campground as "tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC" with "hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking." Lee J. notes about McDowell Nature Preserve: "once you pull off the road and back into the nature preserve, all of the noise (except for airplanes) falls away."
Clean facilities: Parks in the region typically maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. At Chester State Park, Bill C. reports that "the bathhouse is up to date, clean and well stocked." Similarly, at Lake Wateree, visitors note the bathhouses were recently remodeled and "super clean."
Diverse recreational options: Beyond water activities, campgrounds often include additional amenities. "Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers," notes David E. about Cane Creek Park, while Christopher B. describes Andrew Jackson State Park as having "Great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station. Affordable, yet luxurious."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires preparation. At Andrew Jackson State Park, Rachel R. mentions, "Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok." Richard E. cautions about Kings Mountain State Park: "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways."
Limited grocery access: Many campgrounds are located 15-30 minutes from stores, requiring advance planning. About Lake Wateree State Park, Jen G. notes, "The park is about 25 minutes from any stores, but they keep their shop extremely well stocked."
Site suitability varies: Parks often have a mix of tent and RV sites with varying terrain. Myron C. found at Woods Ferry that "it's not too bad for those who camp in an RV or a travel trailer, but it's not ideal for tent campers" due to sloped sites and limited amenities.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Ramona K. advises for Lake Wateree: "This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations."
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Several parks offer no-cost recreational options. Sarah B. notes about Cane Creek Park: "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."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds include playgrounds within walking distance of campsites. At Ebenezer Park Campground, Haley B. describes it as "Family Friendly and good for people with boats," while Ashley W. reports Halloween events: "We went around Halloween and they had trick-or-treating around the park as well as prizes for the best decorated."
Educational opportunities: Some parks feature historical or nature education components. Kevin T. notes about Andrew Jackson State Park: "There is a museum and is perfect for kids," while Laura A. adds there's "plenty to see and do on the days you want to do some sightseeing!"
Lake safety considerations: Swimming regulations vary by park. At Chester State Park, Bill C. mentions "to our children's disappointment no swimming in the lake," though fishing and boating remain popular options. Ashley W. notes her dog enjoyed swimming at Chester: "My dog enjoyed the pond for swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking. About Ebenezer Park, Ramona K. advises: "Some sites are a little small and some are not very level but if you call the campground hosts and rangers are very helpful in helping you get on the right sight."
Size restrictions: Many parks have limitations for larger RVs. At Kings Mountain State Park, Richard E. cautions: "Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at most parks. At Andrew Jackson State Park, Laura A. notes: "all sites have electric and water and 3 sites also have sewer!" Chester State Park similarly has only two full-service sites according to Rob N., though water and electric are widely available.
