Top Tent Camping near Chester, SC

Looking for the best Chester tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near Chester, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Chester's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Chester, SC (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park

    1. Crowders Mountain State Park

    15 Reviews
    23 Photos
    124 Saves

    Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sedalia Campground

    2. Sedalia Campground

    4 Reviews
    16 Photos
    17 Saves

    Sedalia Campground, Sumter National Forest, Enoree Ranger District. Sedalia is a primitive campground that has designated campsites in open areas surrounded by woods. Four single-family campsites and one group site are open year-round, fourteen day stay limit is in effect. Sedalia Campground, Seasonal Campsites; An additional camping loop is open for big game deer and turkey seasons which offers five more single family campsites and two group campsites from $5/night, $50/calendar month, $150/season for single family campsites and $10/night, $100/calendar month, and $300/big game deer season for the group campsites. Seasonal Camping Opportunities

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek

    3. Primitive Camping By the Creek

    4 Reviews
    5 Photos
    61 Saves

    Primitive camping by the creek currently has 4 very private camp sites. Fire pits and wood is provided at each site. Picnic tables are also available. We are currently open 7 days a week, 12 months of the year. Each site is primitive and private - no potable water, no toilet system, no electricity (generates are allowed). Each site has a max, of 6 to 8 persons. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. Campers/small RV's/Vans are allowed, sites are level and drive through. Trash bins are provide at each site. We are located less than a 1/2 mile from Interstate 85, at exit 104. There are gas stations (with showers), convenient stores and restaurants close by. We are within 15 minutes drive to horse, bike, and hiking trails. Kings Mtn State Park, Kings Mtn National Park and Crowders Mtn State Park. If you have any question contact David @ 864-761-6297.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $30 / night

    • No image available

      4. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

      1 Review
      2 Saves

      Poulous Loop offers a rustic camp setting ideal for exploring the area's hunting opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state. During big-game and turkey seasons, the campground is open for hunters. From early January through late March groups can reserve the entire camp for events. Families, churches and clubs might like to reserve the camp for reunions, get togethers and campouts. Other recreation opportunities in the area include trail riding, birding and wildlife viewing, berry picking and photography. Nearby, try your hand at fishing the Broad River at the Woods Ferry Picnic Area. Click here for a printable guide.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Gaffney
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler

      6. Hippie Holler

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      14 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group

      $40 - $55 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
      Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres

      7. Blythewood Acres

      1 Review
      8 Photos
      4 Saves

      5 min from downtown Blythewood and exit 27 on I-77

      Water/Sewer/Power (20/30/50 pedestals) provided.

      Daily/Weekly/Monthly rates available

      Rural land in Blythewood down long driveway with locked gate. Circle drive, water connection from on-site well & septic dump station are available.

      • Electric Hookups
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table

      $45 - $55 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Poolus Loop Hunt Camp

      8. Poolus Loop Hunt Camp

      Be the first to review!
      1 Photo
      2 Saves

      Overview

      Poulous Loop Group Campground is located on the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest. It's location in the piedmont of South Carolina, Chester County, provides year round camping opportunities. t's surrounded by a mixed pine-hardwood forest with an elevation of approximately 400 to 500 feet. Long hot summers and mild winters are the norm for the Enoree Ranger District. Winter temperatures range from low 40's to upper 60's degrees and summer temperatures range from high 80's to high 90's. Popular activities include hunting, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

      Recreation

      Poulous Loop offers a rustic primitive camp setting ideal for exploring the surrounding area's hunting and trail riding opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state for big-game deer and turkey seasons. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR. __The Woods Ferry Horse Trail is a 26 mile trail system that parallels the Broad River corridor and meanders in and around upland pine and hardwood drains of the area. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers and can be easily accessed by following forest service gravel road 301F to access the trail junction.

      Natural Features

      Acres of pine-hardwood forest and gently rolling terrain surround Poulous Loop Group Campground. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the low country Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border.

      Nearby Attractions

      Leeds Outdoor Shooting Range, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest. Leeds Range is accessibleBring your own equipment, target and target holder to target practice from designated shooting tables down range maximum distance 100 yards. Manufactured stationary targets only. There is a user fee for range use. Olde English Tourism District- oldeenglish.com. Find upcoming events, restaurants, artists, farmers markets surrounding the Woods Ferry Recreation Area. Historic Brattonsville- 28 miles

      • Tents
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        • No image available
        Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews In Chester

        335 Reviews of 12 Chester Campgrounds


        • Davis The Dyrt PRO User
          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.

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

          Kings Mountain

          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.

        • 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 KOA Campground Gaffney
          May. 13, 2024

          KOA Campground Gaffney

          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
          May. 12, 2024

          Lake Wateree State Park

          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!

        • 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.

        • Logan S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Magnolia RV Park & Campground
          Mar. 16, 2024

          Magnolia RV Park & Campground

          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.

        • Loretta A.
          Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain
          Feb. 9, 2024

          Kings Mountain

          Amazing place to stay

          My husband and I come out to camp at kings mountain state park often and we love it if we decide to go camping or to go out to walk some trails with our dog this is the place we always come to the park rangers are all nice respectful and the keep the place clean and help to make your stay amazing. They also answer any questions you may have about the park like things to do while you are there and to enjoy your stay.

        • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
          Nov. 24, 2023

          McDowell Nature Preserve

          Great visit and campground!

          This was a very nice/quiet campground. The sites were spacious and private. The campground itself is very wooded with lots of trees for shade. Our site was also pretty level.

          The campground is gated, and you are provided a code at check in. The park also has security and on site most of the time. The only negative is that the place to enter the gate code is on the opposite side from where you pull in, so you do have to get out of your vehicle to enter it each time.

          The bathrooms and laundry were very clean during our visit. The playground was a nice addition for our toddler too!

          We would definitely stay here again.

          Follow us on Tiktok and Instagram at @HomegrownRV for more reviews and videos of campgrounds!

        • BThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park
          Nov. 1, 2023

          Lake Wateree State Park

          Nice campground

          Nice campground right on the lake. The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds. Staff and everyone around were super nice

        • I
          Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
          Oct. 8, 2023

          Alston Trailhead

          Amazing site, minus the train

          This site is awesome. The scenery is beautiful and it is super easy to access. You can hear coyotes howling at night.

          The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite.

          Everything else was perfect for us though!

        • Will C.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
          Sep. 29, 2023

          Alston Trailhead

          Stay at TrailHead

          Beautiful place! Unfortunately no space for us to drive our bus to a camp spot but plenty of room in parking lot. Just a nice little spot to stop before hitting the road again.

        • T.  D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Woodsmoke Family Campground
          Sep. 19, 2023

          Woodsmoke Family Campground

          Overnight Stop

          Ok for overnight stop but wouldn't be a travel destination. Most sites seem to be long term or permanent sites. Very close to neighbor site, with fire pit being extremely close. Water, Sewer, Power, WiFi

        • p
          Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
          Sep. 5, 2023

          Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

          Nice short stay

          We are full timers and stayed here 2 nights. Although people complain about KOA prices, we use them because we know what to expect. As expected everything was well maintained. Restrooms were spotless. Every employee we encountered was friendly and helpful. I reserved a back in space and when we arrived were told they had upgraded us to a pull through site at no extra charge. Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front. Had to unhook, but their diesel prices were even cheaper than I could get with my Open Roads discount card. Only problem was that it is a bit of a noisy area-ambulances obviously dispatch from right down the road. Some plane noise, but we've had worse. Thank you for providing above what we expect from KOA.

        • Addison C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
          Jul. 13, 2023

          Alston Trailhead

          Amazing camp site

          There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot

        • Damon O.
          Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
          Jul. 5, 2023

          Chester State Park

          Favorite State Park in SC

          While this is a smaller park, it has a ton to offer. Rv and primitive sites, bathrooms with hot showers, playground for the kiddos, a lake with rental kayaks and paddleboats, and the camp host was super friendly. Easily my favorite state park in SC so far.

        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Croft State Park
          Jun. 19, 2023

          Croft State Park

          Good state park with below average camping

          Park is very large and some of the wooded areas have been meticulously cleaned. Lake access from campsite is steep with views significantly affected by trees. Bathhouse is clean and well maintained. Staff is professional and courteous. Site #37 felt significantly sloped to me for our setup.

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Kaleidoscope Farm
          Jun. 15, 2023

          Kaleidoscope Farm

          Nice quiet site close to town

          Site and hosts were nice. It was easily accessible(made it in a lowered mustang). The site was pretty clean and had firewood cut and ready to go for is.

          Not far from the roadway so not quiet and isolated if that’s what you were looking for. We weren’t and the quick in and out was perfect.

        • C
          Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
          Jun. 11, 2023

          Chester State Park

          Nice Park

          Went for a group camping event. Would definitely recommend it for that. Nice amount of space. Nice lake without heavy motorized boat traffic.

        • R
          Camper-submitted photo from Primitive Camping By the Creek
          May. 27, 2023

          Primitive Camping By the Creek

          Great Campsite!

          Nice Place! The campsite has a pretty creek and forest. On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents. The shed also has lots of tools such as an axe and rake. Also two trees near the entrance perfect size for a hammock. Nice bathroom too. Overall, beautiful campsite for a weekend getaway or family vacation.



        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

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chester, SC?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chester, SC is Crowders Mountain State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Chester, SC?

          TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Chester, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.