Best Campgrounds near Clemson, SC

Near the college town of Clemson, South Carolina, you'll find several good camping spots within driving distance. Davidson River Campground has walking trails and mountain bike paths that start right from the camping area. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground sits near the impressive gorge with hiking trails that take you down to see the waterfalls. Devils Fork State Park Campground puts you close to Lake Jocassee where many campers spend their days fishing or taking boats out. All three campgrounds have clean bathrooms and showers, though some are more updated than others. The privacy between sites changes depending on which loop you choose - some have good tree coverage while others are more open. Most sites have trees for shade, which helps during South Carolina's hot summers. From these campgrounds, you can get back to Clemson pretty quickly if you want to catch a game or grab a meal in town. Many locals recommend camping in spring or fall when it's not too hot and the trees look great. The campgrounds around Clemson work well for quick weekend trips or longer stays, depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Clemson, South Carolina (303)

    1. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

    29 Reviews
    Clemson, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $36 - $76 / night

    "Well maintained campground with most sites situated within easy access to Lake Hartwell. A short drive to Clemson via country roads."

    "Our site(site 60) was right on the lake and absolutely beautiful."

    2. Mile Creek County Park

    26 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2196

    $15 - $116 / night

    "Having lived in South Carolina most my life, I haven't seen it all.. but have seen a lot of it. Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water."

    "While the spot is very level, be very weary that the drive up to this spot is steep and curved, We barely made clearance with a 23' trailer that has a lift kit on it."

    3. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."

    "There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"

    4. Oconee Point

    13 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Wow, Oconee Point in South Carolina is one of my favorite camping spots for me. I absolutely love this place, and have been coming here ever since I was little."

    "Open May through October, friendly staff,convenient to Clemson University"

    5. Coneross Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $26 - $76 / night

    "Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."

    "Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."

    6. Tugaloo State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Fair Play, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 356-4362

    $27 - $230 / night

    "This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path.

    Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.

    The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."

    "On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line.  "

    7. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊

    warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"

    8. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."

    "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."

    9. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest."

    "South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get"

    10. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    24 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "Located in Sunset Sc, near Clemson and Easley, this park is one of our favorites off of the Cherokee foothills scenic Hwy 11."

    "I stayed here many times as a student at Clemson.  Only a 45 minute drive.  The cabins are amazing.  Very clean as well."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 303 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Clemson, SC

1401 Reviews of 303 Clemson Campgrounds



Guide to Clemson

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers love the hiking opportunities, especially at places like Davidson River Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful, and there are plenty of smallmouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Swimming: Cool off in the water. Campers at Lake Powhatan enjoyed the lake beach, with one saying, "It’s the perfect size for kids."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were kept clean and were in better conditions than other state parks we’ve visited."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "The campground is VERY quiet and many of the spaces were rather private."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground remarked, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick-up twice a day is great!"

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty reception. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • Tight campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground said, "These campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared."
  • Bear country: Keep food secure to avoid bear encounters. One camper at Mount Pisgah Campground shared, "I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. At Devils Fork State Park Campground, a family enjoyed the "crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us."
  • Plan for meals: Bring your own firewood and food. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground noted, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."
  • Engage in nature: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground said, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Use leveling blocks: Many sites can be uneven. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "Some sites are very uneven, resulting in some rather interesting on-the-fly engineering by other campers."
  • Plan for amenities: Not all sites have electric hookups. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The campground is more small RV friendly due to narrow roads."

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clemson, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clemson, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 303 campgrounds and RV parks near Clemson, SC and 31 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clemson, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clemson, SC is Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clemson, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Clemson, SC.

What parks are near Clemson, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Clemson, SC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.