Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee form the primary water features for cabin camping near Clemson, South Carolina, with elevations ranging from 660 to 800 feet above sea level. Most cabin rentals in this region experience moderate humidity during summer months, with temperatures often reaching 90°F between June and August. Winter cabin stays typically see mild 40-50°F days with occasional freezing nights.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several trails near Keowee-Toxaway State Park offer waterfall views within a short distance of cabin accommodations. "There is a short path from the camp sites down to the lake. If you want to go swimming there are only a couple of locations that you can hang out for the day and swim," notes Brandon D. from Keowee-Toxaway.
Boating experiences: Lake access from many cabin sites allows for various water activities. At Lake Hartwell State Park, "We really loved the privacy and the access to the lake from our spot! The only thing would be sewer hook up but the restroom and showers were a short walk from our spot!" reports Jacilyn B.
Family swimming: Designated swim areas provide safer alternatives to open lake swimming. "This is a wonderful spot to access the absolutely gorgeous Lake Jocassee. There are some fantastic places to swim connected to the campground," shares Danielle L. about Devils Fork State Park.
What campers like
Lake views from cabins: Many sites position cabins with direct water views. At Tugaloo State Park, "We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room. Able to kayak right from campsite," explains Liz H.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Hartwell and surrounding waters offer multiple fishing spots accessible from cabin locations. "Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake. Lots of fun for families who enjoy the water. Also you can see fishing boats zoom to their fishing location at night," reports Benita P. about Tugaloo State Park.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many cabins and associated facilities maintain good cleanliness standards. At Mile Creek County Park, "Bathhouses are nice and have hot water and are heated. Everyone we have met has been very nice. Lots of family's and lots of people with fur babies," according to Jennifer K.
What you should know
Seasonal popularity: Summer reservations for cabins require advanced planning. "Great spot on Lake Keowee. Bring what you need as not much in the way of groceries nearby," advises John R. about Mile Creek County Park.
Limited grocery access: Many cabin locations have minimal nearby shopping. "When we got to our site late at night, we discovered there was someone parked in our spot. There is supposed to be one car per spot. The signs designating the spots are off the road and very hard to see," cautions Jay B. about Keowee-Toxaway.
Cabin size variations: From simple camper cabins to fully furnished units, options vary significantly. At Table Rock State Park, "Variety of campsites available to suit any camping style. Great for families, as there are drive up camp sites with fire pits and plenty of space, and spread out so it still feels like you have privacy," explains Clair M.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Not all cabin sites have direct swimming areas. "Each campsite has wonderful views of the water. There is a playground by the entrance and near the farthest campsites as well," explains Jake S. from Mile Creek County Park.
Playground proximity: For families with younger children, select cabins near play areas. At Devils Fork State Park, "So much for family's to do here. We stopped by to check it out on our way to another site and wished they had a spot available. We will be booking this for another time. Water is so clear. Site is so clean," shares Marlene V.
Multi-generation activities: Plan for varying mobility levels and interests. "We booked our trip in February so we got all the spots we wanted. We had 5 spots in a culdesac surrounded by the lake on all sides. The only regret we had was that we didn't stay longer!" reports Kirsten J. about Mile Creek County Park.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: Some RV parks offer rental units for non-RV travelers. "Hands down, the best Thousand Trails campgrounds I've been to. I have visited several since we got the membership and I had been hugely disappointed...until now," says Katie D. about Thousand Trails Carolina Landing.
Level site selection: When requesting cabin assignments, inquire about terrain. "We tent camped here the first weekend in June. Bathrooms were always clean and seem to have been recently redone. Sites were small but not overly so," notes Jay B. from Oconee State Park.
Off-season advantages: Winter cabin stays offer lower rates and fewer crowds. "We stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike," mentions CJ C. about Table Rock State Park.
