2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Clemson, SC ranges from primitive backcountry campsites to riverside tent sites, with several options along the Chatooga River about 30 miles northwest of town. Grapevine campground provides riverside tent sites about 30 miles northwest of Clemson, while King Creek Primitive Campsites offers walk-in tent camping with more remote settings. Riley Moore Falls Campsite provides dispersed backcountry tent camping accessible via a moderate hiking trail from forest roads.
Access to most tent sites requires driving on gravel or dirt forest roads that can become challenging during wet conditions. Several reviews note that high-clearance vehicles are recommended, particularly for reaching Big Bend and Riley Moore Falls campsites. Most primitive tent areas feature basic fire rings but lack amenities such as drinking water or shower facilities. Vault toilets are available at Grapevine and a few other established areas, but many backcountry tent sites require campers to pack out all waste. Camping areas generally operate year-round, though winter temperatures can drop below freezing, and summer brings higher visitation levels to waterside locations.
Tent campsites along the Chatooga River provide direct water access, making these locations popular for fishing and swimming during warmer months. Several areas offer significant space between sites, allowing for more private tent camping than typical developed campgrounds. The terrain at most sites is relatively level but rarely groomed, so campers should be prepared to clear small rocks or debris before pitching tents. Sites at higher elevations or deeper in the forest provide better protection from occasional highway noise. A visitor commented that Grapevine offers "sites spread out nicely, with the river nearby. Most sites are riverside and far enough from each other you really feel at one with nature."
"Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything. Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe."
from $30 / night
"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
"Very quiet, little to none road noise. Overnight allowed. Clean restrooms and refilling water bottle station. Little shade."
"This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee."
"My only complaint was that the grounds could have been cleaner but I’m sure part of the blame is on the poor weathers we have been having for the past few weeks."
"It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."
"Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"
"Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out. Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail."
"Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends."
"Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."
"Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $19 / night
"Pine Point Primitive Campground is found in SC and considered part of Table Rock State Park. A handful of sites are offered, each with a tent-pad, picnic table and firepit. "
from $20 / night
"Packing up in the morning and a fisherman showed up to walk down the hill. Otherwise, saw no one. Very nice large area to spread out, if you have a group."
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
GuideThis is our first time coming here. We booked online, which was simple The campground is very well kept. The sites aren’t any closer together than your average campground. It seems to me that the owners are conscientious about keeping everyone spaced out so you don’t have anyone right on top of you. (The campground was not full during our visit) The only con to this place is you don’t get to pick your site. It’s assigned to you. I will said that I asked specifically for a shady spot & they obliged me. (Very nice owners) Not all of the sites are level but hey, that’s was risers are for 🤷🏻♀️ We didn’t have any issues after a couple of well placed risers. Even though the highway is close you don’t notice the traffic noise. It’s very quiet at night. When you arrive & get checked in, someone escorts you to your site & helps get you backed in. They will pick up, fill & return your propane tanks. You just have to leave your tank @ the edge of your camp site. If you leave your trash at the edge of your site they pick it up for you. They will also deliver firewood as well as a fire pit if you don’t have one.
GuideNPS provides beautiful quiet campgrounds in the natural environment without all the modern amenities. If that why you camp this is for you. Perfect for vanlifers and others enjoying the outdoors
TravelerWe camped next to the fishing pier, the site was a bit uneven and I had to do some creative engineering to get my 26' rig level. It has been very quiet during the week. By the way, we have great T-Mobile service.
RangerWe drove up to check out a fishing spot. We didn’t drive across the concrete creek crossing to the main part of camp. The campsites at the entrance looked clean and the creek was nice. Did see a copperhead on the way out.
Tent camping opportunities around Clemson, South Carolina extend beyond developed campgrounds into the remote corners of Sumter National Forest. Most primitive camping areas sit between 1,200-1,800 feet elevation, where temperatures typically range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. The network of forest roads provides access to dispersed sites that can't be reserved ahead of time.
Fishing opportunities: The Chatooga River at Burrells Ford offers excellent trout fishing with valid licenses. "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," notes Jason D.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple cascades exist within hiking distance of the camping areas. At Riley Moore Falls Campsite, you can camp near the falls. "Great spot in the banks of the Chauga River just by the falls for dispersed camping. Accessed from St Rd 37-748, a 4x4 will get you to trailhead, spots for maybe 3 vehicles," reports Robbie B.
Stargazing: The remote tent sites offer excellent night sky viewing away from light pollution. "Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather," shares Alexander C. about his experience at Riley Moore Falls.
Privacy between sites: Many primitive tent areas offer significant separation between campers. "Great for swimming and Hammocking!" notes Elise W. about Burrells Ford, adding that there are "Great Private Campsites on the river."
River sounds: The background noise of flowing water creates a peaceful atmosphere at waterside sites. At Grapevine, one camper stated, "I love camping here. Most sites are by the creek. And they are far enough away from each other you really feel at one with nature."
Forest solitude: Several camping areas provide an escape from crowds, especially midweek. At Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground, a visitor found "complete solitude" and reported, "Got here right before dusk and it was complete solitude. Packing up in the morning and a fisherman showed up to walk down the hill. Otherwise, saw no one."
Road access challenges: Many tent camping areas require driving on rough forest roads. For Big Bend Campground, Myron C. warns, "It is accessible only by driving on a one and a half mile forest road that is rough with lots of rocks and pot holes. You cannot drive to this site with a low clearance sedan."
Limited facilities: Prepare for minimal or no amenities at most tent sites. "There are no defined campsites we could see. Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything," explains Adam V. about Denver Downs Farm.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns impact both access and comfort. Winter temperatures can drop significantly, as Christy C. discovered at Burrells Ford: "It dropped to 17 degrees and our plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man/3-season tent."
Shorter hikes: Select sites with easier access for children. At Jones Gap State Park Campground, Laura C. recommends "spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc.) with a little work and a few trips and it was worth it for the seclusiveness."
Riverside activities: Many sites provide water play options during warmer months. Jones Gap sites are "right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop," according to Laura C., who successfully camped there with a toddler.
Wildlife education: The diverse ecosystem provides teaching opportunities. Stacy B. notes Jones Gap "is a great campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office."
Size limitations: The best tent camping near Clemson isn't suitable for larger RVs. Regarding Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area, Candy H. reports simply, "Not big rig friendly. Lots of opportunities for kayaking, hiking. Not an easy place for first timers to get into."
Alternative options: RVers should consider nearby developed campgrounds instead. Denver Downs Farm has limited facilities and "Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe. A little highway noise, but not bad," according to Adam V.
Hybrid camping strategy: Some visitors combine tent camping with nearby RV parking. At Jocassee, Erica notes, "A lot of people hike in to these campsites via the foothills trail but it's a very long hike so we carefully boated in from the Devil's fork side."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clemson, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clemson, SC is Denver Downs Farm with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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