Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee dominate the camping landscape near Clemson, South Carolina, with over 900 miles of shoreline between them. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions in the 60-70°F range. Water levels on both lakes can fluctuate throughout the year, sometimes revealing clay and rock shorelines during drought periods.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Lake Keowee's clear water makes it perfect for kayaking and canoeing. At Mile Creek County Park, several campers note how ideal the conditions are. "Bring tubes and floats to relax in the water with, It's a great time!" says Kirsten J., who adds that they "even rented a pontoon boat nearby & they gave us a map and told us where to go. We did cliff diving and climbed waterfalls."
Fishing spots: The lakes around Clemson offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell, many sites provide direct water access. "We always get water front sites," explains Tony K., who has "stayed here dozens of times." For trout fishing specifically, head to Lake Jocassee where Devin K. reports there's "great trout" and "amazing water clarity."
Mountain biking trails: The Clemson Experimental Forest contains excellent mountain biking opportunities about 25 minutes from some campgrounds. Adam V. from Mile Creek Park discovered "this is some really amazing mountain biking 25 minutes away in the Clemson Experimental Forest... the Isaqueena Trail system. Ranges from easy/intermediate to advanced when you get to the lower waterfall area in the southern part of the forest."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Almost every site at Oconee Point provides direct lake access. As Mike G. notes, "you'd be hard pressed to find a site here that's not on the water." Many campers appreciate how they can swim or launch boats directly from their sites. Crystal C. confirms, "Big sites, all but three are lake front."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. Jennifer K. from Mile Creek County Park mentions that "some are closer than others, yes. But there is a view of the lake from every single site." At Coneross Park, one camper appreciated how "the heavy foliage makes everything private."
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses around Clemson generally receive positive reviews. Liz H. at Tugaloo State Park Campground found that "bath houses were very clean and spacious." Similarly, at Mile Creek Park, Alicia D. reported that "bathrooms were very clean and easy to access."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Devils Fork State Park Campground, Todd R. advises to "reserve well in advance." Similarly, Candis C. mentions that at Mile Creek Park, "we booked our trip in February so we got all the spots we wanted."
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. Thomas A. at Twin Lakes advises: "Some sites better than others. Do your research first," explaining that "sites 3-24 are much more to our liking with regards to elbow room and privacy. Our next trip to this park will be on that branch."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense. One camper at Twin Lakes mentioned, "All we could have wished for was a breeze, it was stifling hot (95+)." Consider camping in spring or fall for more comfortable temperatures, or choose shaded sites when possible.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and beaches: Several campgrounds have excellent facilities for children. At South Cove County Park, Amanda W. notes there's "a ramp. Has showers and restrooms... The lake is great for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals." Kelli P. adds that "there are several large play areas in walking distance."
Biking opportunities: Some campgrounds offer better biking opportunities than others. Celeste C. from Tugaloo State Park found it was "pet friendly, family friendly," while Lori W. noted that "the campground has a beach, and a boat launch."
Swimming conditions: Water entry points vary by campground and site. Catherine O. from Coneross Park shares that "there are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding." Robert W. adds that the "water was clear to 7' depth" at Coneross, though he cautions that "its all about the lake. No trails at all."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. Windell S. from Oconee Point recommends specific sites: "Best campsites are 3, 14, 57, 58, 69 & 70," and notes that "most will handle a 40' rig." Bruce B. confirms this, stating their motorhome site "was right on the lake and had a large area for the grill and picnic table with cross tie steps and walls."
Hookup variations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Daniel G. warns about infrastructure issues: "Twice in one week this campground experienced a complete and total power outage each of which lasted for hours." Meanwhile, Windell S. notes Oconee Point offers "50/30/20 amp electric service and water, pads are level packed gravel."
Gate closure times: Be aware of gate closure times if planning evening activities. Amanda W. mentions that South Cove County Park "has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked."
