Best Campgrounds near Cleveland, SC
Cleveland, South Carolina sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing access to numerous camping areas within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Solitude Pointe Cabins & RV Park offers 20 sites directly in Cleveland with full hookups, while nearby Jones Gap State Park features primitive tent camping along the Middle Saluda River. The region encompasses both established campgrounds with amenities and backcountry sites requiring short hikes. Table Rock State Park, approximately 10 miles northwest, provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodation options with varying levels of amenities throughout the year.
Camping permits and reservations are essential for most locations in the area, particularly during peak seasons from spring through fall. Jones Gap State Park requires advance bookings for its limited trailside tent sites, which are spaced approximately a quarter mile apart for privacy. Many campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though services may be reduced in winter months. The terrain varies significantly, with primitive sites often situated along rivers and streams requiring short hikes from parking areas. Cell service is limited throughout the mountain region, especially in wilderness areas and deep valleys. As one camper noted about Jones Gap, "It sits about 50 yards up the hill from the main river running through the valley. The river is a great soundtrack for a night's sleep."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Cleveland area, with numerous reviews highlighting the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park. Campers consistently mention the soothing sounds of rushing water and opportunities for wading, fishing, and cooling off during summer months. Trailside camping provides quick access to the extensive network of hiking paths throughout the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, connecting to popular destinations like Rainbow Falls. Privacy varies by campground, with Jones Gap offering more secluded sites while Solitude Pointe provides a balance of convenience and natural surroundings. According to reviews, Solitude Pointe features "paved, very wooded and private sites with umbrellas with the picnic tables" and is noted for being a "quiet campground run by friendly people."
