Cleveland, South Carolina serves as a gateway to Upstate South Carolina's mountain terrain, sitting at 1,000 feet elevation where the Blue Ridge Mountains begin their rise from the Piedmont. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-55°F while summer sees 65-85°F with moderate humidity. The area provides distinct camping seasons with spring wildflowers, summer swimming opportunities, fall color viewing, and winter hiking when crowds thin considerably.
What to Do
Waterfall hunting: 5-mile radius. Jones Gap State Park contains multiple accessible waterfalls including Rainbow Falls (100-foot drop) requiring a 2.5-mile moderate hike. "The rushing river and dense foliage with tons of mountain laurel makes the air seem so fresh. I love just coming here and hiking upstream and playing in the river," notes one Jones Gap camper.
Lake activities: 30-minute drive. Devils Fork State Park Campground provides access to Lake Jocassee with exceptional water clarity. "This is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It isn't as busy as the Smokies and I find myself more at rest here. In the park, you can swim, hike, camp, fish and kayak," reports a visitor.
Mountain biking: Technical trails. The region offers numerous mountain biking opportunities for various skill levels. One camper at Davidson River Campground noted that "located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures... if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Varying levels. The camping experience near Cleveland offers different privacy options. At Black Forest Family Camping Resort, "sites are wooded and spaced far enough apart that you barely see or hear neighbors," according to one reviewer.
Creek and river sounds: Natural white noise. Many campers appreciate waterside sites. At Jones Gap, site 10 "sits about 50 yards up the hill from the main river running through the valley. The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep," one camper mentions.
Off-season experience: Fewer crowds. Table Rock State Park Campground offers year-round camping with distinct seasonal advantages. A winter visitor notes, "I stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike." Another adds, "The campground is peaceful and lots of hiking trails all over."
What You Should Know
Campsite leveling challenges: Bring blocks. Several campgrounds in the mountain region feature sloped sites. At Paris Mountain State Park Campground, a camper notes "nice large sites but very unlevel due to mountain side. Would not stay again because we were so unlevel our refrigerator wouldn't work."
Reservation timing: Book early. Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in peak seasons. For Lake Powhatan, a ranger mentioned "they'd been completely full since June," according to one visitor.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings. Mountain weather can change rapidly. "It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn't a muddy mess which is always a plus," reported a Black Forest camper, highlighting the importance of proper site drainage and setup.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Lake and stream. Orchard Lake Campground received praise for child-friendly water activities: "We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved," wrote one parent.
Rainy day options: Indoor activities. Wet weather doesn't mean boredom. "When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside," noted a family at Orchard Lake Campground.
Playground access: Energy outlets. Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "My kids, ages 12, 11 and 8 didn't want to leave! Thanks for having a great spot for my family to make some wonderful memories!" wrote one Orchard Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Site navigation: Assistance available. Solitude Pointe Cabins & RV Park offers practical help with challenging sites. "It is on a steep hill, but the camp hosts escort you to the site and help navigate your camper in if needed. We are new to camping so this was helpful," explains a recent visitor.
Surface types: Consider preferences. Different campgrounds feature varying site surfaces. Solitude Pointe has "level cement pads which makes set up easy," while a Black Forest visitor noted their "sites are all gravel" which can affect setup and comfort.
Utilities and amenities: Verify before booking. Water pressure varies between campgrounds. One camper reported at Black Forest: "The water pressure was not satisfactory and we couldn't take showers in our camper," highlighting the importance of checking specific utility details when planning an RV stay.
