Tent camping near Cleveland, South Carolina offers secluded wilderness experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet. The region's moderate climate features cooler mountain temperatures, with summer highs averaging 10-15 degrees below surrounding lowlands. Several campgrounds in the area require hikers to carry all supplies through forested trails with significant elevation changes to reach remote campsites.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Jones Gap State Park features multiple waterfall hikes accessible directly from campsites. One camper noted, "The trails and the park are so very well kept up! Was a beautiful day and hike. We are definitely coming back and looking into getting the year pass since it's so close to home."
River activities: Wade, swim or fish in the Middle Saluda River that runs through Jones Gap State Park Campground. According to a reviewer, "Spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop. There are several hike options right from your site including a nice little waterfall."
Technical hiking: Attempt challenging terrain at Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area where trails feature cable crossings and climbing ladders. One hiker described it as "wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: The rushing water creates a calming backdrop at most riverside campsites. A camper at Pine Point Primitive Campground shared, "The best part about this campground is that it is away from the sounds of traffic, and your nearest neighbor, if you have one, will be a tent camper about 200 feet away."
Level tent pads: Despite rugged surroundings, many sites feature well-constructed, flat tent pads. One visitor noted about Pine Point, "Best of all the remote sites had FLAT tent pads, which always make for a better night sleep!"
Privacy between sites: Campsites throughout the Cleveland area offer substantial separation. At Jones Gap, a camper observed, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quarter mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
What you should know
Bathroom logistics: Most primitive sites have limited toilet facilities. At Pine Point Primitive Campground, a camper warned, "There is one pit toilet for this campground, and from my site, it is almost a half mile away. That means that if you have to go in the middle of the night, take a strong flashlight with you."
Water planning: Pack sufficient water or bring filtration equipment. According to a reviewer at Asbury Hills Summer Camps, "My favorite part about this location is that you can access Ceaser's head state park from the Asbury Hills camp" where additional water sources may be available.
Trail visibility: Some campsites offer limited privacy from passing hikers. A Jones Gap camper mentioned, "It is of note that the trail is right by the river, so you will see people walk by and there isn't any real greenery to block that, even in summer."
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for children: Look for sites closest to trailheads when with young children. A parent camping at Jones Gap shared, "Love the privacy of this 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."
Gear transportation: Plan for multiple trips when carrying family gear. A family member at Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area advised, "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."
Pet considerations: Some water crossings can be challenging with dogs. At Asbury Hills, a reviewer cautioned, "My word of advice is to not take dogs that can't swim across the river; we saw a few couples who struggled to carry their pooches across the cable."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most Cleveland area campgrounds cannot accommodate standard RVs. At Wilderness Cove Campground, a reviewer noted, "Camped at Wilderness Cove in August 2020 for 2 nights. Very clean, small, quiet campground. Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent."
Road access concerns: Low clearance vehicles may struggle on unpaved access roads. A camper warned, "The drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy, and my car's low clearance had me scraping my underside on some rocky bumps inside the property."
Alternative options: Consider cabins for comfort without driving an RV. A visitor to Wilderness Cove reported, "Moving to the cottage was meant to be easier on my kid, but I didn't expect all the amenities: refrigerator, screened in porch, and very comfy beds."
