Camping options near Clinton, South Carolina include rustic tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and premium accommodations on platforms. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with moderate rainfall throughout the year, creating lush surroundings at most campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s, making water activities particularly popular during peak season.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Sedalia Campground connects to the Palmetto Trail for day hiking or thru-hiking opportunities. "If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes," notes one camper who appreciates the accessibility from Sedalia Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Most campsites offer fishing access, with several maintaining dedicated fishing areas. Chester State Park Campground provides both lake fishing and rental equipment. A visitor explains, "There is an acre of catch and release pond, a playground and jump pad for kids, a pool, some trails, several things to do," making it ideal for families seeking structured activities.
Championship disc golf: Chester State Park features a full course popular with locals and visitors. "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course," mentions one Chester State Park Campground visitor who stayed in the newly renovated facilities.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Many campgrounds have recently renovated their restroom facilities. "Beautiful restrooms kept clean and had a combination lock on them," reports a visitor to Pine Ridge Campground, highlighting the attention to maintenance.
Lakeside camping spots: Sites with direct water access rank highest in reviews. "The most magnificent attraction that brought me to discover Baker Creek in the first place overdelivered - that's the brilliant lake that surrounds this beautiful peninsula," writes one reviewer about Baker Creek, noting the stunning waterfront location.
Management responsiveness: Many campers appreciate staff assistance, especially for first-time visitors. "The owners are wonderful! Great place to stop for one night or enjoy their amenities for a weekend," shares a Pine Ridge Campground visitor, emphasizing the welcoming atmosphere.
What you should know
Site conditions vary seasonally: Weather impacts affect ground conditions at many campgrounds. "Most, if not all of the campgrounds offer up large rocky rubble that you'll be planting your tent on," cautions a Baker Creek camper, suggesting that campers "bring some cardboard boxes that you can lay flat and put under the tent."
Primitive camping options: Sedalia offers basic camping with minimal amenities. "If you want to get away from civilization, this might be the place to camp. However, it is beside a road, but the road is not used very much since it is a national forest road," notes a visitor to Sedalia Campground.
Road quality considerations: Several campgrounds have unpaved or rough access roads. At Baker Creek, one camper warns about "some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes," recommending visitors "drive slowly throughout."
Tips for camping with families
Air-conditioned cabins for comfort: Alternatives to tent camping provide relief during hot months. "After car camping for a few days, my son and I came here to a surprisingly comfortable cozy and AIR CONDITIONED (!) cabin for 3 nights," explains a visitor to Plum Branch RV Park.
Structured children's activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend events. "My family had been coming here for years and we love it. Lots of fantastic amenities, cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen and a great pool make this a great place to stay," mentions a Pine Ridge visitor.
Farm experience alternatives: Unique glamping in Clinton, South Carolina area includes agricultural experiences. A visitor to WyldStay Greenville shares, "We spent some time with the other cows and loved the experience as we interacted with them and all of the other animals, including the new sheep that recently arrived."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete RV services. "Newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs," notes a Plum Branch RV Park visitor, providing specific details about the hookup configuration.
Connectivity options: Cell service and WiFi quality vary significantly between locations. A Plum Branch RV Park visitor shares specific carrier performance: "Cricket: 7.98dn, 0.84up; ATT: 27.69, 0.3 up; Visible: 7.2dn, 1.2up; Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up; T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service."
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on sun exposure and privacy needs. At Baker Creek, "the lower number campsites face the west (which means sunset), while the higher number campsites face the east (and sit on higher ground) making for an earlier wake-up call due to sunrise."
