Camping spots near Easley, South Carolina range from lake access sites at elevations of 700-1,200 feet to mountain campgrounds over 3,000 feet. The region experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and hot, humid summers that make water-based camping particularly popular from May through September. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Trout fishing in mountain waters: At Davidson River Campground, anglers can access prime fishing spots along the Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest. "Known for trout fishing and hiking trails for all levels. Mountain streams offer fun for kids and kid-wannabes. There are equestrian trails and a riding stable nearby," shares a camper.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The area around Paris Mountain State Park Campground offers extensive biking opportunities. A visitor notes, "The hiking trails are beautiful. There's mountain biking trails also on the weekend." Many trails accommodate both beginners and experienced riders.
Waterfall exploration with minimal crowds: Within a 30-minute drive from Easley, numerous waterfalls can be accessed. One camper at Keowee-Toxaway State Park mentions, "To not be totally negative, the bathroom was nice, and clean, and a little walk from our site. We love the upstate, so we went to see the nearby twin falls. Well worth the trip, an easy drive and hike in to this spectacular waterfall."
What campers like
Lake access for swimming and paddling: Mile Creek County Park provides direct water access that campers consistently praise. "Each campsite has wonderful views of the water. There is a playground by the entrance and near the farthest campsites as well," reports a recent visitor. The park's location on Lake Keowee allows for swimming in clear waters.
Quiet weekday camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, many campgrounds offer significantly different experiences during weekdays. A visitor to Devils Fork State Park Campground explains, "This is a very popular destination. So, the campground was pretty loud and crowded at night until the lights out call. The lake views with the mountains in the background are perfect."
Winter camping for solitude: Winter offers unique camping opportunities with drastically reduced crowds. "I stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike," shares one camper at Table Rock State Park. Winter temperatures typically range from 30°F overnight to 50°F during daytime.
What you should know
Reservation timelines vary by season: Popular campgrounds require planning months ahead during peak times. A camper at Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell advises, "Great spot on Lake Keowee. Bring what you need as not much in the way of groceries nearby. Used to be about the last thing on the lake going north, but people retiring on the lake in mass numbers has in my opinion taken away from the lakes charm."
Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven, sloped sites due to mountainous terrain. "The site is very level, but be very weary that the drive up to this spot is steep and curved, We barely made clearance with a 23' trailer that has a lift kit on it. This spot requires backup skills and the right equipment," warns a Mile Creek County Park visitor.
Limited grocery options: The rural nature of many camping areas means limited access to supplies. One camper recommends, "Bring what you need as not much in the way of groceries nearby." Most campers should stock up in Easley or Greenville before heading to more remote camping locations.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water access for children: Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers family-friendly water options. A visitor shares, "We kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area and used the large tree trunks as seating. The site overlooked the water and had a good amount of privacy/space from the other campers."
Playground access for kids: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds to keep children entertained. "There is a playground by the entrance and near the farthest campsites as well," notes a Mile Creek visitor, making it easier for families to manage longer stays.
Ranger-led programs for education: Table Rock State Park offers educational opportunities through ranger programs. "I stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike," mentions one camper. These programs generally last 1-2 hours and teach children about local ecology and history.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have tight access roads requiring careful navigation. A Paris Mountain State Park visitor cautions, "The road through the park back to the campground is pretty narrow at some points - we don't know how we would have managed if we had met another RV! We have a 31' Class A and we managed fine, but I did hear some people with larger trailers having a harder time."
Leveling difficulties on mountain sites: The mountainous terrain creates challenges for RV leveling. At Jones Gap State Park, a camper notes that "The pad that has been cleared isn't perfectly level, but it's fine. There are however a few large buried rocks that keep it from being as smooth as you might expect."
Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds have infrastructure limitations. One Black Forest Family Camping Resort visitor reports, "The water pressure was not satisfactory and we couldn't take showers in our camper. The Internet isn't high speed and we couldn't get it to work unless no one was using it very early in the morning."
