Best Glamping near Edgefield, SC

Recent Glamping Reviews near Edgefield, SC

143 Reviews of 14 Edgefield Campgrounds

• 

  Tanya S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 11, 2021

  Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake

  Nice camp site

  Site 74 is right between the beach an the boating dock. Very large pull thru. Love how it was super private compared to the many other campgrounds I've been to.. We set up tents and did our glamping camping with ac. Also site was right on the water. Beautiful views. Wish there was more of our own little swim beach area. Bring spray for ants an mosquitos but that's everywhere in the woods lol. Bathroom was average happy our site was so close to the facilities. Would recommend staying here

• 

  Scott M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 29, 2020

  Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake

  Quiet Lakeside Campground

  Winfield is a compartively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park. Quiet and peaceful, it's tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond, if you're form South Carolina) which sees a good deal of boat traffic (pontoon boats in particular) in the summer months. Great for water activities (kayaking, SUP, etc) with awesome evening views.

• 

  Mo F.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 26, 2016

  Mistletoe State Park Campground

  Waterfront seclusion

  We camped in one of the tent only walk-in sites located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. We had a ton of stuff, not realizing it was an uphill and pretty long trek, but it was totally worth it. We had the whole place to ourselves, no neighbors, in late March. The sun setting over the water was beautiful, it was quiet even as a few motor boats came in for the night. There is a tiny beach on the tip of the peninsula, picnic tables, and an outhouse. It was my favorite spot of everywhere we stayed on an Alabama-Georgia-South Carolina roadtrip including AirBnB and bed and breakfast.

• 

  Sarah F.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 4, 2022

  Mistletoe State Park Campground

  Bring ant traps, otherwise amazing

  This was my kid's favorite place that we have been so far. Our site 49 was right in the water. There was a drop of about 2 feet to get in, but we made it work. My kids played in the lake and we used our kayak and paddleboards. The beach was nice as well. We drove about 20 minutes to South Carolina and the J. Strom Thurmond Dam. Call ahead to listen to the recording to know when they are releasing water.

  We have a 30ft TT and as we left my husband said anything else would be tricky getting out due to some trees on each side. The shape of the pull through site was fairly tight, but we didn't face any real issues with it.

  There are little black ants everywhere. By our third night they found some food which wasn't tightly sealed and there were ants everywhere. I got rid of most of them but it was too late at that point. We got some ant traps when we went home the next morning. Even though this was a pain, we would still go back, just with ant traps.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 1, 2023

  Hickory Knob State Park Resort — Hickory Knob State Park

  Lakeside Camping Perfection

  If you are looking for a near perfect lakeside camping experience in the 'Low Country' here in South Carolina, than you may have just found the perfect getaway! Tucked away from main roads and a solid 20 minute drive from the nearest traces of civilization (the itty bitty town of McCormick), Hickory Knob State Park, which sits right on the Savannah River / Lake Thurmond and provides the setting for truly one of the most perfect camping escapes I have ever encountered. 

  There's about 60-70 individual campsites here, but you would be hard pressed to count them all on account that there is so much foliage that separates each individual campsite that despite the # of sites, you are left with a very intimate and secluded feeling. While some of these well-secluded spots can get you just about as close to the lakeshore as possible (without infringing upon the land boundaries itself), most set a decent 10- 15 feet above shoreline and offer a private and simple-to-navigate pathway to the refreshing lollops of the lake's gentle rippling waves. 

  Each site is apportioned with the basics - long drive-way with corresponding flat base platform (either perfect for RV or very amenable to the largest of tents), fire ring, water spigot and picnic table. While there's a handful of campsites that appear to be close cousins to the one next to it, most sites feel independent from one another and offer up enough space to forget your next-door neighbors. Further, I counted 3 separate loops (or communities, if you will), each with their own facilities. 

  Apart from the greatest amenity being the lake itself, the park also offers a simple, yet splendid boat jetty with an easy-to-navigate round-about. Unlike many other state parks I have visited in the country, this one offers boaters many easy places to stow away their boats, when not in use on the lake. Further afield, there are plenty of trails to explore the deeper, less frequented side of this overgrown lakeside forested haven. 

  If there were any drawbacks at all, it would simply be the less than mediocre bathrooms and showers that the state of South Caroline seems intent on not fixing (think back 50 to 60 years ago to what bathrooms might have looked like back then and then come present day to find exactly the same thing, without any repairs (and perhaps any sanitation) being made whatsoever). With all of the tax dollars that the state collects, on top of the fees paid for camping in these amazing state parks, you think the state would be able to afford building and maintaining better and more modern facilities for its overnight guests (what is it that they say about hospitality in the South?!). 

  In sum, if you are looking for some really good seclusion, right on the lake, don't mind the overgrown nature of this campsite, have a boat, and perhaps older children that don't need playgrounds (and other man-made distractions) and can do without direct access to civilization, then this may very well be a perfect spot for you. 

  Insider tips? Here's a few: (1) Because the nearest town of McCormick is a bit of a hike to get to (think at least a 20 minute drive on slow moving, winding country roads), be sure to bring everything you need with you, but if you do need any groceries, there's a Food Lion that has just about everything you might need; (2) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova cooler, then check out Michelle's, which is one half family restaurant - where I never believe any waitress who answers the question 'What is the best thing on the menu' with the response 'EVERYTHING!', but I will admit, she was absolutely right - we tried the pizza, wings, salad bar and hamburger one night - all were equally amazing - and one half happy hour / karaoke bar that apparently the entirety of McCormick shows up at after 8pm every night, which was pretty cool to experience; (3) When / if you head into the town of McCormick, take note of the Ice ATM machine there - it's fantastic and super cheap, so be sure to stock up on your ice there; and (4) If you are wanting to 'whet your whistle' after a good hard day of kayaking, then head on over to nearby Back Paddle Brewing for some really nice local craft beers.

  Happy Camping!

• 

  robins662

  Guide

  

  May. 7, 2021

  Plum Branch RV Park

  Quiet and peaceful

  This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again.

• 

  Kevin H.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 6, 2021

  Plum Branch RV Park

  Nice place, definitely has potential

  Still being upgraded, so 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, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways. All nice and new. Will try again in future as it keeps improving

  We just overnighted so did not use facilities nor do much in the surrounding areas.

  I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload. Following are phones ( mostly for hotspot) I have and how they feature 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

  If I we’re staying in the area for more than a week, I would probably try a nearby COE as they are on the water. This park is near the water and has a restaurant an few hundred yards down the road.

  Really pleasant staff. Friendly and were helpful and obliging.

• 

  David H.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 12, 2021

  Back to Nature Garden Center

  Cozy and convenient

  Small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country. There's a family dollar next door if you forget anything.

• 

  Melanie

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 5, 2020

  Hickory Knob

  Woodsy!!

  The staff was amazing and helped me find something last minute. Our spot was woodsy and secluded. A little small for our camper but once we got it into the spot, it was great. Bring something for the ants! Clean bathrooms.

• T

  Tracy H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 27, 2021

  Hickory Knob

  Loved it!

  The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is the fact that the campground road is in pretty rough shape. Most of the sites have a nice view if the lake. Some do have a steep drop off, so you’ll need to walk to the launch area (dirt slope) for access. We went specifically to golf, and had a great round. You do need to reserve a tee time. We saw one of the most gorgeous sunsets we’ve ever seen during our stay. Another small negative is that you can hear the grounds crew mowing the golf course pretty much all day, so if you’re looking for total silence, this may not be the place for you. Bonus in our book is that it’s a small park.

• 

  Padget M.

  Guide

  

  May. 30, 2020

  Hickory Knob

  Clean, easy to access, restaurant is nice.

  Easy to camp. I’ve stayed here in summer and winter months. Site 18 had great water access. Beach is made of clay so be sure to wear shoes unless you don’t mind red feet. Spacious pad for gear.

• R

  Rob W.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 18, 2019

  Hickory Knob

  Quiet and Beautiful

  Some sites are challenging to back into but worth the effort. Large resort State Park with lots of activities and access to Strom Thurmond lake. Friendly and very helpful staff.

• 

  Landon T.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Baker Creek

  We enjoyed it

  Cool campground surrounded by water. I give it 4 stars mainly because the bathrooms were in disrepair and the hiking trail was poorly marked.

• B

  Brian B.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 1, 2023

  Baker Creek

  Beautiful lakeside views

  Rough roads, poor shower house, undeveloped sites. But man, what a view

• M

  Michael C.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 8, 2020

  Baker Creek

  Very peaceful and quiet

  Baker Creek State Park is situated in an area along the Savannah River with a lot of other S.C. and GA parks. It may be the smallest of all the surrounding parks which also means it is probably the quietest. There are no swimming pools, golf courses, or tennis courts which is perfect for me. I am looking for relaxation, not a bit of noise, people, and canned activity.

  Water access is very easy if you want to boat or kayak. There are are also nearby trails to go hiking. The main hiking trail onsite has not been kept up at all - so it is basically impassable.

  That is why the one star deduction from this camp. The rangers and the state just don’t keep it maintained like they should. The camp hosts are great and so their jobs well, but seems the full time rangers want to do as little as they can get away with. And lack of funding from the state doesn’t help that - and that is a problem with all the S.C. state parks, not just this one.

  But l, regardless of this, the campground is peaceful and functional, the views are wonderful, and the nature plentiful. Enjoy!

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 6, 2021

  Baker Creek

  Post-Apocalyptic Lakeside Camping Experience!

  OK, so there were no zombies that we accidentally bumped into, but that said, the whole campground was supposed to have gone through a massive redo that was intended to be completed by May, but by the time our camping experience began (2 full months later), the whole place was still going through its renovation efforts. 

  So what does that mean and what does that look like, you ask? Great questions indeed! 

  To begin with, I would like for you to imagine any campground that you have either visited or, in the case that you've never visited one, just imagine one. Lots of trees all over the place, with X number of campsites, perhaps a freestanding structure or two and happy campers walking around, fishing or grilling dinner on the BBQ. Get the picture? OK, great.

   Now, draw a circle around the perimeter of that campground and while you can leave the trees all around that perimeter, imagine nearly EVERY tree within that perimeter being removed (by brute force, which means that there's no grass or groundmatter whatsoever, other than a composition of ground soil, sand and large rubble). For your viewing pleasure, none of these ancient trees that were savagely removed from the area are taken away, but rather, stacked up in 2 or 3 very ominous piles of decaying wood (pictures of this later). 

  So while I understand that the park is going through some painful decisions of beautifying the place for the future, the present paints quite a bleak picture. Beyond the sparsely populated campground, which leaves every single campsite in plain view of all the others, resulting in ZERO privacy from any campsite view (in fact, several campers hung sheets from clotheslines to create their own hand-made seclusion, when the backside of an RV wasn't suffice), the bathroom and shower facilities are quite possibly the worst I have ever encountered in this country, on this continent or, for that matter, any of the other 5 continents I have traveled to (many including a number of 3rd world countries that offered far superior amenities). 

  Let me be plain and to the point - I don't like to begin on a negative note. But I do believe future campers should get a direct and honest first impression of a place that they are going to invest their time, money and energy into before deciding to create memories for themselves and/or their friends and families. So now that the 'bad' is out of the way, let's get to the 'good'… 

  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. While I understand that there once were 2 campgrounds here, that has since been reduced to the single circular campground that exists now (perhaps in the future, they will reinstate it) that features upwards of 30 individual campsites. One cautionary note - while most campsites dot the perimeter of the inlet, there are about a half dozen that are on the interior of the campground, and while these don't have direct lake access, they do sit higher above ground, making for a decent view, but this places you in the middle of the circle, with everyone viewing you at all times (which just has to feel weird with no trees providing privacy or shade!). 

  Another tip, 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. And while I'm an early morning riser, I will have to admit, the sunsets sinking in the west are nothing short of absolutely brilliant (just view the pictures!). Further, there are a few tiny beachheads on the peninsula, but all are on the west side of the campground (yet another reason to favor that side of the campground). 

  The greatest experiences we had involved swimming, canoeing and/or inter-tubing on the lake. My entire family just had a blast on the water - which was pretty cool as they had never spent any time on a lake before, and in fact, had a pretty gnarly version of what swimming in a lake would be like (OK, maybe not anything like Lochness, but not too far away from it either!). The first night spent underneath the stars at Baker Creek SP was highlighted by a full, new moon, which was nothing short of spectacular. Every night (even the nights it rained) we had such clear views of the constellation of stars from our tent with peeled back ceiling cover (which if you haven't invested in one, only until you have, can you realize that this is likely one of the single best investments you can make on any single item in your camping gear)! 

  Each of the campsites come with the standard amenities: brand new picnic tables, easy-open grill covered fire circles and what looked to be newly installed water spigots. One watch-out: most, if not all of the campgrounds offer up large rocky rubble that you'll be planting your tent on (no problem of course if you have an RV )- and while we had a tent skirt that softened the ground a bit, it was still incredibly sharp underneath our tent. I'd definitely recommend bringing some cardboard boxes that you can lay flat and put under the tent (your knees and elbows will thank you later!). 

  Further afield, there is a boat jetty with a pretty large-sized parking lot perfect for trucks and their boat trailers. Caution here and throughout the entire park: there are some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes (and I'm from Chicago, so that's saying something!). I've read some of the other reviews and while I don't think anyone needs to be driving a 4x4 to make it through these war-torn divots and poorly laid roads, I would advise on driving slowly throughout (upon exiting the park the first time, I was driving at the height of the speed limit (25 mph or so) and hit a pretty uneven patch of road right near the gate entrance, and felt like I nearly broke one of my car's rims, which I don't even know if that is possible, so beware!). 

  Outside the campground, there's really beautiful foliage everywhere you look and plenty of nature creeping out to take a peek at you (several deer, raccoons and snakes were spotted). Only a few trails exposed themselves to us, but all looked as though they hadn't had a single hiker pass through for decades (Rangers, you might want to get those trails better marked and cleared!). 

  Lastly, just beyond the campground( veer left when you see that last campsite sign that points you to the right), there's a main campground building that has a pretty new kid's playground adjacent to it and the largest of the small beachheads in front of it (although beware all the dog, deer and duck dung!). On our last day of camping, we discovered that this building actually has a store that offers camping supplies, but we were never provided with this information upon check-in. In fact, there was no clear instructions on how to check-in and who with, until one of the live-in residents introduced themselves to us the second day of our stay. 

  Beyond the Baker Creek SP itself, there is the small town of McCormick. Hereto, I've read the reviews, and feel I need to make some corrections. Is there a lot around this campground? No. But is there more than sufficient resources to replenish your camping cupboards, must-haves or even nice-to-haves? Absolutely. So, here's what you've got within a 10 minute drive: a number of state parks with killer hiking trails, an ice cream parlor, 3 gas stations, a stand alone ice machine (at the first light going into McCormick - best $2 I spent on the whole trip!), Burger King, Subway, Hardee's, a Lion's grocery store (superb by my city dwelling standards) and a host of really decent local restaurants. 

  When we got hit hard by rain one night just before I was about to get the chicken skewers on the grill, the rain didn't look as though it was going to let up, so we headed into town instead and went to Michelle's - which was one-part 'hole-in-the-wall' Italian joint (they were still figuring out if they were more NY or NJ at the time of our visit!) and one-part go-go dive bar (complete with amazingly horrible karaoke - wished I could have stayed!). When asked about what was the best thing on the menu, the waitress boasted - everything! And she was pretty amazingly accurate - so slurp down some good local suds and visit Michelle's if you get tired of hotdogs and beans fireside one night! 

  I hope this review helps those who read it. Again, I don't mean to paint too much of a negative picture - but my firm recommendation would be, until this campground has truly renewed itself - find another campground that doesn't compromise your experience while it is trying to reconstruct itself. But if you don't mind flying on an airplane while it's being built, than this may very well be the campground for you. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Jim R.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 4, 2018

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  We really enjoy it

  Nice peaceful , layed back campground will return !!!

• 

  Swain K.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 16, 2018

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  lake views

  nice and quite on the lake. not a big crowd in march.

• 

  Ashton H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 19, 2018

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Quiet and nice

  Elijah Clark state park was nice and quiet. Pretty views and clean bath houses.

• 

  Kirsten W.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 28, 2018

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Great lakefront site

  We had a true adventure when we stayed there.The place was beautiful we camped overlooking the lake.The bathrooms were spotless.We do advise if your in a tent maybe not taking a direct lakefront spot because we literally had to tie down our tent to anything including our car because it got so windy from the winds across the lake.Otherwise it was a great spot to stay.You can go swimming in the summer too we went when it was still cold so no swimming for us.

• 

  Kara’s C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 9, 2019

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Lack of privacy and more

  Several things turn me off of this campground. First, the campsites offer absolutely no privacy or separation. Second, we paid for a premium site, however, our site (#65) flooded and became clay-muddy when it rained. It was also difficult to find due to poor labeling. Third, many of the sites did t take advantage of the view of the lake by having the hookups on the “wrong” side of the site.

• 

  Bill C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2019

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Camping within history

  From the main entrance is a winding wooded road to the main store. There you find friendly and helpful staff, parking for vehicles and campers, a store with all your basic needs and other little goodies. Firewood and propane are also available. Inside the store they also have a mini library you can borrow from and next to that a nature area with a live snake and turtles. Our site was easy to find, level and best of all near the waters edge. The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about.

• A

  Amber W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 24, 2019

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Unorganized

  We arrived on a Saturday morning to reserve a walkin site that was available online. Paid for the site at the office only to arrive at the site and see that it was already taken, along with all the others.  Went back to the office to inform them and then were told the ranger would go check on it. Drove back to the office an hour later to be told that the site was actually the people who were already there, even though it was available in the computer. Offered a $7 refund and a different site not next to the water, like we wanted. It was poor communication all the way around and the campground was overly crowded more than the allotted cars per campsite at multiple sites. Archery activity was canceled for that day, but the people in the office had no idea why. Not on my list of places to go back to.

  Positives for the park, sunsets over the lake were gorgeous and the bathrooms were nice.

• S

  Susan H.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 24, 2019

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Beautiful View

  Nice campground & beautiful lake. We launched our kayak from campsite.

• 

  Jeffrey S.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 31, 2020

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Great lake front campground

  Spent Fri-Sun (Aug 28-30) in site #55 on campground #1 loop.  We were on the west side of the loop and the last site directly on the water.  It is a back-in site and was wooded with a nice view.  We loved this spot, so much quieter than the rest of the loop.  This lake is all about boating so most of the sites are already packed in, then throw in most sites have a camper plus a boat on them and it can seem crowded.  From our site we could get in the water and use our SUP boards and swim around.  This spot is right between the bath house and dumpsters - about 2 min walk.  We would definately go back here and stay in the same area we were in.  There is a little beach and dock closer to the visitor center that was a 3/4 mile hike/walk each way (but we just swam at out site).  

  https://gastateparks.org/ElijahClark

  Would recommend Site #54, pull-through that will have you facing the lake and quiet.

• R

  Rainey L.

  Traveler

  

  May. 25, 2021

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Favorite Park

  If you love the water this is the perfect park for you. With its own beach and multiple boat ramp areas, this park makes the perfect transition for camping and waterplay. Kayaking and yoga as the sun rises over the water could not of been more perfect.

• 

  Marci W.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 18, 2021

  Elijah Clark State Park Campground

  Beautiful place!

  We are enjoying our stay here on Lake Thurmond! There are spacious campgrounds with everything you need! Beautiful, quiet park!