7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area sites accommodate pets with picnic tables and fire rings at each primitive campsite. Located in the Sumter National Forest near Edgefield, South Carolina, this first-come, first-served campground allows dogs throughout the property while offering level tent and RV pads. Vault toilets and a common water spigot serve the 9 campsites that surround the lake. Modoc Campground at J. Strom Thurmond Lake also welcomes pets at all sites, providing water and electric hookups plus sanitary dump stations for RVs. Treesort - By the Bark stands out as a cabin option that specifically caters to dog owners, featuring a deck where guests can enjoy nature with their pets. Campsites are well-spaced at most of these locations, creating privacy and room for pets to settle comfortably. The bathrooms at Lick Fork Lake are basic but functional, matching its primitive camping experience.
A 1-mile trail circles Lick Fork Lake and connects to a longer 5.6-mile loop trail perfect for dog walking. Dogs can swim in designated areas of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, though they aren't permitted on official beach areas within the parks. Many campers report finding secluded spots along the shoreline where dogs can safely cool off in the water. Lake Greenwood State Park offers additional pet-friendly camping with full hookups and access to trash facilities important for proper pet waste disposal. Summer heat requires extra consideration for pets, with early morning or evening walks recommended during hot weather months. Cell coverage varies between campgrounds - Modoc reports excellent reception with both ATT and Verizon carriers, while Lick Fork Lake has limited to no service, important for accessing emergency vet information. Across these pet-friendly campgrounds near Edgefield, options range from primitive lakeside campsites to developed sites with electric hookups, giving dog owners flexibility in how they camp.
"With lake access on virtually every spot you’ll wake up to amazing views and great days in the sun. Almost every spot has a walkable path to the water."
"Lakeside lot with incredible space. Dog friendly and they enjoyed being able to go for a swim right outside of the camper."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 - $50 / night
"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."
"Surrounded by water. Camping and boating paradise. Immaculate grounds and facilities. Water and electric and gray water dumps at each site. Washer and dryer."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $175 / night
from $10 / night
"Dogs aren’t allowed on beach area but we found our own great spot within the park that allowed them to swim and cool off with us!"
"Lots of RVs and pull behinds. Sites were well spaced. We had 15 and it was great, I would stay at the same site again. Water and electric at all sites. Access to water from majority of sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $64 / night
"There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim.. There are two trails. A short one (about a mile) around the pond and a longer 5.6 mile loop."
"Trails to hike, dog friendly, canoes and kayaks for rent and close enough to a town to drive in to if you tire of campfire meals and want a really good margarita or need a grocery store to grab anything"
"Large sites and large open yard behind it, great for dogs to run and kids to play!"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $250 / night
"Pets allowed. Playground and beaches. Fish cleaning station. Boat ramp. Dump station."
"Easy walk down to the water, lovely breeze, quiet. We were close to the ADA bathhouse that was immaculate."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $64 / night
from $99 - $194 / night
"There's no power which is perfect for camping off grid away from all the trailers. The campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful."
"It has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes! When we come back we’d probs choose site #5 to avoid the tree and all the limbs."
"My bf and I rented a camper cabin-electricity, heat, air, bunkbeds + full bed…secluded from the rest of the park, located on its own loop, separate showers(2) + 3 stalls + changing room in the public restrooms"
"This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"
Available this weekend
TravelerIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
RangerPetersburg is a campground with million dollar views that has become a forgotten asset of the federal government.
The property is mostly overgrown and landscape maintenance appears to be a forgotten concept, like bathhouse maintenance.
On a positive note it has been reported that the government is approving funds to restart the modernization of these once great recreation locations.
ScoutThe neighbors are fantastic. The management is fantastic.
We love it here.
GuideWhat a lovely little find! We spent the night at Enoree River Vineyards & Winery and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Arriving in our RV was a bit of a squeeze navigating the trees near the entrance, but we managed to get through without any problems.
Once settled, we headed inside for a wine tasting, and that’s where the experience really shone. Kelly looked after us and was absolutely delightful—friendly, welcoming, and a pleasure to chat with. She made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The wines were excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t resist leaving with three bottles!
A fantastic place to spend the night, unwind, and enjoy some delicious local wine. We’d happily visit again and would definitely recommend it!
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
GuideWe had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
RangerLet me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
TravelerThe campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
Dispersed camping options near Edgefield, South Carolina offer a mix of primitive sites and basic amenities. The area sits within the Piedmont region at elevations between 400-500 feet, creating moderate temperatures that average 50°F in winter and 90°F in summer. Most campgrounds in this region border J. Strom Thurmond Lake (also called Clarks Hill Reservoir), providing water recreation opportunities alongside forest camping experiences.
Explore lake trails: At Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake, campers can access the Bartram Trail for mountain biking and hiking directly from the campground. "Mountain bike trails in either direction just at the park entrance. Our site like most was right on the lake, and because we were out on more of a peninsula had great sunsets," notes Christina.
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Sumter National Forest Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area provides quiet fishing spots away from crowded areas. "There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim," shares Bill W., who appreciates the secluded nature of this primitive camping area.
Water activities: Kayaking, swimming, and boating are popular at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground. "The lake was beautiful and clear, the grounds and trails on the park were quaint and well kept," notes Adam W., who visited for his first camping trip. The park features designated swimming areas with relatively rock-free shores.
Spacious sites: The Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds provide generous camping areas. "Access to sites are easy. Almost all are pull through. They're also pretty well spaced out for privacy and plenty of space for each site," writes Alex C. about Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Waterfront views: Many campsites offer direct lake access. "These sites are all good sized lots and not on top of each other. Amenities are clean, but could use another bath house or two. Beautiful views of the easily accessible lake," reports Ivan C. about Ridge Road campground.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more solitude, Bussey Point Wilderness Area provides a back-to-basics experience. "This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is a no frills campground. If you are looking for luxurious amenities, and a pristine restroom facility, this is not the place for you," explains Big D.
Cell service varies: While Modoc campground offers excellent connectivity, other sites have limited or no service. "We had our section of the campground all to ourselves. Quiet beautiful good fishing, minimal bugs, waded in the sandy edge of the lake," notes Rick B., highlighting other benefits at Modoc despite connectivity concerns.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, though Lick Fork Lake operates on a first-come, first-served basis. "No reservations either," explains Bill W. about Sumter National Forest Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area, noting it had only one other occupied campsite mid-week in June.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities range from vault toilets to full bathhouses. "The bathrooms with shower stalls have AC and heat no matter the time of year you go," writes Wanda C. about Elijah Clark State Park Campground, an important consideration for those seeking more comfort while enjoying pet friendly camping near Edgefield, South Carolina.
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Drive-in movie nearby is really fun," mentions Megan M. about Lake Greenwood State Park, providing an additional entertainment option for families.
Consider water safety: Many waterfront campsites have rocky shorelines or steep drop-offs. "It has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes!" warns Claire M. about Bussey Point campsite #4, suggesting site #5 as a better alternative for those with children.
Check seasonal conditions: Summer heat can be intense in this region. "This park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded," notes Barry B. about Lake Greenwood, an important feature when camping with children during hot weather months at pet friendly campgrounds near Edgefield.
Site selection: For larger RVs, some campgrounds offer better access than others. "Stayed here twice after upgrading to the new camper. Sites and grounds are well kept. Bathhouses are well maintained," shares Jerry F. about Petersburg campground, noting its accommodation of larger units.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer sanitary dumps. "All sites have water and electric hookups, dump station, clean bathrooms, dark starry night skies," describes Christine about Petersburg campground, providing essential information for self-contained campers bringing pets to the Edgefield area.
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have limited parking at each site. "Access in and out, back-in site was very large with lake views while keeping us in mostly shade," says Rick G., highlighting the easy maneuverability at Petersburg campground for RVs while maintaining shade important for pet comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Edgefield, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Edgefield, SC is Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Edgefield, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 74 dog-friendly camping locations near Edgefield, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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