Tent camping near Edgefield, South Carolina centers around several lakeside campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Clarks Hill and Parksville offer tent-specific sites with water and electric hookups for tent campers seeking basic amenities. Leroys Ferry Campground, located on Clarks Hill Highway in McCormick, provides waterfront primitive tent camping with direct lake access and is particularly popular for its secluded atmosphere and affordability.
Tent campsites in the Edgefield area typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with Leroys Ferry requiring exact payment in a drop box ($10 per night). Most tent-only sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire regulations vary by location. Primitive tent camping is the norm at several locations, requiring campers to bring their own water as potable sources are limited. Pit toilets or vault latrines are available at most campgrounds, but shower facilities are generally absent. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with Verizon users reporting delayed text messages and intermittent call capability. Pack-in, pack-out policies apply at most locations, as trash facilities are minimal.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Edgefield features waterfront sites with swimming access and fishing opportunities. Fell Hunt Camp offers approximately 20 tent campsites arranged in a circle, with additional sites for equestrian campers, making it suitable for group camping experiences. According to reviews, Leroys Ferry provides exceptional value for primitive tent camping enthusiasts: "Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming." Campers noted the spacing between sites creates a comfortable, uncrowded atmosphere even during holiday weekends. Walk-in tent sites at Back to Nature Garden Center provide a unique experience where "dense woods make you feel like you're in the country" despite being near conveniences, offering tent campers the best of both worlds.
from $25 / night
from $15 / night
from $125 / night
from $125 / night
"10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
"Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
from $10 / night
from $5 - $150 / night
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.
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.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
GuideThis is my favorite South Carolina Park. Most sites are waterfront. It's peaceful in the spring and beautiful in the fall. The pull-through sites are great for waking up to lake views and a sunrise or sunset over the lake
Tent camping opportunities near Edgefield, South Carolina concentrate primarily around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, with seasonal availability between March and October when temperatures range from 60-95°F. Most primitive sites have direct water access across elevations ranging from 330-400 feet above sea level, with the northwestern sites offering slightly higher terrain. Summer campers should prepare for high humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms typical of the Piedmont region.
Fishing opportunities: Visitors at Clarks Hill benefit from "very clean park" conditions with "great fishing" according to camper Steven S. The lake contains significant populations of largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and bream.
Swimming access: Leroys Ferry Campground provides excellent swimming conditions during warmer months. Daniel D. notes it as "a great, unpopular place to camp" where "most of the campsites have access via trails to the lake."
Trail exploration: Walking paths surrounding Soap Creek Marina offer nature observation opportunities. One visitor mentioned, "Nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot" - making it suitable for day hikes between water activities.
Equestrian camping: Horse owners can take advantage of dedicated equestrian sites at Fell Hunt Camp, which separates standard tent sites from those designed for campers with horses. The arrangement allows for group rides and trail access.
Affordability: Primitive camping at Raysville Marina receives praise for value. Jerry F. calls it "home away from home" with "wonderful" staff, though notes it can be difficult to secure a spot since "many people pay monthly and leave their campers."
Solitude: Uncrowded camping experiences rank highly in camper preferences. Danny B. said about Leroys Ferry that sites are "spaced far enough apart to be comfortable" with "not over crowded" conditions, making "it worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
Convenience with privacy: Back to Nature Garden Center offers an unusual balance of accessibility and seclusion. David H. describes it as a "small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country," with added convenience of "a family dollar next door if you forget anything."
Natural water views: Waterfront locations provide scenic camping. One camper reported the simple pleasure of setting "up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water" at Leroys Ferry, highlighting the direct lake access available.
Payment systems: Cash-only policies apply at several locations. Danny B. advises for Leroys Ferry, "bring exact money because it's just a drop box." Sites typically cost $5-10 per night depending on location.
Water sources: Fell Hunt Camp provides accessible drinking water. Brittany S. notes, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious," eliminating the need for campers to carry in their own water supply.
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds offer minimal amenities. At Leroys Ferry, facilities are limited to "a pump for well water and open-pit latrines," making it important to arrive prepared.
Site availability: Several locations operate on first-come, first-served basis without reservations. Raysville Marina has limited availability due to long-term campers, as Jerry F. notes it's "hard to get a spot because so many people pay monthly and leave their campers."
Site leveling: Terrain varies considerably. Daniel D. advises about Leroys Ferry that "you can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level," requiring preparation for uneven ground.
Group-friendly layouts: Soap Creek Marina provides "pull-up RV or tent spots with fire pits and picnic tables" that work well for family gatherings, according to one reviewer who noted it makes "a great getaway spot" with recreational options.
Circular camping arrangements: Fell Hunt Camp features approximately 20 tent sites arranged in a circular pattern. Brittany S. observed it "would be a great spot for some group camping!" allowing families to camp together while maintaining individual sites.
Garbage awareness: Some locations suffer from previous visitor neglect. One camper at Leroys Ferry reported, "I filled a bag before I even set up camp" and mentioned it "seems to attract people inclined to leave a lot of garbage," making it advisable to bring cleaning supplies.
Alternative accommodations: For families wanting upgraded experiences, Soap Creek Marina offers rental cabins. A reviewer mentioned "there are also a few cabins available to rent" alongside the tent and RV spots, providing options for mixed-comfort camping trips.
Spacing considerations: RV campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Leroys Ferry. Daniel D. noted most sites are "very easy to navigate" with sufficient space for larger vehicles despite some leveling challenges.
Off-season access: Marina-based camping areas often maintain limited winter operations. A Raysville Marina visitor praised "customer service when open in the off season" as "friendly, accommodating, very responsive," making it viable for cold-weather camping trips.
Extended stay options: RVers seeking longer terms should consider Raysville Marina, where monthly rates and extended stays are common practice, though this reduces availability for weekend campers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Edgefield, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Edgefield, SC is Clarks Hill with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Edgefield, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Edgefield, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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