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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
