Best Campgrounds near Fair Play, SC
Lake Hartwell forms the centerpiece of camping options near Fair Play, South Carolina, with several established campgrounds situated along its shoreline. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins just minutes from Interstate 85. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing provides similar accommodations in Fair Play, while Tugaloo State Park Campground sits across the Georgia state line but remains within easy reach. The campgrounds in this region typically feature water and electric hookups, with many offering full RV amenities including sewer connections and dump stations. Most sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, with several campgrounds providing shower access.
Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the Fair Play area, particularly during summer months when lakefront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though some facilities like Springfield - Hartwell Lake operate seasonally from April through October. The region experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers typical of the Southeast. Water levels on Lake Hartwell can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access at some campgrounds. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary at more remote sites. Visitors should be prepared for occasional thunderstorms during summer months. A camper noted, "The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the Fair Play area. Several campgrounds offer direct lake access with boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Lake Hartwell State Park features drinking water, electric hookups, and a dump station, though it lacks sewer hookups at individual sites. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing provides full hookups for RVs along with cabin rentals. Campers consistently rate the spaciousness of sites as a positive feature, with many commenting on the privacy between camping spots. A visitor wrote, "The campsites are very large. In the summer months this campground is very busy - so the large campsites makes you feel like it isn't AS busy." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with waterfowl and other lake species commonly spotted from shoreline campsites.
