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.

Best Camping Sites Near Fair Play, South Carolina (261)

    1. Tugaloo State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Fair Play, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 356-4362

    $27 - $230 / night

    "This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path.

    Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.

    The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."

    "On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line.  "

    2. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

    29 Reviews
    Clemson, GA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $36 - $76 / night

    "Most, but not all, sites have lake views.  During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58).  "

    "Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."

    3. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 972-3352

    "We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 98 which was a lovely lakeside site.  The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access. "

    "We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable."

    4. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing

    15 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I didn't really sleep well because it was 1. cold and 2. it is close to the highway so we could hear cars and trucks driving by at night. Maybe we just picked the wrong campsite."

    "Access to the water at the park but didn't see a boat launch."

    5. Coneross Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $26 - $76 / night

    "Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."

    "Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."

    6. Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    16 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."

    "Many sites have a tent pad, are very level packed gravel/sand and well situated with very few having very close neighbors. "

    7. Oconee Point

    13 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Wow, Oconee Point in South Carolina is one of my favorite camping spots for me. I absolutely love this place, and have been coming here ever since I was little."

    "We had an excellent weekend stay at site 16, lovely lake view of Hartwell, power and water hookups only."

    8. Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    11 miles
    Website

    "Close proximity to bathhouse.

    Wind was a big deal our first day. Temps dropped the weekend we camped and the wind coming off the lake made it much colder."

    "The Family and I are new to camping, we came here because of a group event at pavilion 1&2 the office attendants were nice and helpful, our site (14) was amazing with great view of lake Hartwell and"

    9. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊

    warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"

    10. Paynes Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Fair Play, GA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    "We had a great place next to the beach and the gate workers were so sweet!"

    "On lake Hartwell. “Beach” access. Bath houses. Playground. Gravel spots, spacious. Closed November to February. We love to go here just to get away!"

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Recent Reviews near Fair Play, SC

1318 Reviews of 261 Fair Play Campgrounds


  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Golden Grove Farm and Brew

    HIPPIES AND HOORAHS

    arrived around 2 - had live music at 7 so went to get drinks & dinner. had the MOST incredible time. EVERY single person - staff & locals - were the friendliest, most welcoming and inviting people we have ever met. it was such a fun night. food & drinks are also amazing. if you’re looking for a fun night out but also need a place to stay - COME HERE!!! will definitely be coming back if we’re in SC

    such a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    River Falls at the Gorge

    Not a $96 a night Campground

    We have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.

    If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    Gorgeous view

    I believe every site is lake front. The view of the lake is amazing and perfect. Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those. Mine had rocks covered with wire thats been cut or broken so wasn’t taking my chances there. This place is huge! There is no sewer at sites but water and electric up to 50amp

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Don Carter State Park Campground

    Great weekend

    Nice bath and shower facilities. Water pressure is low. There are two dump stations and dumpsters. The campground sits above Lake Lanier. Finding sites are a little confusing.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Adventure Village and Lodgings

    Nice secluded tent sites

    This campground has a few tent campsites near the office/shower building but a great number of remote sites up on the side of a mountain. 4WD required due to steep inclines and rough road conditions. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring and some shade during different times of the day. Fireworks were an issue the first night because it was 4th of July but other nights it was quiet.

    Management was mostly absent and check in was easy. Tent site selection is first come first served. Manager did pick up the phone to hear my complaint about fireworks (midnight) but shooters were coming from outside of the campground.

    Lot of cabins and RVs But I didn't see any pull throughs.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Solitude Pointe Cabins & RV Park

    Quiet & Great Location

    A wonderful campground run by friendly people. The sites are on level cement pads which makes set up easy. It is on a steep hill, but the camp hosts escort you to the site and help navigate your camper in if needed. We are new to camping so this was helpful. Sites back up to the woods. They also have a great camp store for any little things you forgot or keepsakes. Highly recommend this campground and will return!

  • Leslie W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    April Valley RV Park

    45+, small dogs

    Tried to book but very select campground. Only people 45 and older and no kids. Dogs can only be under 30 lbs. looks nice otherwise


Guide to Fair Play

Lake Hartwell serves as a defining feature for Fair Play's camping options with its 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 660 feet elevation with moderate seasonal temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F between spring and fall. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round but experience highest occupancy from May through September when water temperatures reach their peak.

What to do

Water activities beyond swimming: Oconee Point offers direct water access from almost every site. One camper notes, "If you have kayaks or a boat, you can pull them right up to your spot." The expansive shoreline provides both deep water and shallow areas suitable for various water activities.

Biking trails: South Cove County Park features multiple paved paths for cycling. The park sits on a peninsula giving riders waterfront views from multiple angles. "The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals," notes a visitor, making it possible to combine biking and water sports during a single day.

Wildlife viewing: Morning hours at Paynes Creek Campground provide opportunities to spot waterfowl and shoreline wildlife. A visitor mentioned, "We loved that it's in the middle of nowhere," highlighting the less developed setting that attracts more diverse wildlife. Dawn and dusk offer the best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell receives high marks for its generous site dimensions. A camper observed, "The sites were immaculate, and more private/better shielded than other campgrounds." This extra space provides privacy even during peak season when the campground reaches full capacity.

Swimming beaches: Coneross Park Campground features multiple designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "The beaches are very nice with playgrounds on them. Water was clear to 7' depth," reports one visitor. These swimming areas provide alternatives to the rockier shorelines found at some campsites.

Quiet atmosphere: Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM, with Sadlers Creek State Park Campground noted for its peaceful setting. A camper shared, "Our campsite was very easy to haul the kayaks to the beach from and very private also. Quiet and peaceful." The park's layout helps buffer noise between camping areas.

What you should know

Water level fluctuations: Lake Hartwell water levels can vary significantly by season, potentially affecting beach access and boat launches. Springfield - Hartwell Lake experiences these changes most noticeably. A camper noted, "We needed to buy a ladder to reach the water from our site," indicating the varying shoreline conditions that may require adaptability.

Reservation timing: Most waterfront sites book 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. Non-waterfront sites typically remain available with shorter notice. One camper at Lake Hartwell State Park Campground advised, "Best sites are 38, 39, 41 and 5. These are right on water with level pads and access to your play toys that you can pull up to the coast."

Insect preparation: Fire ants appear at multiple campgrounds, particularly during warmer months. A visitor reported, "Every step we took or every place we sat would soon be swarmed with ants as that's what fire ants do." Bringing ant spray and carefully selecting tent locations helps manage this challenge.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer multiple playground areas within walking distance of campsites. A visitor to South Cove County Park observed, "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site."

Swimming safety: Many campsites have varying water depths directly offshore. At Coneross Park, "Can walk down to sandy area of lake where people had pulled up jet skies, were boating, and swimming." These designated swimming areas provide safer options than the sometimes rocky or steep shorelines at individual sites.

Gate closure awareness: Security gates at several campgrounds close at set hours. One camper noted, "The campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked." Planning evening activities accordingly prevents being locked out overnight.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for big rigs: Carolina Landing RV Resort presents challenges for larger vehicles. A camper warned, "The lower section of the park is tight and can be difficult to get into a site, roads are very narrow." RVs over 35 feet should request sites in more accessible areas or consider alternative campgrounds.

Utility hookups: Most campgrounds provide water and electric connections, while sewer hookups vary. At Oconee Point, campers report, "Sites have 50/30/20 amp electric service and water, pads are level packed gravel, each having a picnic table and fire ring." Dump stations are available at all campgrounds but may require waiting during busy checkout times.

Leveling considerations: Sites at Twin Lakes often require significant leveling. One RVer cautioned, "Our site- A5- was super unlevel. I felt unsafe with our fifth wheel's two left tires up in the air after auto-leveling." Bringing extra leveling blocks helps address the sometimes challenging terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fair Play, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fair Play, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 261 campgrounds and RV parks near Fair Play, SC and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fair Play, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fair Play, SC is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fair Play, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Fair Play, SC.