Thomas S.
Scout
ScoutLittle Creek RV & Tiny Home Resort
Great long-term Rv Resort
Spacious long-term Resort with bathhouse, laundry facility, dog park, hiking trail, private dock on Lake Hartwell, boat storage, and more. Also allows tiny homes!
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Fair Play, SC
Lake Hartwell State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its camping areas, offering shaded tent sites and RV spots with water and electric hookups. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing provides pet-friendly accommodations including cabins and RV sites with full hookups, though some visitors note the campground has tight spacing between sites. Both parks maintain designated pet areas and require dogs to be leashed at all times. Tugaloo State Park across the Georgia border also accepts pets at its tent, RV, cabin, and yurt sites. Coneross Park and Twin Lakes campgrounds feature lakeside tent and RV sites where pets can accompany their owners. Most campgrounds in the Fair Play area enforce standard pet policies including current vaccinations, maximum of two pets per site, and immediate cleanup of pet waste. Sites at Carolina Landing can be unlevel and require careful navigation for larger RVs.
Shoreline access at Lake Hartwell State Park provides excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months, while multiple hiking trails accommodate leashed pets. Many campers report that Thousand Trails Carolina Landing lacks a proper dog run area despite being pet-friendly. During peak summer seasons, pet owners should be mindful of hot pavement and provide adequate shade and water for their animals. The natural wooded setting at Lake Hartwell State Park offers good privacy between campsites with plenty of trees for shade. Morning and evening walks along Lake Hartwell's shoreline are popular among dog owners. Nearby Paynes Creek Campground features beach access points ideal for pets who enjoy swimming. Local pet supply stores are available in Seneca, approximately 15 minutes north of Fair Play, with emergency veterinary services located in Anderson, about 30 minutes away.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Fair Play, South Carolina (210)
1. Tugaloo State Park Campground
42 ReviewsFair Play, SC5 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsClemson, SC11 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$36 - $76 / night
"So many aminities right on site that included, but not limited to; excellent fishing spots, showers & laundry services, recreational abundance all around, and golf cart friendly community filled friends"
"Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58). "
3. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
19 ReviewsFair Play, SC3 milesWebsite+1 (864) 972-3352"We really loved the privacy and the access to the lake from our spot! The only thing would be sewer hook up but the restroom and showers were a short walk from our spot!"
"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. "
4. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing
15 ReviewsFair Play, SC1 mileWebsite+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 ReviewsTownville, SC8 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$26 - $76 / night
"My dogs even loved it!"
"Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."
6. Springfield - Hartwell Lake
16 ReviewsHartwell, GA10 milesWebsite+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."
"The paved roads made the dogs happy. They had to cut down a lot of trees so plenty of free firewood. Lots of wildlife to watch. Especially being so close to the lake. Friendly staff."
7. Oconee Point
13 ReviewsTownville, SC9 milesWebsite+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. South Cove County Park
12 ReviewsSeneca, SC14 milesWebsite+1 (864) 882-5250$20 - $50 / night
"We had only 2 complaints, the gate to get in closes at 10pm, unfortunately I85 was shut down on our way up so our 3 hr drive became 6hrs."
"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."
9. Paynes Creek Campground
4 ReviewsFair Play, SC2 milesWebsite+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!"
10. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
69 ReviewsTallulah Falls, GA29 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-7981$36 - $45 / night
"And the steps back up will challenge the most fit among us. But the views and experience is well worth the pain."
"Easy access to the North and south trail that leads you around/and down the gorge. Only complaint was campsites were not wide enough."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Fair Play, SC
156 Photos of 210 Fair Play Campgrounds
steve S.
Pap's Glamp on Lake Hartwell
Janna S.
Tugaloo State Park Campground
Roger C.
Coneross Park Campground
fletcher6531
Oconee Point
Talia R.
Springfield - Hartwell Lake
Annell N.
Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell
James R.
Tiger Mountain RV Park & Campground
Diana H.
South Cove County Park
Katie E.
Chau Ram County Park
Bob V.
Victoria Bryant State Park Campground
Fain H.
The Sandbar Kayaking and Zipline Cabins
Candis C.
Mile Creek County Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Fair Play, SC
1356 Reviews of 210 Fair Play Campgrounds
- D
Douglas T.
RangerWillow Valley RV Resort
Raybun Gap, GA….Going on our fav list!!
Very very nice campground. Good signage and off 441 N. Not any places to eat without going into Clayton. Beautiful park with large sites, some paved. Laundry to was clean. Reasonable size dog park, dog walk and outside dog bath. Lots of trees, very clean and trash pickup at your site. Office lady was very nice and check in was efficient, even though we made the reservations at the last minute. It’s not cheap by any means but you get a lot of bang for your buck.
C O.RangerTravelers Rest-North Greenville KOA
Ranger Review: Travelers Rest KOA
Very pretty campground in the fall. Operators live onsite and were friendly. Full connections and no issues leveling. Easy in/out and close to Greenville, Paris Mountain, Travelers Rest, Swamp Rabbit Trail etc. Bathhouses were very clean, but the lights are on motion detectors which weren’t sensitive enough to pick you up in the shower. We both had a couple moments of total darkness to contend with. A camp cat hung around our site at times and loved the heat coming out of our furnace. We don’t have pets so didn’t mind. Cell coverage was great (att & Verizon), so we had no issues working our 9-5s. Love the bubbling creek next to our site, which was so pretty from our back window. We’d definitely stay again.
- JJanna S.
GuideTugaloo State Park Campground
Paradise
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. The campsites are spacious and comfortable size with alot of trees and nature.
Fishing, canoes, boating, swimming and relaxation abound.
Verythromycin friendly staff helpful Hosts and clean park and ammenities.
Close to Helen, Dahlonega and Commerce.
The lake and beach is awesome. Beautiful all year.
Play grounds and trails as well as tennis courts. Also there are playgrounds and equipment to enjoy. Firepit's and easy access to dump station area.
- Kirk R.Scout
Calhoun Falls State Park Campground
Overall, the best state park in SC
We travel and camp at many places across South Carolina but this was our first visit to Calhoun Falls State Park. What a gem! Beautiful scenery, large, spacious lakeside campsites. We enjoyed privacy, lake access from our campsite, and spectacular sunset views over the lake. Rangers and staff at park store are friendly and helpful. We can’t wait to go back.
- WWindell S.Guide
Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
Nice campground, but somewhat dated.
This campground is located just off of I-85 exit 1 in South Carolina, making it a good place for an overnight stop if traveling. Being an older park, the roads can be quite bumpy and the sites could use some work. One loop is open year round, but the sites aren't what I would call waterfront although you can see the lake. A variety of site sizes are available and most are back in, but a few pull throughs are available. Not a lot of "living" area around the campsites as most of the campground can be rather brushy.
Adam V.RangerMile Creek County Park
My Favorite Campground in South Carolina
Having lived in South Carolina most my life, I haven't seen it all.. but have seen a lot of it. Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water. It's hard to get a spot here without great views of Lake Keowee and the Blueridge Mountains.
The spaces a are a mix of full concrete pads or gravel sites. We've stayed in several sites and while some are very close together (that RV park feeling), there are many which have lots of breathing room, and things feel more natural. The pics in this review are for site 51, which is on the "3rd island," which is the furthest out and offers the best views. This is a very level concrete spot and we only had to use the electric tongue jack on our trailer to level front to back. Got set up in under 5 minutes.
There is one oddity to some of the concrete sites. Because it's concrete, your fire pit is off to the side. And since most of the sites are raised, your fire pit may be level with the concrete pad, but you can't sit next to it as there is too much slope.
It's a county park and is well maintained. Bath houses are clean. With it having a public day use area with a nice boat dock, you can expect almost every morning @ 6am to hear the diehard fishing folks blasting out of the boat launch area.
We have Verizon and our cell signal has always been 4 to 5 bars on the outside third island.
All sites have 30amp electric and water hookups. Dump station at the front of campground entrance up on a hill. BE AWARE, pulling into the dump station is easy, but the steeper exit will have longer RV's and Trailers dragging their bag end on the asphalt.
We've always felt safe and relaxed here. And though we prefer more dispersed camping with less neighbors, this is still one of the best and most affordable ($25 in off season) places in South Carolina to camp.
We rarely give 5-stars, but due to the awesome views, trees between the sites and being well wooded & surrounded by water... it really is a very nice place.
From what I can tell, all but two sites are back in. We had no problem backing in our 23'8" (total length) camper in.
- JJodi B.
TravelerOconee State Park Campground
Rustic cabins in a WPA Era State Park
This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains.
- Kristi D.
LegendParis Mountain State Park Campground
Scenic campground close to greenvillesce
Scenic campground, quiet, nice people. Free firewood was nice with a donation. Though $38 a night and more than the other state parks surrounding south Carolina such as NC, AL, GA, MS. Bathroom was clean and showers were nice. Level campspots!
Guide to Fair Play
Fair Play camping areas sit along Lake Hartwell, a 56,000-acre reservoir straddling the Georgia-South Carolina border with elevations between 650-700 feet. Many campgrounds feature direct water access through gentle slopes or small sandy beaches. Summer water temperatures often reach 80°F by July, creating comfortable swimming conditions through early fall.
What to do
Kayaking from campsites: Oconee Point offers exceptional kayaking with direct water access from nearly every site. As Lori W. notes, "We had our boat with us and was able to pull it to shore at the site." Most waterfront campers can simply slide their kayaks or canoes directly into the lake.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas with sandy beaches. At Coneross Park Campground, "The beaches are very nice with playgrounds on them. Water was clear to 7' depth," according to Robert W. Many sites have their own mini-beaches where the shoreline gradually slopes into the water.
Fishing spots: Lake Hartwell supports largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The coves near Springfield campground provide sheltered fishing areas. One visitor mentioned, "Nice level sites clean bath house not full hook up," and noted good fishing from shore at several points along the campground's waterfront.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell earns high marks for its lake access and site size. Tony K. shared, "I have stayed here dozens of times. We always get water front sites. Bathhouses are a little old but they are always clean. Level gravel pads for campers and quiet park."
Multi-generational activities: Family-friendly options extend beyond swimming. At South Cove County Park, "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site," according to Kelli P. Many campgrounds offer bike-friendly roads for kids.
Night sky viewing: The relative distance from major cities creates good stargazing conditions. One camper at Springfield mentioned, "Lots of stars at night. Very clean and well kept park." Several campgrounds have open areas away from trees that provide unobstructed views of the night sky.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Lake Hartwell experiences 5-8 foot water level fluctuations throughout the year. Winter and early spring typically have lower levels that may affect boat ramps and swimming areas. Call ahead during drought periods to check conditions.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Carolina Landing RV Resort, one visitor noted: "Cell Service: AT&T was minimal, T-Mobile was minimal." Verizon tends to have the strongest signal in the area.
Fire ant awareness: Some campsites have fire ant colonies that require attention. One Lake Hartwell State Park visitor explained: "Our only complaint was the entire campsite was one large fire ant hill! We had to travel to the local dollar general to get ant spray." Inspect your site upon arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Easy beach access sites: When booking waterfront sites with children, ask about the shoreline type. At Tugaloo State Park Campground, "most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches," according to Maggie G. Sites with gradual entry points work best for young swimmers.
Playground locations: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas. One camper reported, "Very family friendly site that is always a favorite. The lake isn't the cleanest but it's great for boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding." Consider booking sites near playground facilities to minimize walking distances.
Wildlife encounters: Geese frequently visit shoreline campsites. A visitor warned: "Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything! Including the picnic table!" Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many lakefront sites require careful setup. At Paynes Creek Campground, campers find "Gravel spots, spacious," but terrain varies significantly. Some RVers report needing additional leveling blocks, especially at older campgrounds built before larger RVs became common.
Water/electric only: Most Lake Hartwell campgrounds offer water and electric hookups without sewer connections. A Springfield visitor noted, "Not full hook up sites very level most sites on water." Plan accordingly with tank capacity or use the dump stations available at each campground entrance.
Tight turns: Many campgrounds have narrow roads with challenging turns. One Carolina Landing visitor cautioned: "The park also has lots of hills which can be a challenge for some RVs. There are also some very tight turns on these hills." Scout your route on foot before attempting to navigate larger rigs through wooded areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Fair Play, SC?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fair Play, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fair Play, SC is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Fair Play, SC?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fair Play, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 210 dog-friendly camping locations near Fair Play, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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