Tent campsites near Fair Play, South Carolina sit within the Sumter National Forest at elevations ranging from 750 to 1,100 feet. This region experiences moderate winters with daytime temperatures around 50°F and hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the upper 80s. During summer months, seasonal thunderstorms often occur in late afternoons, creating occasional flash flooding concerns for campers in low-lying areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Chauga River running through Grapevine campground offers excellent trout fishing. "I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day," notes a camper. The river access points allow for both fly fishing and traditional methods.
Waterfall hikes: Several accessible falls exist within 30 miles of Fair Play. "Short hike to King Creek Falls" is available from Burrells Ford, and Riley Moore Falls Campsite offers "a large beach below the falls so likely busy in the summer," according to Robbie B.
Wildlife viewing: The national forest surrounding Fair Play hosts diverse wildlife including deer, raccoons, and black bears. Campers should maintain awareness particularly during spring and fall. "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out," reported one visitor at Raven Cliff Falls.
What campers like
River proximity: Many campsites feature stream access for cooling off during hot months. At Grapevine, "Most sites are River side" according to Cheryl M., while another camper mentions "We brought some great floaties and hung out in the water during the day."
Natural sound environments: Moving water creates ambient background noise appreciated by tent campers. A reviewer at Raven Cliff Falls noted "we were right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night."
Solitude options: Many tent sites offer private settings away from crowds. At Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping, "Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking... The hike in campsites are plentiful and most already have fire rings."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to most tent camping near Fair Play requires navigating forest roads of varying quality. At Riley Moore Falls Campsite, "a 4x4 will get you to trailhead, spots for maybe 3 vehicles. Would not attempt without 4x4." Some roads become impassable after heavy rainfall.
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is mandatory. Multiple campgrounds feature specialized systems; as noted at Raven Cliff Falls, "this is bear country. Its always a good idea to keep food out of tents, in a bear proof container, and hung up at least 14 feet off the ground."
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays bring significantly more visitors. At Raven Cliff Falls, a camper observed "It is very, very high traffic on the weekends" and "the campground side is grouped together and fills up every weekend."
Water treatment: Streams and rivers require proper filtration. As one backpacker noted about Panther Creek, "Make sure you pack everything you need and pack light if you choose to camp here," including water treatment supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly sites: For families new to camping, certain locations offer easier access. Denver Downs Farm provides "a 140 acre field you can camp in... Very well maintained," and "Feels very safe. A little highway noise, but not bad."
Short hiking options: When camping with children, trails under 2 miles work best. At Grapevine, "Great hiking nearby! I always enjoy doing the nature loop. It is great for all ages."
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. One camper at Burrells Ford noted, "Great for swimming and Hammocking!" while another visitor to Grapevine mentioned the campground is "right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming."
Weather considerations: Seasonal patterns affect family camping comfort. Summer thunderstorms typically develop between 2-5pm, while spring brings significant temperature variations between day and night.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Fair Play don't accommodate larger RVs. At Burrells Ford, "To get to this campground, you have to drive two and a half miles down a forest road, and then you hike about a third of a mile to the campsites."
Access challenges: Forest road navigation presents difficulties for larger vehicles. "The entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains" at Grapevine, making access problematic for recreational vehicles.
Parking limitations: Designated parking areas often fill quickly. "If you want a walk-in campsite and it's the weekend, you better get there early. We arrived at dusk on a Friday and got the last walk-in site available," notes a camper at Raven Cliff Falls.
Alternative camping styles: Some RVers opt for tent camping in this region due to access limitations. A visitor to Denver Downs Farm explained, "There are no defined campsites we could see. Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups."
