Best Tent Camping near Fair Play, SC

Fair Play, South Carolina provides several tent camping options, primarily at undeveloped sites within surrounding wilderness areas. Burrells Ford Campground offers primitive tent camping along the Chattooga River, requiring a short hike of approximately one-third mile from the parking area to reach established campsites. Riley Moore Falls Campsite provides free hike-in tent camping with fire rings but no amenities. Both locations offer access to waterways and trails within the Sumter National Forest, giving tent campers multiple options for backcountry experiences within a 30-minute drive of Fair Play.

Sites typically feature natural terrain with minimal development beyond basic fire rings and occasional picnic tables. Many tent areas include bear-aware food storage systems, with several campgrounds featuring hanging wires for proper food storage. Campers should bring their own water or water purification systems, as drinking water is scarce at most tent-only sites. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Burrells Ford, but many primitive tent sites have no facilities. Roads to tent campgrounds may require navigation on unpaved forest roads, and during rainy periods, stream crossings can become challenging or impassable.

Tree cover provides ample shade at most tent camping areas, creating comfortable microclimates even during summer months. Areas farther from parking lots offer deeper seclusion, particularly at walk-in tent sites that require short hikes. Many tent campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming holes. Proximity to creeks and rivers allows for natural cooling and ambient sounds that enhance the camping experience. One camper noted that Burrells Ford offers "nice large picnic tables and lantern poles. Most hike-in sites don't have these amenities." The presence of black bears requires proper food storage at all tent sites, with campers reporting occasional nighttime visits when food is improperly secured.

Best Tent Sites Near Fair Play, South Carolina (60)

    1. Denver Downs Farm

    1 Review
    Pendleton, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 305-1268

    $30 / night

    "Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything.

    Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe."

    2. Sunset Campground

    1 Review
    Lavonia, GA
    11 miles
    +1 (706) 356-8932

    4. Weldon Island

    Be the first to review!
    Hartwell Lake, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    5. Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    1 Review
    Long Creek, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out. Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail."

    6. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, SC
    33 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review:

    In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."

    "Trail/Campground Review:

    The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "

    7. Miltown

    Be the first to review!
    Hartwell, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    8. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

    9 Reviews
    Turnerville, GA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6221

    $4 / night

    "Leave no trace!"

    "Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking (aside from my military experience). But mice wife got me into hiking again and now we are backpacking a lot!"

    9. Grapevine

    6 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 561-4000

    "It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."

    "Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"

    10. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    48 miles
    Website

    "I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping."

    "Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."

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Showing results 1-10 of 60 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fair Play, SC

1175 Reviews of 60 Fair Play Campgrounds



Guide to Fair Play

Tent camping near Fair Play, South Carolina, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. From peaceful riverside sites to spacious fields, there’s something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Fair Play

  • For a tranquil experience, consider camping at Riley Moore Falls Campsite, where you can set up near the Chauga River and enjoy the soothing sounds of nature.
  • If you prefer a more social atmosphere, Denver Downs Farm provides a large, well-maintained field for camping, perfect for families or groups.
  • Be prepared to pack in and pack out all your supplies at Grapevine, as it offers a primitive camping experience with limited amenities.

Tent campers should check out King Creek Primitive Campsites

  • Located in a secluded area, King Creek Primitive Campsites offers a rustic experience with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for those looking to disconnect.
  • For a more adventurous trip, Woodall Shoals provides access to hiking trails and the scenic Chattooga River, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
  • If you’re seeking solitude, Long Bottom Ford is a remote spot that allows for a peaceful camping experience, though it requires packing in all essentials.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20

  • Camping at Riley Moore Falls Campsite is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a beautiful riverside location.
  • For a small fee, you can enjoy the spacious grounds at Denver Downs Farm, which is well-kept and easily accessible from I-85.
  • Grapevine offers a low-cost camping experience with the added benefit of being close to a river, perfect for those who appreciate nature without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fair Play, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fair Play, SC is Denver Downs Farm with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fair Play, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 60 tent camping locations near Fair Play, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.