Chris V.
Scout
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Nice basic state park
Nice campground. Bathhouse is basic but very clean. Sites are on the small side with lots of tent campers.
Top-Rated Campgrounds near Fair Play, SC
Campgrounds near Fair Play, South Carolina center on Lake Hartwell, with sites ranging from full-hookup RV parks to tent-only spots 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 (268)
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
"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 ReviewsFair Play, SC3 milesWebsite+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 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
"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 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."
"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 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. Sadlers Creek State Park Campground
15 ReviewsHartwell, GA11 milesWebsite"Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level."
"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."
9. South Cove County Park
12 ReviewsSeneca, SC14 milesWebsite+1 (864) 882-5250$20 - $50 / 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 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!"
Recent Camping Photos near Fair Play, SC
537 Photos of 268 Fair Play Campgrounds
Laura H.
Thousand Trails Carolina Landing
Lauren M.
Paynes Creek Campground
Jacilyn B.
Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
steve S.
Pap's Glamp on Lake Hartwell
Jamie M.
Tugaloo State Park Campground
Arleen T.
Coneross Park Campground
Jackie J.
The Point at Lake Hartwell
fletcher6531
Oconee Point
Olaf I.
Springfield - Hartwell Lake
Whitney L.
Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell
Jeffrey L.
Sadlers Creek State Park Campground
Ashley
Big Water Marina & RV Park
Recent Reviews near Fair Play, SC
1356 Reviews of 268 Fair Play Campgrounds
- Larry A.
GuideLake Russell Recreation Area
Great place to camp.
This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
- Mac W.
TravelerSarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Great alternative to the state parks
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
Pam R.GuideParis Mountain State Park Campground
Needs renovation
The park is in a great location near Greenville and it's beautiful, but there are things to consider. It's a small campground with just a few sites. Many of which are not even close to level and they're all fairly small. In addition, the road is narrow and winding, so overall it's not the best choice for .medium to large rvs. The bathroom/ shower was clean but the stall door locks are both broken so the doors don't close. The staff is very nice and it's very peaceful. It's a great park for tent camping or small rvs like teardrops. There aren't many camping options near Greenville. I hope the state invests in upgrades for this valuable park.
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Camp With Me
LegendAndrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Small National Forest Campground
Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. With only 10 sites, it offers a quiet mountain setting that’s perfect for tent campers looking to get away from the crowds. The campground is open from mid-March through late December and sits alongside a beautiful mountain stream that adds a relaxing natural sound throughout the area.
Facilities are simple, with vault toilets available, but campers should plan ahead and bring their own potable water since none is provided on site. One of the highlights of the campground is the nearby Andrews Cove Trail, a scenic 2-mile hike that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Overall, Andrews Cove Campground is a great spot for those looking for a rustic camping experience in the North Georgia mountains.
See all the sites and get a real feel for the place in our 360° video of the
https://youtu.be/chEtEX8cvfE
Jonathan G.ScoutBlack Rock Mountain State Park Campground
A Quiet Mountain Escape at Black Rock Mountain State Park
Our tent camping trip at Black Rock Mountain State Park was absolutely beautiful. The park sits high in the mountains and offers incredible views, peaceful surroundings, and the kind of quiet that makes you slow down and really enjoy nature.
The campground itself was well kept, and everything felt organized and welcoming. One thing that really stood out was how friendly and helpful the staff were. Everyone we interacted with was kind and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The bathrooms were very clean, which always makes a big difference when you’re tent camping. It’s clear the park staff takes pride in maintaining the facilities.
Between the fresh mountain air, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. We would absolutely come back again and recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing mountain camping experience. 🏕️🌄
Andre I.TravelerAmmons Branch Campground
Clean restroom
Four sites, only one will take a small camper under 18 feet. Tent sites in need of maintenance..
- Larry A.Guide
Broad River Campground
One of my favorite campsites
I am an avid sportsman. Both hunting and fishing opportunities are very good here.
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?
What camping is available near Fair Play, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fair Play, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 268 campgrounds and RV parks near Fair Play, SC and 26 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Fair Play, SC?
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 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fair Play, SC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fair Play, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Fair Play, SC.
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