Best Tent Camping near Fountain Inn, SC

Tent campsites near Fountain Inn, South Carolina cluster around the northern edge of the region where the terrain transitions into the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Jones Gap State Park offers secluded walk-in tent sites situated along the Middle Saluda River, each positioned a quarter to half mile from the next to provide substantial privacy. Other notable tent camping options include Table Rock State Park's Pine Point Primitive Campground and Sedalia Campground in the Sumter National Forest, approximately 30 miles northwest of Fountain Inn.

Most tent-only sites in the region require modest hikes from parking areas, typically ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 miles on established trails. Jones Gap's tent pads feature fire rings and level surfaces but no picnic tables at the individual sites. The Pine Point Primitive Campground requires campers to pack in all water and supplies, with the nearest water source almost half a mile away. Facilities remain minimal but functional, with many locations offering vault toilets that are generally well-maintained. Several campgrounds operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis with no trash receptacles available, and fire restrictions may apply during dry summer months.

The terrain throughout these primitive tent campgrounds provides direct access to notable hiking trails, including the Palmetto Trail and Foothills Trail network. Sites positioned along waterways offer both cooling effects during summer months and ambient sounds that enhance the camping experience. Tree cover varies but tends to be dense around Jones Gap and Table Rock areas, providing natural shade for tent campers. Areas farther from major roads deliver deeper solitude, though site selection may require advance planning. A reviewer noted that at Jones Gap, "each spot is about a quarter mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself," highlighting the privacy that makes these areas particularly appealing to tent campers seeking a more immersive outdoor experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Fountain Inn, South Carolina (21)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Fountain Inn, SC

778 Reviews of 21 Fountain Inn Campgrounds


  • Courtney B.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Devils Fork State Park Campground

    Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

    We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

    While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

    Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Cabins without the amenities

    These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

    There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

    This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Coneross Park Campground

    Lakeside campground

    This campground is huge. A lot of the campsites are close together, but we snagged a site along the west side of the campground, where there’s a little more privacy and seclusion.

    Being right on the water was amazing, the water was so warm and being able to swim from your site is pretty cool. This site had some stairs leading from the parking spot to the site, then slopes down to the lake.

    Dogs need to always be on leash and there’s no alcohol allowed, which is a bit of a bummer.

    Spigots and bathhouse was convenient, except no soap by the sinks.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    State Park with Beautiful Views

    Table Rock State Park is a large park with at least three“campgrounds.” One is a primitive campground, and one is a traditional campground. I did not get to explore the third campground, but I believe it is a traditional campground as well. The site I stayed at, site 56, was level, except for the approach; however, the pad was rough gravel. I put down two tarps under my tent to help eliminate the roughness inside the tent. The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants. There was no lantern pole, but there was a fire pit and a picnic table. The bath house was only a short walking distance away. There is no lack of things to do, and the trail system is extraordinary. The main attraction, I would guess, is Table Rock Mountain, but there are other things to do. There is a swimming beach and a diving platform. Beside the beach are picnic tables, including a picnic shelter with a standing grill. The visitors center/store was well stocked with souvenirs and supplies, and there is a laundry next to it. Sometime during the night when I had to go to the restroom, I discovered that there was not water. The next morning, I turned on the faucet at my campsite, and it sputtered out brown water at first and then it came out clear. I said that to say this. There was a problem and they dealt with it quickly. That impressed me. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable, but nothing can be done about that during the summer. If you camp in a tent during the summer, make sure to take and extension cord and a fan. Overall, this is a great place to camp during vacation, but the cost is a little more than I expected to pay for a tent site. Costwise, I’m not sure I would want to pay that much for camping for a whole week. It rivals the national campground franchises. However, if cost doesn’t concern you, it really is a good place to camp.

  • Emily S.
    Nov. 27, 2017

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Primitive Camping

    Table Rock is one of the largest state parks in the state of SC and has a TON to offer in terms of hiking. We stayed in the primitive hike in tent only camp sites, not the "regular" campground. The hike in was relatively easy. Sites are VERY close together, so don't plan on much privacy. Tent pads and picnic tables are provided and were clean.

  • W
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground

    Great place for a group of up to 60 friends to camp!

    Large clearing in the forest for setting up tents or trailers. There is a short creek crossing: 4-WD or high clearance is suggested, but several in our group made it across in minivans & sedans (water was low). Large fire ring between 4 picnic tables, 2 composting toilets, 1 bear box, & a hand-cranked well pump. Trail from near privy goes to small waterfall & pool upstream of camp.

    Even after setting tents up for 40 people, we still had plenty of room for kids to play soccer, etc. in the field between. Watch out for ruts & valleys in the field. I’d suggest camping on the upper hill for least amount of rain run off, or along the treeline near the water pump for morning shade. Easy access to other trails & waterfalls in the area. We immediately reserved for next year!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 26, 2025

    Davidson River Campground

    Popular year-round camping

    General: 161-site campground with a mix of electric and non-electric sites. There are double sites (at double the cost) in each loop. Most all are level with generous-sized paved camper pads. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, fire ring, bear box, and lantern/bear hook. 

    Site Quality: Our site had an almost ridiculously long camper pad that could easily fit the largest Class A. It backed up to the gravel path and Davidson River but the road is just on the other side of the river so there is road noise although it quiets down at night. 

    Bath/Shower house: There are more than enough bath/shower houses but most of them are a little dated and basic, although clean. Two stalls, one sink, and one shower. The bath/shower house in the Hemlock Loop is newer with individual shower or bath stalls. These were so much nicer that I walked from our loop to take a shower in Hemlock. 

    Activities: Hiking trails both nearby and in the park. There is a dirt/gravel trail that runs the length of the campground along the river and extends into the town of Brevard. Many people come here for mountain biking as well. 

    This was our second time camping here, once in the autumn and this time in the spring. Both stays were very pleasant. I know they sustained some damage from last fall’s hurricane (particularly to the English Chapel), but it appears they are open for reservations which made me happy as we would gladly stay here again!

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2020

    Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park

    Primitive Campground with No Amenities except for Solitude

    This is one of three“campgrounds,” that I know of, that are within Table Rock State Park. This particular one is primitive, and you have to hike in to it. It is advisable to take your own water since the nearest water is almost a half mile away. There is a fire pit, a picnic table, a lantern pole, and a tent pad. The best part about this campground is that it is away from the sounds of traffic, and your nearest neighbor, if you have one, will be a tent camper about 200 feet away. The tent sites are close to the lake, and the site that I chose has a short trail down to it through the woods. However, it is a steep trail, and once you get down to it, the only thing you will be able to do is look at it or fish in it. There are no boat launches there, but then again, I can’t imagine carrying a kayak that far into the woods by way of a narrow trail. There is one pit toilet for this campground, and from my site, it is almost a half mile away. That means that if you have to go in the middle of the night, take a strong flashlight with you since there are NO artificial lights at this campground. It is a great campground if you want to get away from it all, but remember, you do have to pack everything in and pack everything out. I estimate the distance is about a quarter mile or more. It is a peaceful campsite, but if there are lots of groups camping there, you may want to choose a different site farther back. The main trail runs right beside this site. However, this time there was only one couple that I know of, and it was no problem. Overall, this campground is NOT for RV campers or for car campers. However, it IS for people who don’t mind backpacking a short distance for remoteness and solitude.

  • B
    May. 2, 2024

    Paris Mountain State Park Campground

    Beautiful Trailside Site

    I did a quick overnight here, as is custom when I travel for work, and it was spectacular. I stayed at Trailside Camp Site #2, which is one of their remote, primitive sites at the North Lake and all I can say is wow. The views were spectacular, and watching the full moon come up over the mountain was something I will never forget.

    The site itself was spartan, as is expected in a primitive site but it did have a fire ring and a picnic table. Site 2 is right on the lake, with plenty of dead wood to get a fire going. The hike in is about 2ish miles of moderately difficult trails, with some amazing views along the way, including a walk across the North Lake dam. The hike was well worth it though.


Guide to Fountain Inn

Fountain Inn serves as a gateway to South Carolina's varied landscapes, ranging from the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to tranquil lakeside settings. The area experiences four distinct seasons with mild winters and warm summers, allowing for year-round camping opportunities. Most tent camping sites near Fountain Inn sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Access multiple waterfalls via Jones Gap State Park trails, where camper Fain H. notes, "Be sure to check out Rainbow Falls a 90ft free falling waterfall that's about 2 1/2 miles from the campsites."

Stream exploration: Jones Gap State Park Campground offers excellent creek access for nature enthusiasts. Maddi P. shares, "I adored this area for its flora and fauna. As a wildlife enthusiast I was impressed with the amount of frogs, fish, salamanders, birds, and rabbits I saw in such a short amount of time."

Rock climbing and technical trails: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area provides challenging terrain for experienced hikers. Maggie J. explains, "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails. I was really bummed about the removal of the cable crossing, but still loved the trail due to climbing ladders and walking along The Cathedral!"

River tubing: Find affordable water recreation at Wilderness Cove Campground with tubing opportunities on Green River. Tammie S. notes it's a "Very clean, small, quiet campground. Tents only, they do have some cabins for rent. Nice clean bath house. Was able to access wifi near the tubing office. Prices are extremely reasonable."

What campers like

Private, secluded sites: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers camping away from crowds. Emily S. explains, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself. Awesome place!"

Riverside camping: Tent sites at Jones Gap provide water proximity without overcrowding. Sara M. describes, "Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms! Sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Sedalia Campground maintain well-kept amenities despite being primitive. Susan B. reports, "Nice, quiet campground. Has fire pit and access to running water. No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets. But very nice place to get away from stress of life."

Lake access: Jocassee Gorges provides unique water-based camping. Erica shares, "This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee. A lot of people hike in to these campsites via the foothills trail but it's a very long hike so we carefully boated in from the Devil's fork side."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fountain Inn, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fountain Inn, SC is Jones Gap State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fountain Inn, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Fountain Inn, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.