6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA welcomes pets with clean, well-maintained facilities for campers and their four-legged companions. Travelers with RVs, tents, and those seeking cabins find multiple accommodation options at this full-service campground. Brick House Campground within Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests provides a more primitive option for pet owners, with spacious campsites situated around fire pits and picnic tables along the Palmetto Trail. Both locations enforce standard leash policies to ensure animal and guest safety. The KOA features additional amenities including a playground, basketball court, swimming pool, and even a small zip line for families camping with pets. Campers consistently rate these pet-friendly accommodations highly for their cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere. Very friendly and cozy campground with plenty for families and their pets to enjoy throughout their stay.
The Palmetto Trail runs directly through Brick House Campground, offering excellent hiking opportunities for dogs and their owners. When planning a trip, visitors should note that Brick House has no water access on-site, requiring campers to bring sufficient water for themselves and their pets from towns 5-7 miles away. The $5 nightly fee at Brick House provides access to clean pit toilets and spacious campsites where pets can comfortably rest after trail excursions. Sites are well-spaced, though during hunting season the campground becomes considerably busier with larger rigs and generators. Whitmire (7 miles), Clinton and Newberry (both 15 miles away) offer the closest veterinary services and pet supplies. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to prevent pet overheating on trails, as the South Carolina heat can be intense.
"My bf and I rented a camper cabin-electricity, heat, air, bunkbeds + full bed…secluded from the rest of the park, located on its own loop, separate showers(2) + 3 stalls + changing room in the public restrooms"
"This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"
Available next weekend
"Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed."
"Mostly away from everyone and was right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail. Had a great stay in our roof top tent and will be back"
from $5 / night
"Hookups are modern, nice dog park, propane tank for easy fill ups. Fresh donuts anytime, pizza and chicken wings (bone in and bone out) til 6. Very clean and well maintained."
"We are a family of two adults and a 7 month old + 2 cats and we really needed a place to stay. Becci said they’d have a spot and recommended a local towing and repair shop."
"The light pollution is at a minimum for the lake so it’s beautiful and very secluded at night."
"You can paddle out to the main lake from this location. Quiet setting. Give them a try and leave them some love!"
from $20 - $40 / night
"It is quiet here, the lake is beautiful and the people are friendly. "
"Views of the lake from almost every site, large pool, and lots of friendly people."
from $63 - $98 / night
"Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees."
"There are train tracks right next to the site, and trains do pass by, so expect some noise."
from $50 - $250 / night
ScoutIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
GuideWhat a lovely little find! We spent the night at Enoree River Vineyards & Winery and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Arriving in our RV was a bit of a squeeze navigating the trees near the entrance, but we managed to get through without any problems.
Once settled, we headed inside for a wine tasting, and that’s where the experience really shone. Kelly looked after us and was absolutely delightful—friendly, welcoming, and a pleasure to chat with. She made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The wines were excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t resist leaving with three bottles!
A fantastic place to spend the night, unwind, and enjoy some delicious local wine. We’d happily visit again and would definitely recommend it!
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
TravelerSpacious private sites with electric and water. $26/night, half price with the America the Beautiful pass or Senior or Military pass. Booked 2 nights the day before arrival.
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests span over 630,000 acres across South Carolina, with elevations ranging from near sea level to 2,467 feet at Sassafras Mountain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making early morning and evening the optimal times for hiking and outdoor activities. Water access can be limited at more primitive sites, particularly during dry summer months.
Hiking the Palmetto Trail: The Palmetto Trail runs directly through Alston Trailhead, offering scenic views and diverse terrain. "Nice spot for overnight car camping. However, freight trains run along the nearby tracks about every 2hrs. So, if you're a light sleeper, you might want to look elsewhere. If you do come, check-out the train bridge that crosses the river and be sure to read the signs regarding the history of the site," advises Nicholas.
Lake activities: Lake Greenwood offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities near Lake Greenwood State Park Campground. "Lakefront sites are well worth the extra cost. Campsites are a bit tight, but the lakefront sites have great views. Drivig through can be tricky due to the multitude of cars, trucks, boat trailers parked everywhere," notes Megan M.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing throughout the forests. "We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning," shares Rachel S. about her experience at Alston Trailhead.
Clean facilities: Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Easy in and out. Family friendly. Becci the general manager is very friendly... This park is owned by a few couples. Everyone has been more than helpful. They have a play ground and basketball hoop for kids. A pool. All of the spots we saw have fire pits," reports Geneva F.
Budget-friendly options: The $5 nightly fee at primitive sites provides excellent value. "This is a great temporary stop. I was there for two days. It has a pit toilet. This is a federal campsite. Rangers check the campsite every day and night. Great place to camp," explains Robert D. about his stay at Brick House Campground.
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers value the quiet setting at less-developed sites. "We came here as work campers and decided to become owners. It is quiet here, the lake is beautiful and the people are friendly. This campground is out in the middle of nowhere and this is not a KOA, so be prepared to come here and relax," shares a camper about Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort.
Water access limitations: Many primitive sites require bringing your own water. "Easy access from I26. Spent a week here and really enjoying it. Has 21 spots. All have legal gravel pads, fire rings with grill bars. Vault toilets clean and trash containers serviced. Within good driving distance to larger towns," notes Michael W. about Brick House Campground.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "This review is neither negative or positive. Just how it is, so you know before you go. The park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded. All roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits. Some have water and power (30 and 50 amp), some have sewer," explains Barry B. about Lake Greenwood State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Hunting season significantly impacts campground availability and atmosphere. "Camp ground used by hunters alot. Horse trail and hinking here. Valt toilets," notes Wolf R. N., highlighting how primitive sites like Brick House become busier during hunting season.
Kid-friendly amenities: Prices Bridge Glampsite offers unique accommodations for families seeking more comfort. "This is a unique experience for those looking to camp a little higher off the ground and enjoy the huge deck looking out into the forest," explains Jake C., making it ideal for families new to camping.
Activities for various ages: Campgrounds with diverse recreational options keep children engaged. "The owners and host are amazing at what they do! They've planned so much for this campground that our kids have had 5 days of things to do each day. We'll definitely return and mark this as a favorite campground," shares Logan S. about Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA.
Swimming opportunities: Lakes provide natural swimming areas during hot months. "My family loves this campground! It's clean and has a Great Lake to swim in," reports Frankie E. about Lake Greenwood State Park, highlighting its appeal for water-loving families.
Pull-through availability: Big Creek RV Park offers convenient access for larger rigs. "Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Offering full hook up sites or primitive sites, this property has something for everyone. You can paddle out to the main lake from this location. Quiet setting," notes a reviewer.
Leveling considerations: Site terrain varies significantly across the forests. "We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. The whole time we were there there was only usually about three or four other campers in the 21 spaces. Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road," cautions Lisa M. about Brick House Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests: Most established campgrounds welcome pets with standard leash policies. "There are several loop trails you can take that are really close, and the palmetto trail runs right through there, so longer options are available for hiking with dogs," mentions a camper about the pet-friendly trails accessible from camping areas in the forests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests is Dreher Island State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 62 dog-friendly camping locations near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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