Many glamping options near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests are situated at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, offering relief from South Carolina's hot summers. The region receives around 48 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and abundant water features. Weather conditions can shift rapidly during spring and fall seasons, with temperature swings of up to 30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: At Sedalia Campground, visitors can observe diverse wildlife including deer and wild turkeys. One camper noted, "Hunters use it a lot. Fall deer hunters spring turkey hunting. Often gets packed."
Disc golf on championship course: Chester State Park Campground features an excellent course for disc enthusiasts. According to a visitor, "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course."
Kayaking on Strom Thurmond Lake: Rent boats at Hickory Knob State Park or bring your own for lake adventures. A camper shared, "We went specifically to golf, and had a great round. You do need to reserve a tee time. We saw one of the most gorgeous sunsets we've ever seen during our stay."
Farm animal interactions: At WyldStay Greenville, guests can feed and photograph Highland cows. A reviewer mentioned, "She was the sweetest cow and allowed us to pet, take pictures with her and of course feed her. We also spent some time with the other cows and loved the experience."
What campers like
Lake access points: Baker Creek provides direct lake access with minimal crowds. One camper observed, "The most magnificent attraction that brought me to discover Baker Creek in the first place overdelivered - that's the brilliant lake that surrounds this beautiful peninsula."
Clean, maintained facilities: Pine Ridge Campground maintains excellent bathhouses. A guest remarked, "There is a coin operated laundry and a bathhouse that I have to say is beautifully kept and clean. The staff are very friendly and helpful."
Quiet, secluded sites: Elijah Clark State Park offers peaceful waterfront camping. A visitor noted, "What's a great place to stay!!! Beautiful colors for the fall, waterfront campsites, water and electric hook ups and back-in AND pull-through spots available."
Seasonal color changes: Fall brings vibrant foliage displays throughout the forest areas. Campsites near water offer reflection views that double the color impact during October and early November.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Several parks have rough access roads requiring slow driving. At Baker Creek, a camper warned, "Caution here and throughout the entire park: there are some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes."
Insect preparation essential: South Carolina's humidity creates ideal conditions for mosquitoes and ants, especially May through September. Pack appropriate repellents and treatments.
Limited cell service: Coverage can be spotty or non-existent in remote areas. One reviewer at Lake Thurmond RV Park tested multiple carriers: "Cricket: 7.98dn, 0.84up, ATT: 27.69, 0.3 up, Visible: 7.2dn, 1.2up, Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up, T-mobile mifi: no 4G nor 5G service."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities operate on limited schedules. Baker Creek operates from "Mar 1 - Sep 30" according to their seasonal information.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreational facilities: Pine Ridge Campground offers dedicated children's play areas. A visitor explained, "This place is so cute! There is an acre of catch and release pond, a playground and jump pad for kids, a pool, some trails, several things to do."
Educational animal experiences: WyldStay Greenville provides opportunities for children to interact with farm animals in a controlled setting.
Swimming areas with gradual entry: Several lakeside campgrounds feature small beachheads ideal for younger swimmers. At Baker Creek, "There are a few tiny beachheads on the peninsula, but all are on the west side of the campground."
Tree cover considerations: Some campgrounds have removed trees, affecting shade. One camper at Baker Creek observed, "Imagine nearly EVERY tree within that perimeter being removed (by brute force, which means that there's no grass or groundmatter whatsoever, other than a composition of ground soil, sand and large rubble)."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring careful setup. A visitor to Hickory Knob noted, "Some sites are challenging to back into but worth the effort."
Hookup quality varies: Check specific campground amenities before booking. At Lake Thurmond RV Park, a camper observed, "Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways."
Size restrictions apply: Not all roads accommodate larger rigs. While several campgrounds are technically big-rig friendly, access roads may present challenges.
Limited dump stations: Plan accordingly if staying at sites without full hookups. Some campgrounds require driving to nearby facilities for dumping.
