Graniteville, South Carolina provides access to a variety of mixed-use campgrounds along the nearby Savannah River and Strom Thurmond Lake. The area features several established camping options including Aiken State Park Campground, where both tent and RV camping are permitted with amenities like electric hookups and showers. Other notable campgrounds include Hamilton Branch State Park on Clarks Hill Lake and Mistletoe State Park across the Georgia border. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Mistletoe State Park also offering cabins and glamping facilities. These developed campgrounds range from basic facilities to more comprehensive amenities, creating options for different camping preferences within a 25-mile radius of Graniteville.
Campground availability remains consistent throughout the year as most facilities operate year-round in this region. Access roads to the major campgrounds are generally well-maintained, though some areas have narrow campground roads that can make maneuvering larger RVs challenging. Temperatures are typically mild in winter and hot in summer, with high humidity being common during warmer months. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during holiday weekends and summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. Cell service varies across the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to towns. As one visitor noted about Hamilton Branch State Park, "Sites are HUGE and very private. Just about every site is lakefront. The majority of the campsites are in a T formation, meaning you have to back in twice."
Waterfront access stands out as the primary draw for campers in the Graniteville area, with lakeside sites receiving consistently higher ratings in reviews. Several campers specifically mentioned the quality of water activities on Strom Thurmond Lake and Lake Murray as highlights of their camping experiences. Campgrounds vary in privacy levels, with Hamilton Branch offering more secluded sites while others like Lake Greenwood have sites described as "nearly on top of one another." Visitors frequently mentioned wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly deer sightings at some campgrounds. Weekend noise levels can increase at certain locations, as one reviewer of Hamilton Branch noted: "The campground was quiet and lovely during the week, however Friday and Saturday nights were loud—Several folks partied very late into the night with loud music, loud voices, etc." Bathroom facilities across developed campgrounds range from basic to well-maintained, with many campers bringing their own facilities when RV camping.
$28 - $32 / night
"Great walking areas."
"There is a canoe/kayak launch close enough to walk to and we saw many people with kayaks and canoes."
"The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake."
"We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access."
$18 - $50 / night
"There is water and electric at each site for those who are in a RV but the dump sites are pretty close by. We will definitely be back!"
"Lakeside lot with incredible space. Dog friendly and they enjoyed being able to go for a swim right outside of the camper."
$12 - $175 / night
"We camped in one of the tent only walk-in sites located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. We had a ton of stuff, not realizing it was an uphill and pretty long trek, but it was totally worth it."
"My kids played in the lake and we used our kayak and paddleboards. The beach was nice as well. We drove about 20 minutes to South Carolina and the J. Strom Thurmond Dam."
"If you walk around the park four times, you have walked a mile. Will try to remember to update this review when we leave. update Still love it here and would absolutely stay here again ❤️"
ScoutI've been volunteering here since October 2025. Beautiful lake and beautiful campground. Nice selection of full service sites as well as non sewer sites. Also has primitive camping area for groups and individuals.
Sites in the main campground are small and close together to suit me
GuideWe stayed here for one night while traveling through the area, and it was a solid stop for a quick in-and-out stay. Check-in was easy, the sites were level, and hookups worked as expected. The park was quiet overnight, which made for a restful stop before getting back on the road.
ScoutSo many huge and private campsites right on the lake! If you need help finding the best campsite for yourself or your group, call the office directly and they will suggest a site. Kayak rental is available - they will deliver a one- or two-person kayak, along with paddles and correct-size lifejackets (with whistle), right to your lakeside campsite. The hike-in sites at "The Point" have big roll carts to help you get your stuff to those sites. I have tent camped at many SC state parks, but this on is THE BEST! I have tent camped here in several different months and at several different campsites.
GuideFound this spot on iOverlander, wanted to share here too.
Good cell, you can get a great starlink signal with some height. Otherwise it’ may be spotty
TravelerGreat views of the water. Site 30 was level. Even with the site not on the water we had great views. The bath house is a small hike up hill. But very clean and was getting a fresh load of paint. Very clean park. Park host were very nice and helpful.
TravelerWell maintained, clean and quiet. Sites are level and lake view is amazing. Convenient store 3 miles from the camp area.
LegendI loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made camping easy with kids. The campground sits right on Lake Murray, so the kids spent hours swimming, skipping rocks and spotting herons, while short hiking trails gave them just enough adventure without wearing them out. With boat ramps, fishing spots and wide-open lake views, it felt like a true escape, yet I had peace of mind knowing everything was family-friendly and close by when we needed it. Evenings ended around the campfire with tired, happy kids and a beautiful lakeside sunset. I would highly recommend this place!
ScoutWe are newbies at this life and spent our first winter here. We are from Nova Scotia Canada and were just astonished at how everyone treated use like a long lost friend had returned home. The amenities were great and the temp was very comfortable. At the site we made a new friend the railway engineer who past by every day and whistled every time as we waved back. That was great as we only have one train for all of Canada (no joke). Our pooch "Henry the Hound" also made friends and was a hit with everyone he met. We had thought about other resorts before we saw this one but being here once we have decided to make this our winter home from now on. Fuel, groceries, beverages, service stations hardware stores and mini malls are just a 10 min drive away and for those who want home delivery of groceries they are phone call away for a very nominal price. This is a must stay place.
Rocky/Cathie
LegendThis is a nice, clean, open campground and RV park. Sites are big enough for most RVs. Mostly level, Some have cement pads. 30/50 amp, full hookups. Some Shade. Showers and bathrooms were clean and very nice. Good water pressure. My wife in was disappointed there were no animals.
Camping sites near Graniteville, South Carolina primarily cluster around Strom Thurmond Lake and the Savannah River. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 330-400 feet above sea level with pine and hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to the 30s, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Kayaking opportunities: At Aiken State Park Campground, paddlers find excellent water recreation options along the peaceful blackwater stream. "So worth the trip! Beautiful hour long paddle from Aiken St Park," notes Muffy S. The park rents kayaks on-site, with many campers bringing their own vessels.
Mountain biking trails: Serious cyclists should head to Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake where the Bartram Trail runs through the property. "Mountain bike trails in either direction just at the park entrance," explains Christina. The trail system offers varied difficulty levels with rolling terrain through dense forest.
Fishing experiences: Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities in a quieter setting than the larger lakes. The small lake supports bass, bream and catfish. "Nice little lake to fish and some short trails," states Swain K., highlighting the more intimate fishing experience compared to the region's massive reservoirs.
Lakefront accessibility: Hamilton Branch State Park Campground stands out for its waterfront sites. "Every site is waterfront and most of them are well shaded," shares Kim H. The campground's peninsula location creates exceptional water views from nearly every angle.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacious, secluded sites at many area campgrounds. "Sites are nice with lots of room between other sites," explains Swain K. about Hamilton Branch. The tree coverage between sites creates natural barriers that enhance the wilderness experience.
Wildlife viewing: Deer sightings are common throughout camping areas near Graniteville. "There was lots of deer and made the hike to the bathroom worth it for us," notes Tracy F. Early mornings and evenings provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities with minimal disturbance.
Road access considerations: Some campground roads present challenges for larger rigs. At Aiken State Park Campground, "We had to switch sites when we arrived due to a space issue. We have a 32' RV and the site stated a max of 35' but there was a tent pad that would have interfered with us being level," explains Jen.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At Petersburg Campground, visitors report moderate cell coverage, while more remote locations have spotty service. Primitive camping areas like Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area have limited connectivity, with one camper noting "There was some cell coverage."
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms range from basic to well-maintained. At Mistletoe State Park, "The bathrooms were quite far from some sites requiring a long walk or drive," notes Rachel G. Consider site location relative to facilities when making reservations.
Playground access: Mistletoe State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a playground area. "Park had a great store selling souvenirs, ice, firewood, worms for fishing," shares Rachel G. The centralized playground provides a gathering spot for children.
Kid-friendly fishing: Several parks have programs specifically for young anglers. "Free fishing pole for kids," mentions Amy C. about Mistletoe State Park. The stocked fishing ponds near camping areas allow children to experience successful fishing with minimal equipment.
Storm awareness: Weather conditions can change rapidly in this region. At Aiken State Park, one camper observed "Hurricane damage is every where. Keep an eye out for broken limbs on windy days. Many family's were camping here with young kids." Pack appropriate rain gear and monitor weather forecasts.
Site selection strategy: Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake offers diverse sites with varying privacy levels. "Sites are pretty well spaced out for privacy and plenty of space for each site. Hook ups are well maintained as are the roads and trailer parking areas," reports Alex C. Request sites away from the main road for a quieter experience.
Winter camping preparations: Overnight temperatures can drop unexpectedly during winter months. "Our first night it got down to 27 and the water at the hose bib froze but once the sun came up it was fine," shares Cathy C. Insulate water hoses and keep extra fresh water stored inside your RV during colder weather.
Level site challenges: Many RVers note the importance of selecting appropriately sized sites. Older campgrounds like Aiken State Park have narrower roads and smaller sites than newer facilities. As one RVer explained, "Narrow winding dirt road to small campsites," making proper site selection critical for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Graniteville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Graniteville, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Graniteville, SC and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Graniteville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Graniteville, SC is Aiken State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Graniteville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Graniteville, SC.
What parks are near Graniteville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Graniteville, SC that allow camping, notably J. Strom Thurmond Lake and Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.
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