Alston Trailhead
It 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.
9 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Lake Greenwood State Park Campground accepts pets at all campsites with clean facilities and lakefront views. The park provides paved campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, allowing campers to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs. Multiple campground areas accommodate both tent and RV camping with pets, including full hookup sites with 50-amp service. Pets must remain on leashes throughout the campground. Sites right on Lake Greenwood offer beautiful scenery where campers can relax with their pets near the water. The campground maintains clean bathhouses with showers. Many sites have enough shade to keep pets comfortable during summer months.
Walking trails near the lake provide excellent opportunities for exercising dogs. Goat Island, accessible only by boat, offers primitive pet-friendly camping with picnic tables and fire pits at five separate spots around the island. The island provides a secluded camping experience with minimal light pollution and clear beaches suitable for boats. Parsons Mountain Lake Campground, located in the nearby national forest, permits pets and offers a more rustic experience. Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort also welcomes pets for those seeking upscale RV accommodations with lake views. The area's campgrounds typically see fewer visitors during weekdays, providing a quieter experience for campers with pets who might be sensitive to crowds or noise. The tranquil lake setting creates a relaxing environment for both pets and their owners.
"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
"The light pollution is at a minimum for the lake so it’s beautiful and very secluded at night."
from $75 / night
"Parsons Mountain Recreation Area sits beside a small lake called Parsons Mountain Lake."
"If you really want to challenge your self, there is a trail that climbs to parson mountain and is recommended to only people who is fit enough because it is strenuous"
"Trails to hike, dog friendly, canoes and kayaks for rent and close enough to a town to drive in to if you tire of campfire meals and want a really good margarita or need a grocery store to grab anything"
"Large sites and large open yard behind it, great for dogs to run and kids to play!"
Available next weekend
from $20 - $265 / night
from $5 - $150 / 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."
"Surrounded by water. Camping and boating paradise. Immaculate grounds and facilities. Water and electric and gray water dumps at each site. Washer and dryer."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $190 / night
"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
"Hickory 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"
"Large resort State Park with lots of activities and access to Strom Thurmond lake. Friendly and very helpful staff."












It 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.
Petersburg is a campground with million dollar views that has become a forgotten asset of the federal government.
The property is mostly overgrown and landscape maintenance appears to be a forgotten concept, like bathhouse maintenance.
On a positive note it has been reported that the government is approving funds to restart the modernization of these once great recreation locations.
Hospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
What 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!
Hickory 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!
When 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.
We had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
Let me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
The campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
Lake Greenwood spans 11,400 acres with 212 miles of shoreline across Greenwood and Laurens counties in South Carolina. The reservoir reaches depths up to 72 feet and maintains year-round water levels suitable for camping and boating. Camping options around Lake Greenwood include established state park facilities, primitive island sites, and forest service campgrounds within 30 miles of Greenwood.
Fishing on Clarks Hill Reservoir: Elijah Clark State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with clean boat ramps. "Great lakefront site... we camped overlooking the lake. The bathrooms were spotless," notes Kirsten W., who recommends securing tents well due to strong lake winds.
Hiking forest trails: Parsons Mountain Lake Campground provides hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "If you really want to challenge yourself, there is a trail that climbs to Parson Mountain and is recommended to only people who is fit enough because it is strenuous," advises Kevin T., highlighting the more challenging terrain options available.
Kayaking to island campsites: Goat Island requires boat access and offers a unique primitive camping experience. "I was the only one on the island, and it was great. It was a nice peaceful kayak trip out to the island where they had a fire pit and picnic table waiting," reports Paul M., describing the solitude and simple amenities available.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Very quiet and very well maintained!! Clean and friendly people camping in the winter time," writes Willie H. about Lake Greenwood State Park Campground, noting its year-round appeal.
Varied camping options: The area offers everything from primitive sites to full-service RV parks. At Brick House Campground, "Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed," explains Karen F., who appreciates the spacious, quiet environment.
Accessible water recreation: Many sites provide direct water access for swimming and boating. "Sites right on Lake Greenwood offer beautiful scenery where campers can relax with their pets near the water," while at Mistletoe State Park Campground, "The main feature is the lake. Fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming," notes Rachel G., who stayed at a waterfront site with excellent lake views.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Summer stays booked. Books up 13 months in advance holiday weekends," warns Brittney C. about Lake Greenwood State Park Campground, suggesting advance planning for holiday visits.
Campsite privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Elijah Clark State Park Campground, "Several things turn me off of this campground. First, the campsites offer absolutely no privacy or separation," reports Kara's C., noting privacy limitations.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can impact campsite quality and water access. Andy S. notes at Mistletoe State Park Campground: "If the water is low like it was when I was here, the lake water was not accessible -- you'd have to trudge through 50 feet of mud to get to it."
Playgrounds and activities: Some parks offer family-friendly recreation beyond water activities. At Elijah Clark State Park Campground, "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about," shares Bill C.
Kid-friendly fishing: Lake Greenwood State Park provides fishing opportunities specifically for children. Amy C. mentions at Mistletoe State Park Campground: "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," highlighting amenities designed for younger visitors.
Weekday visits for quieter experience: For pet friendly camping near Greenwood, South Carolina with children, consider midweek trips. At Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort, "It is quiet here, the lake is beautiful and the people are friendly," notes cscardin, emphasizing the tranquil atmosphere.
Site selection strategy: RV campers should consider both hookups and positioning. At Mistletoe State Park Campground, "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through," advises Rachel G., providing specific site recommendations.
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds offer more level sites than others. At Brick House Campground, Lisa M. reports, "We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level," though she warns about a large pothole when turning onto Brickhouse Road.
Extended stay options: For longer visits, certain campgrounds provide better amenities. Barry B. notes about Lake Greenwood State Park: "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," offering details about site features for pet friendly camping near Greenwood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Greenwood, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Greenwood, SC is Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Greenwood, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Greenwood, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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