Seneca, South Carolina features several lakefront campgrounds along the shores of Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee, making it a popular destination for water-based camping experiences. South Cove County Park, located directly on Lake Keowee's peninsula, offers water views from nearly every campsite with full hookup options for RVs and limited tent sites. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell provides waterfront access with both RV and tent camping opportunities. Other developed facilities in the region include Oconee Point, Mile Creek County Park, and Keowee Falls RV Park, all situated within 15 miles of Seneca's town center. The best Seneca campgrounds combine scenic lakefront locations with convenient access to the town's amenities.
Most campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, with many offering 50-amp service for larger RVs. The campground gates typically lock at night, requiring advance planning for arrivals. According to one visitor, "The campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked." Seasonal considerations include summer heat that makes waterfront sites without shade challenging, while fall brings cooler temperatures ideal for camping. Winter camping is available but with reduced services at most campgrounds. Most sites require reservations, especially during peak summer months and Clemson University football weekends.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Seneca area, with clear views of both Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell mentioned frequently in reviews. "Beautiful tiered campsites. In the last year there has been many upgrades to the existing sites," noted one camper about South Cove County Park. Sites directly on the water allow for swimming access from campsites at several locations, while designated swimming beaches are available at others. RV sites typically feature gravel pads with water, electric, and often sewer hookups. Tent campers have more limited options, with most designated tent sites located at South Cove and Twin Lakes. Wildlife encounters are common, with several reviews mentioning geese at South Cove and skunks at Twin Lakes that generally don't bother campers but require awareness, especially for those with pets.
$36 - $76 / night
"Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58). "
"Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."
$27 - $230 / night
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
"On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line. "
"This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."
"We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."
$15 - $116 / night
"Having lived in South Carolina most my life, I haven't seen it all.. but have seen a lot of it. Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water."
"We mainly confined our time to our site and Lake Keowee, so this review is only commenting on those observations and not other areas or accommodations within the park."
"The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."
"There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"
$26 - $76 / night
"Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."
"Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."
$20 - $50 / night
"It sits out on a peninsula on Lake Keowee in Seneca, SC. Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view."
"There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."
$38 - $76 / night
"Wow, Oconee Point in South Carolina is one of my favorite camping spots for me. I absolutely love this place, and have been coming here ever since I was little."
"We had an excellent weekend stay at site 16, lovely lake view of Hartwell, power and water hookups only."
"We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 98 which was a lovely lakeside site. The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access. "
"We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable."
$36 - $45 / night
"And the steps back up will challenge the most fit among us. But the views and experience is well worth the pain."
"Easy access to the North and south trail that leads you around/and down the gorge. Only complaint was campsites were not wide enough."
GuideWe stayed at this campground in decemeber so it wasnt super packed. It was right on the lake so the wind was rough at times, but only when you were near the lake. They had a wonderful camp store and bath house! Hot showers and in a secure building. There is a great hiking trail across the street that takes you to hemlock falls. It was so cold that it actually snowed on our hike and it was AMAZING!!!
GuideThis campground is right off the highway but the noise is canceled out by all the trees. The evening sky is beautiful and stars are so bright! We camped here and were able to hike 3 other parks over the weekend! The gorge is breathtaking and worth the hike down and back up. You should probably be in decent shape to take the trek down or at least be used to hiking a more rough terrain. You have to get a permit to go down to the bottom and they only issue a set amount each day. A hiker actually went missing while we were here and wasn't located until the following day. always STAY on the marked path!
We went in December and it was 22 degrees at night, the faucet actually froze on my CTC conversion. Home Depot saved us the next morning, with a short 25 minute drive into town. 10/10 all around great time!
ScoutI love the views and the lakefront everything about this place is worth going to
ScoutWe cannot say enough about this camping experience and its host Kord. Kord was so inviting and welcoming. He checked on us to make sure we were doing well but gave us all the freedoms to explore the property. my Son caught a 9 lb Large mouth bass out of the beautiful lake. We had two Bald Eagles hunting on the lake that day and diving into the lake to catch its prey. The sunset each night was breathtaking and the Bathrooms were such a surprise and were 5 star accommodations. Kord actually brought us free fire wood one night when he saw we were running low. Thank you Kord for sharing this beautiful property and we will see you soon.
Highest marks for Eagle Lake Campground.
We didn't make it into Helen this trip but its less than 19 min away
ScoutStayed for a night very quiet and peaceful in December!
ScoutNice view and no one bothered. Some occasional people passing by but no issues.
GuideWe liked this campground. there are some great walking trails with great views. The campsites were quite close together. Water and electric hook up at the site. all in all it is a nice campground.
ScoutGreat site, plenty of space, very private and peaceful.
RangerWe chose Unicoi State Park near the beautiful town of Helen, GA to experience fall colors and camping. The park had an awesome location near Anna Ruby Falls as well as the alpine village of Helen! Sites were large, level and well maintained. Beautiful State Park that we highly recommended!
Seneca, South Carolina serves as a gateway to numerous lakeside camping opportunities, particularly around Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. The area features established campgrounds like South Cove County Park and Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell, offering both tent and RV camping with varied amenities. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and designated camping pads, with several locations featuring cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. The region's campgrounds predominantly cater to waterfront recreation, with many sites positioned directly on lakeshores or with water views.
Campground access remains open year-round, with most facilities maintaining full services regardless of season. Reservation requirements vary by location, with county parks and Corps of Engineers sites often requiring advance booking, especially during summer months and fall football weekends when Clemson University events drive high demand. "The campground is very hilly but the sites are easy to level on. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful," noted one visitor about Keowee Falls RV Park. Developed campgrounds typically offer water and electric hookups, with many featuring dump stations, showers, and boat ramps for water access. Gates at certain facilities like South Cove County Park close at night, restricting late arrivals.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw throughout the Seneca area, with Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell providing numerous options for shoreline sites. According to one camper at Twin Lakes, "We had a great site right on the lake with lots of space, flat, and great sunset." Most lakeside campgrounds feature gradual water access, either from individual sites or designated swimming areas. Several visitors highlighted the ability to park RVs or pitch tents with direct views of the water. Campgrounds vary in shade coverage, with some waterfront sites lacking tree cover during summer months. Wildlife sightings, including skunks, are commonly reported, with geese frequenting shorelines. Bathhouse quality varies significantly between locations, with newer facilities receiving higher ratings than older, less maintained ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds in Seneca, SC?
Seneca, SC is surrounded by excellent camping options, with many situated on beautiful Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground is conveniently located just off I-85 exit 1, making it ideal for overnight travelers. South Cove County Park sits directly in Seneca with lakefront sites. Other nearby options include Mile Creek County Park on Lake Keowee and Springfield Campground on Lake Hartwell, both within a short drive of downtown Seneca.
What amenities are available at Seneca campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Seneca offer excellent amenities for all camping styles. Mile Creek County Park features stunning views of Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains with waterfront sites. Springfield - Hartwell Lake provides 79 sites with full water and electric hookups across 60 acres of Virginia pine and mixed hardwoods. Most area campgrounds include clean restrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat ramps. Many offer playgrounds, swimming areas, and laundry facilities. RV campers will find numerous big-rig-friendly sites with electric, water, and some with sewer connections.
When is the best time of year to camp in Seneca, SC?
The prime camping season in Seneca runs from late spring through early fall. Oconee State Park Campground offers beautiful mountain scenery and hiking trails that are particularly enjoyable in spring when wildflowers bloom and fall when foliage colors peak. Calhoun Falls State Park Campground shines in summer and early fall with spacious lakeside sites and spectacular sunset views. While summer brings perfect water recreation weather, it also brings higher humidity and crowds. Some campgrounds maintain year-round operations, with Lake Hartwell State Park keeping one loop open throughout winter for the occasional mild days.
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