Best Campgrounds near Jackson, SC

It’s very clean and quiet and all the spots are pretty much on the lake which is nice!

The location is beautiful, however, it is not open to the public. You must be past or present military to book. Also, you must reserve with the SC National Guard.

We called with very short notice looking for an overnight site. Though the campground was booked, the owners so graciously allowed us to park in the overflow parking which included water & electric. We even arrived at 10pm, and they were waiting at the gate for us! We were so pleased with the owner’s generosity and hospitality. We will definitely be back to take advantage of the swimming pond, paddle boats, fishing & playground!

4 families in 4 campers on a first time visit. Great place! If you want to come for solitude then the “sights”provide that for sure. Park staff very helpful and friendly. Definitely a do over. Only downside was we didn’t realize water level was down. Didn’t affect the views but trodding the mud to get to the water made kayaking a little challenging.

The site is right on the lake with a wide trail leading directly to the water. The water was low during our trip so the immediate shoreline was a bit squishy going through the damp clay. I’d recommend water shoes. The shade provided by the trees was a welcome respite from the summer heat. It also provided ample privacy from neighbors on either side. Neighboring sites are spread out nicely. The area across the road from the site is undeveloped and recently cleared for forest maintenance but still looks nice. This campground loop is very quiet.

We did not end up with a great site. It was on the water but the view was not great. I feel ridiculous saying that there were too many trees but they were all along the edge and completely blocked the view of the lake. The sites were pretty close together, even the ones across the water. We were in a little cove and we could hear everyone's conversations. We could hear the people on both sides as well as the people across the water. There was also a lot of poison ivy. It's still a beautiful lake and they had nice swimming beaches. The Bartram Trail runs through this campground as well.

Gorgeous lake with no sign of civilization across from the campground. We swam right from our site and loved it. The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. Ours was perfect. Nice beach, playground, and everything well kept. I would imagine that on weekends the boat traffic might be slightly loud but on this Monday it was so peaceful and quiet. The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table. Again, the site is enormous. Great value at $32!!!

I spent a great couple of days here mid-week in mid-June. There was one other occupied campsite (out of 9) the first night and I had the whole place to myself the second. No showers, no wi-fi or cell sevice, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot-just what I wanted. No reservations either. 

There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim.. There are two trails. A short one (about a mile) around the pond and a longer 5.6 mile loop. Great trail.

Be sure to check the website for problems beforehand.   The water was out when I was there (actually it was restored just as I pulled out!!!).

So all in all, I great place if you want a rough campsite with few others around.

Stayed for 2 nights in Site #3. Was called prior to arrival regarding checking in. Missed "closing time" but went to site and checked in next morning.  The Park fee is not included in the camping fee with is a bit of a pain, but I actually received a partial refund since the Senior rate was not included in my reservation.

Plenty of well marked trails to hike, a nice lake, beautiful spring, and if you are interested a thorough Museum about the Civil war prison camp that was located on the grounds. (Note: there is no swimming at the spring)

Sites are level with good power and water.  I felt they were a bit close, but we are not campground people.  #3 seemed one of the most private, even though right across from the Hosts and near the Bathhouse.  The Bathhouse was very clean and new.

One of the nicer ACOE Campgrounds we’ve visited. Friends stayed here over the winter months and picked a couple nice sites for a future stay. Easy access in and out, back-in site was very large with lake views while keeping us in mostly shade. As with all campgrounds, some sites are better than others. But, wouldn’t complain about any if just staying a few nights.

This campground was quiet and tranquil. Large oaks and mature trees. Camping paradise. Immaculate grounds and facilities. Water, electric and gray water dumps at each site. Washers and dryers. Gravel sites, but it’s a place I hate to leave. Pet friendly and great staff.  Nice playground and horseshoes area as well!

Fifteen fish and whose counting? Not to mention the 'BIG ONE' that got away on our last day!!!  (According to my Sweetie...Lol!)  Lincolnton, Georgia is the place to 'BEE' for a quiet and intimate getaway, encompassing relaxation and fun!  Lakefront Hotel! One of the best birthday celebrations ever!!! 

Thank you Jana for all the special consideration and your generosity!  We will definitely be seeing you again soon!

Sonya and Clarence (Sweetie)

Wonderful experience. Most every site on the water. Many pull through sites.

This place has everything, even cheap laundry! 2-3 bars Verizon service, pretty quiet in February.

This site was absolutely perfect for our first trip out in our new camper. Our dog also loved the water! Bathrooms and showers are clean and easily accessible. Several fishing spots and places to launch kayaks and three boat ramps. Sites are clean and well maintained. The fishing is AMAZING! 20 palm sized shell cracker on the first day!

Great little spot.  The Owners are very nice and friendly.  Great dog park and boat ramp.  Wifi is exceptional.  Lots of land to roam around on.

Stayed at this campground for a few days in Jan of 24.  Very quiet and the owner is very friendly and accomodating.  There is a free boat ramp into Coleman Lake for registered guests.  There is a newly renovated laundry facility.  its only $2.50 a load.  My amputee wife loved that she could fit her wheelchair in the shower.  There is also a restaurant and bar on property open on the weekends.  There are trails all over for atv/utv's.  There is also an outdoor bar for rent for big gatherings.  We came here for one night and ended up staying for weeks.  Would definitely return.

Nice day camping but site B is our least favorite out of all the backcountry sites.

Staff was superb with a last minute booking. We arrived after closing but they saw us coming in and checked that we were good. That was SO nice when coming in the dark and dog tired. Sites are large, well spaced and on the lake. Wi-Fi not bad, campground less than 10 minutes off interstate yet super quiet, no road noise. I’d post pictures but every time I try I get kicked out and half to start over.

Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)

Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Heavy, going into Thanksgiving weekend. Site Privacy: All sites are set back from campground loop road Site Spacing: Tremendous Site surface: Gravel. Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No reason.
Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: Ues Potable Water Available: At site.
Bathroom: Flush toilets Showers: Yes. Single curtain separation. Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Most sites are lakeside sites.
Weather: Rain, partial sun Bugs: No bites.
Host: Yes Rig size: Large rigs okay Sites: Most and maybe all sites have water views. Site 6 has a great view. Other sites have great views as well. Site 28 has a tremendous view.