Tent camping options near Kinards, South Carolina include several primitive sites within reasonable driving distance. Sedalia Campground in the national forest offers basic tent sites with minimal amenities, while Fell Hunt Camp near Bradley provides seasonal camping opportunities from September through January. Both locations cater specifically to tent campers seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.
Primitive tent sites at Sedalia Campground feature running water and vault toilets that campers describe as surprisingly clean. The campground has individual sites arranged around a central grassy area, with a separate group camping section that includes a communal fire pit. Most sites lack picnic tables, requiring campers to bring their own seating and food preparation setups. One camper noted, "It's been quiet the times that we've been there. If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes."
The tent camping experience in this region varies seasonally, with some locations like Herbert Seasonal Camp in Carlisle and Rocky Branch Hunt Camp only open during specific months. Fell Hunt Camp provides drinking water, toilets, and trash disposal, making it suitable for backcountry tent camping without requiring complete self-sufficiency. The campground features approximately 20 tent sites arranged in a circle, with additional equestrian sites available. A visitor commented, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious. Would be a great spot for some group camping!" Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp once offered very affordable primitive tent camping at $5 per night but has reportedly changed pricing and may have limited availability. Tent campers should verify current status and regulations before planning trips to these primitive camping areas.
"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
from $75 / night
from $5 - $150 / night
from $45 - $55 / night
from $125 / night
ScoutIt 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.
LegendHickory 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!
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
TravelerVery quiet, beautiful, large site. We stayed at 13 and it was very private and large. We will definitely be back!
RangerA lot of the sites are situated for RVs. If you want to hammock camp, absolutely grab site T-15. It's spacious, private, and has a lot of water frontage. It's a terrible tent site but a perfect hammock site.
GuideWonderful views of the lake, tall pines, quiet. Bathhouse is clean but a little older.
The region surrounding Kinards, South Carolina offers primitive camping options primarily within the Sumter National Forest, which spans nearly 371,000 acres across northwestern South Carolina. The terrain alternates between gentle hills and flat bottomland, with elevation ranging from about 200 to 400 feet. Forest service roads through this area can be rutted and difficult to navigate during or after rain events, especially for vehicles without adequate clearance.
Cycling adventures: The area around Sedalia Campground provides excellent cycling opportunities with minimal traffic. A camper noted, "If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes." Cyclists should bring their own repair equipment as bike shops are not readily available within a 30-minute drive.
Hunting access: Fell Hunt Camp serves as a strategic base for hunting expeditions from September through January. The campground layout features a circular arrangement of approximately 20 tent sites with additional equestrian-friendly areas. Hunters should verify license requirements through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources before arrival.
Water recreation: Lakes within 20 miles of Kinards offer swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. One visitor mentioned that after camping, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious," providing a convenient way to refill water containers before heading to nearby water recreation spots. Seasonal fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online through SCDNR.
Clean facilities: Primitive campsites in the region maintain surprisingly sanitary conditions despite minimal amenities. A camper at Sedalia Campground shared, "I was glad to see that it had running water and one of the cleanest pit toilets I think I have ever seen." Sites typically cost $5-10 per night, representing significant value compared to developed campgrounds.
Spacious layouts: The open design of camping areas allows for group activities and comfortable spacing between sites. As one camper observed, "There is a spacious grassy area in the middle of the campsites for whatever activities you want to engage in. There is also a large, separate grassy area for group camping."
Peace and quiet: Despite occasional hunter traffic during season, many campers find the remoteness appealing. A visitor reported, "Nice, quiet campground. Has fire pit and access to running water. No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets. But very nice place to get away from stress of life." Weekday occupancy tends to be minimal even during peak seasons.
Amenity limitations: The best tent camping near Kinards, South Carolina typically lacks conveniences found at more developed sites. A camper at Sedalia noted, "Just be aware that there are no picnic tables." Campers should pack portable seating, cooking equipment, and food storage solutions.
Road conditions: Forest service roads leading to campsites can be challenging without proper vehicles. Access may require careful navigation especially after rainfall. Campers might encounter sections of road that become temporarily impassable to low-clearance vehicles.
Seasonal crowds: Hunter presence significantly impacts campground availability and atmosphere during hunting seasons. One camper observed, "Quite calm. Hunters use it alot. Fall deer hunters spring thurkey hunting. Often gets packed." Non-hunters should research hunting seasons before planning trips to avoid peak occupancy periods.
Site selection: Choose spots away from roads for safety with children. At Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp, families should note that while once affordably priced, a reviewer reported "Forest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground." Call ahead to verify current pricing and regulations.
Activity planning: Pack games and activities suitable for the grassy common areas at campgrounds. Frisbees, soccer balls, and nature scavenger hunt materials work well in these spaces. Most sites lack built-in entertainment options for children.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally black bears. Store food securely and maintain a clean campsite. Forest education materials are available from ranger stations to help children identify plants and animals they might encounter.
Site constraints: Small RVs can access some primitive sites, but preparation is essential. At Blythewood Acres, "These sites are level and waiting for your RV." However, most primitive camping near Kinards has limited accommodations for larger vehicles.
Water management: RV campers should arrive with full freshwater tanks and empty waste tanks. While some sites offer water hookups, reliability and quality can vary seasonally. Most primitive tent camping locations near Kinards lack dumping stations, requiring planning for waste management during longer stays.
Power options: Solar setups are recommended for extended primitive camping since most sites lack electrical hookups. RVers should prepare for boondocking conditions with sufficient battery capacity or generator options where permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kinards, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kinards, SC is Sedalia Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kinards, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Kinards, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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