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Best Tent Camping near Kershaw, SC

264 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Kershaw area of South Carolina include several established options with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge offers permitted camping primarily for educational groups and researchers, while Blythewood Acres provides tent sites with more developed facilities including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections. Rocky Branch Hunt Camp and Herbert Seasonal Camp represent more rustic options in the broader region.

Access to tent camping areas varies significantly across these locations. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge requires advance permits and is primarily available to school groups, youth organizations, and researchers conducting environmental studies. Most sites offer basic amenities such as picnic tables, trash disposal, and toilet facilities, though drinking water availability is limited at several locations. Herbert Seasonal Camp operates only from September to January, making it a seasonal option for tent campers. Fires are permitted at Carolina Sandhills but prohibited at Blythewood Acres, which offers more developed infrastructure.

The tent camping experience near Kershaw provides opportunities for environmental education and nature observation. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge emphasizes conservation and requires service learning projects from camping groups. The refuge's backcountry tent camping settings support wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, and boating activities. According to one visitor, "Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve. However, for the purpose of environmental education programs and research activity, school groups and youth groups are welcome to visit the preserve for ranger led programs." Blythewood Acres offers more developed tent sites with level ground, making it suitable for campers seeking basic amenities while still enjoying tent camping. Rocky Branch Hunt Camp provides a more primitive backcountry tent camping experience for those seeking fewer facilities and more seclusion.

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Best Tent Sites Near Kershaw, South Carolina (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Kershaw, SC

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kershaw, SC

264 Reviews of 4 Kershaw Campgrounds

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • Thomas H.
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Weston Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    I was stationed at Jackson from’07-‘09 and the only thing that has really changed is the dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs are completed. The receptionist said they’ve been working on it for maybe 4 years. Hopefully it’ll be completed sooner than later. The grounds could be kept up a little better as could the restrooms/bath houses but I imagine they lost some revenue due to the lake being closed for dam repairs.

    There isn’t any concerns getting back here, the biggest rigs will not have any problems. All sites are large concrete pads, FHU. Most sites are spaced very well, some better than others but you won’t be on top of anyone whichever site you’re at. They have a large concrete patio area, nearly the size of the pad itself with a picnic table and fire pit/grill and stand alone grill.

    Verizon cell coverage is adequate. I had 2 bars and LTE, sometimes 5G. Not like being in the city but sufficient. No wifi.

    There are cabins and tent sites as well. This isn’t a large campground but there were still a few open spaces.

    There will be various bugle calls throughout, morning, day and night. You may hear firing range training going on in the distance. You should expect this and it should not be seen as negative, you’re on a military campground.

    Current RV site price a night is $35, if you have a National park pass it’s $32.50. Despite the lake being off limits right now I will still come back. Once it’s opened back up I’m sure it will be more busy, right now it’s very peaceful.

  • R
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    I can see why this is a busy campground. Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store. No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that’s not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through. We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us. Only negative was I that I was bitten up by mosquitoes and I used bug spray ( obviously I need a better kind) and citronella buckets. Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11. This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday’s in the county.

  • Matt C.
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Weston Lake Recreation Area

    Overnight

    Stayed in a tent at tent site 3. Site was level and clean with water and electric, fire ring, and a picnic table. for $10 per night. There are also primitive tent sites as well for $5 per night. Lots of RV spots too! Bathhouse was cleans and has 2 showers and toilets on the mens and womens side. The office was closed before we arrived, but we were able to call on the phone to make a reservation. Seems like a few full time people in their RV. T mobile service worked well. Camp host was very friendly

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2017

    Cane Creek Park

    Cane Creek county Park

    This review is probably not representative of what will be many people’s experience or opportunity, as I visited in November in the off season, albeit an unusually warm weekday! Cane Creek Park is a county park that is of state park caliber. It is located south and east of the town of waxhaw, and an easy drive from Charlotte. It is a large park on both sid s of a large lake, beautifully maintained, clearly with a variety of family recreational activities that are surely heavily used in the high season. The park offers everything from day use, to car and rv camping, to hike in tent sites and wilderness group areas, to cabins. This review is for the hike in tent sites, which are large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling. There are restroom and shower facilities in walking distance, though not at the campsites themselves. This is a simpler and quieter camping opportunity than the drive in sites. In fact, no one else was in this section of the campground on this fine autumn day, yet the weather was beautiful and the setting so peaceful. I would recommend this campsite location for fall camping

  • J
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    In the middle of Columbia SC

    Built to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of South Carolina in the 30’s . At one time on the furthest outskirts of Columbia SC. It is now firmly in the muddle of the Metro area. Plenty of trailer sites. Tent site and primitive camping. Has recreational areas. Restaurants and shopping nearby

  • Bill C.
    Aug. 2, 2020

    Chester State Park Campground

    Campsites and views, oh my!

    First time staying at Chester State Park. Checked in at the Ranger’s station with friendly staff and a small store front with ice available. Picked pull through site 16. All 25 of the sites are on mostly level ground. The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit. There are benches facing the lake for sitting and or fishing and a new deck that provide even better views of the lake. The trails are well marked and wide that run along the lake edge. There is fishing, kayaks and canoes at the boat dock for rent and to our children’s disappointment no swimming in the lake. The other side of the park has the boat dock, playgrounds for the kiddos and plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables for sitting by the lake. Also there is a professional disc golf course on site. Last but not least the bathhouse is up to date, clean and well stocked.

  • Nora C.
    Jun. 8, 2018

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Small but clean, close to everything.

    This campground is just minutes from Charlotte, but secluded from the city noise. Nice open spaces with shade. No views to speak of but several short trails and nice areas around Lake Wylie. Clean facilities and secured gate with easy access after hours for paid campers. Spaces have offerings and picnic tables. RV and tent sites with water and electric.

  • Julie P.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Cane Creek Park

    Clean, safe and friendly

    Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance.  It is always packed.  No alcohol permitted.

Guide to Kershaw

Tent camping near Kershaw, South Carolina encompasses diverse terrain from pine-oak uplands to wooded bottomland forests. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently reaching the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions more suitable for camping. Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during hunting seasons when availability becomes limited.

What to do

Wildlife observation opportunities: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge offers extensive wildlife viewing, particularly during migration seasons. The refuge spans over 45,000 acres with specialized habitats supporting endangered species. "Hiking, fishing, and boating are also available, in addition to wildlife watching and nature study," notes Janet R. in her review of Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

Volunteer at local events: Some camping areas open for special events require volunteer participation. "The first weekend in March most of the roads in the refuge are closed and is staged out for the Sandblast Rally. Tons of fun for a volunteer and a great excuse to be outdoors," shares John P. about his experience at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge.

Service learning projects: Educational groups camping at wildlife refuges can participate in conservation work. Groups must "do some kind of service learning project while in residence, and/or submit a list of species observed or studied while in residence," according to reviewers. These projects typically involve habitat restoration or species monitoring.

What campers like

Level terrain: The topography at many Kershaw area campgrounds provides flat, stable ground for tent setup. "These sites are level and waiting for your RV," mentions Ashley F. about Blythewood Acres, which offers tent sites with the same terrain advantages.

Educational programming: School and youth groups appreciate the structured learning opportunities. Special permission camping at wildlife refuges includes "ranger led programs" at designated rustic group sites, creating unique outdoor classroom experiences not typically available at standard campgrounds.

Seasonal hunting access: For hunters seeking tent camping near Kershaw, dedicated seasonal camps operate during hunting seasons. Herbert Seasonal Camp runs from September to January, providing basic accommodations for hunters in otherwise restricted areas.

What you should know

Restricted public access: Many camping areas near Kershaw have specific eligibility requirements. "Camping to the general public is not permitted here unless you're in a group, or volunteering," explains John P. about certain wildlife refuge camping opportunities. Independent researchers may apply for special permits.

Limited amenities at seasonal camps: Rocky Branch Hunt Camp and other seasonal camping locations typically lack developed facilities. These primitive sites do not provide drinking water, toilets, or trash removal, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste.

Permit requirements: Most tent camping sites near Kershaw require advance permits or reservations. Wildlife refuge camping requires contacting the station directly for permission, often weeks in advance of intended stay dates.

Tips for camping with families

Educational value focus: When seeking the best tent camping near Kershaw, South Carolina for families, prioritize locations with structured learning components. Refuge camping provides "a unique opportunity in a unique location" for children to engage with environmental education.

Alternative nearby options: If your family doesn't qualify for refuge camping, consider nearby state forest campgrounds. "If you just want general day use recreation in the preserve, you can also camp nearby in the Sandhills State Forest," recommends Janet R., pointing families to more accessible options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kershaw, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kershaw, SC is Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kershaw, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Kershaw, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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