Kinards, South Carolina camping options feature several state parks and private campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with humid subtropical climate conditions that create warm summers and mild winters. Camping opportunities range from primitive sites with basic amenities to full-service facilities with electrical hookups and shower access.
What to do
Disc golf courses: Chester State Park Campground offers a championship disc golf course along with lake access. One visitor mentioned, "Small clean campground... Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course."
Water activities: Baker Creek provides multiple water-based recreation opportunities on Lake Thurmond. A camper shared, "The greatest experiences we had involved swimming, canoeing and/or inter-tubing on the lake. My entire family just had a blast on the water."
Wildlife viewing: At Pine Ridge Campground, campers can observe local wildlife in a maintained natural setting. The campground maintains clean facilities with one camper noting it has the "cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen and a great pool make this a great place to stay."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sedalia Campground maintains well-kept primitive camping areas with basic amenities. According to one visitor, "I was glad to see that it had running water and one of the cleanest pit toilets I think I have ever seen."
Sunset views: Baker Creek campsites provide excellent vantage points for sunset viewing. A reviewer noted, "The lower number campsites face the west (which means sunset), while the higher number campsites face the east (and sit on higher ground)."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies create ideal stargazing conditions at several campgrounds. One camper at Baker Creek described, "Every night (even the nights it rained) we had such clear views of the constellation of stars from our tent."
What you should know
Primitive camping conditions: Sedalia Campground offers basic amenities at lower costs. One camper stated, "If you want to get away from civilization, this might be the place to camp. However, it is beside a road, but the road is not used very much since it is a national forest road."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads requiring careful driving. A visitor to Baker Creek warned, "There are some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes... I would advise on driving slowly throughout."
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds remain open year-round. Baker Creek operates from March 1 to September 30, while others like Chester State Park Campground maintain year-round access.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Chester State Park Campground provides family-friendly amenities including recreation areas. A visitor noted, "Clean. Newly renovated community areas. Great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming access during summer months. Pine Ridge Campground features a pool that families appreciate, with one camper mentioning, "Lots of fantastic amenities, cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen and a great pool make this a great place to stay."
Glamping alternatives: For families seeking comfort while glamping in Kinards, South Carolina area, several options exist within driving distance. One visitor to Pine Ridge stated, "After car camping for a few days, my son and I came here to a surprisingly comfortable cozy and AIR CONDITIONED (!) cabin for 3 nights."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Plum Branch RV Park offers lakeside camping with full hookups. One RVer noted, "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches."
Connectivity information: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Plum Branch RV Park, a camper documented specific carrier speeds: "Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up" and "ATT; 27.69, 0.3 up" while noting "T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service."
Hookup limitations: Hickory Knob provides water and electric hookups but no sewer connections at individual sites. A visitor explained, "Some sites are challenging to back into but worth the effort. Large resort State Park with lots of activities and access to Strom Thurmond lake."
