Camping options near Kinards, South Carolina range from primitive forest sites to developed facilities with lakeside access. The area sits within the Sumter National Forest region at elevations between 400-600 feet, featuring a mild climate with hot summers and moderate winters. During hunting season (typically October through January), campgrounds experience higher occupancy rates with several sites requiring advance reservations through Recreation.gov.
What to do
Hiking trails year-round: The 9.8-mile loop trail at Brick House Campground connects directly to site 16, which one camper noted was "a little damp due to heavy rain but a great site. Mostly away from everyone and was right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail." Some trails include horse paths that "become impassable" after storms with "several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year."
Lake activities for dogs: Lake Greenwood State Park Campground offers water recreation approximately 25 miles south of Kinards. A visitor mentioned the "lake was beautiful and clear, the grounds and trails on the park were quaint and well kept." Another camper noted "nice shores, not too rocky. No red clay" making it suitable for pets who enjoy swimming.
Geocaching opportunities: Several campgrounds feature geocaching sites within walking distance. A camper at Lake Greenwood mentioned "geocaching close. Lots of golf cart riding inside the campground." This activity works well in both summer and winter months when hiking might be less appealing due to weather conditions.
What campers like
Budget-friendly camping: Sedalia Campground offers primitive camping at $5 for singles or $10 for groups, with basic amenities. A camper reported it has a "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."
Well-maintained facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for cleanliness. At Brick House Campground, one visitor noted the "vault toilet was clean. There are a couple pull-through spots." Another mentioned it was "very well taken care of" despite being a primitive site. Similarly, at Lake Greenwood, "restroom/bath houses are never far off, and were clean, with 2 shower stalls each."
Privacy between sites: Collins Creek Seasonal Campground offers "primitive camping area with fire pit but no picnic tables, vaulted toilets, access to water from a free standing faucet." Campers appreciate that many sites provide sufficient separation from neighbors, especially during non-peak seasons when occupancy is lower.
What you should know
Water access limitations: At several primitive campgrounds, water sources require planning. At Brick House Campground, "there is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty." Campers should bring sufficient water for themselves and pets, particularly during summer months.
Road conditions: Campground access roads can be problematic. One camper warned about Brick House: "Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window." Forest service roads typically receive less maintenance than highways.
Seasonal considerations: The area experiences high usage during hunting seasons. A reviewer noted Sedalia Campground is "quite calm. Hunters use it alot. Fall deer hunters spring turkey hunting. Often gets packed." Similarly, at Brick House Campground, a camper was "informed was busy" during hunting season but found only "4 or 5 come and go" when arriving after hunting season ended.
Tips for camping with families
Pet-friendly activities: Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA in Kinards provides a dog park and family activities. One visitor noted "our kids have had 5 days of things to do each day" and mentioned the campground has a "playground, basketball, games and scavenger hunts." Another camper appreciated the "play ground and basketball hoop for kids. A pool. All of the spots we saw have fire pits."
Accessible camping for children: Look for campgrounds with short walks and level sites when traveling with young children. At Lake Greenwood State Park, "all roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits," making navigation easier for families with strollers or children's bikes.
Entertainment options: Several campgrounds offer structured activities. KOA Newberry features "pool, playground basketball, games and scavenger hunts" and even gets "decorated for Halloween" with seasonal events. These organized activities provide entertainment when weather conditions limit outdoor recreation.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Brick House Campground offers some surprisingly accommodating spots for RVs. One camper in space 17 noted it was "surprisingly quite level" and mentioned there was "access for bigger rigs too" despite being a primitive campground.
Supply runs require planning: Most primitive campgrounds are remote from shopping. A camper at Brick House noted "nearest town was Whitmire about 7 miles away. Minimal facilities. Clinton and Newberry are both about 15 miles away and they both have plenty of shopping facilities." Those staying at KOA Newberry mentioned "supplies can be picked up roughly 15 to 30 minutes away from the campground."
Hookup considerations: For RVers needing connections, options vary widely. At Green Acres, electric, sewer and water hookups are available despite being a small 4-site campground, while Brick House remains primitive with no utilities. KOA Newberry offers "easy in and out" for larger rigs with full hookups and modern amenities for those not wanting to dry camp.
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