Camping near Chester, South Carolina offers opportunities for outdoor recreation within the region's moderate climate, where summer temperatures typically reach 90°F while winters remain mild. The area features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests with numerous lakes and waterways. Most campgrounds stay open year-round due to the region's temperate conditions, allowing for extended camping seasons compared to northern locations.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Chester State Park Campground features a professional-level disc golf course that attracts enthusiasts from surrounding areas. As one camper notes, "There is fishing, kayaks and canoes at the boat dock for rent and to our children's disappointment no swimming in the lake... Also there is a professional disc golf course on site."
Hiking trails: Several parks offer walking paths with varying difficulty levels. One visitor to Chester State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a nice trail around the lake, peddle boat rentals, and a world class frisbee golf course." Another camper at Chester noted that "The trails are well marked and wide that run along the lake edge."
Boating opportunities: Lake access is available at various campgrounds, with some offering equipment rentals. A visitor to Ebenezer Park Campground shared, "We spent a weekend here last month. Park itself has considerable construction going on with no water access. However the campground was open and sites are nice and spacious."
What campers like
Communal gathering spaces: Parks with shared areas for socializing receive positive feedback. A camper at Chester State Park described, "Beyond the campsite, there is an amazing seating area near the fishing dock, with multiple hanging bench swings, communal fire pits and a great view of the lake."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and grounds are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, a visitor commented, "Both sites are very clean and well maintained. Just a short walk to the lake." Another noted, "Bathrooms were very clean. The wifi was great."
Lake views: Sites with water views are especially popular among campers. One reviewer at Chester State Park wrote, "While some sites have wonderful views of the lake, these two sites had a nice grassy area, big enough for some corn hole, frisbee or some tag."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. A camper at Ebenezer Park Campground noted, "Needed more leveling than I had, and I have a lot... the fire ring was full of ash and burnt logs. Power connections were so low to the found had to kneel to see and read breakers."
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities range from updated to basic. One camper reported about Ebenezer Park, "Bathrooms: One set for campground (67 sites) and another by the marina. Very outdated, dingy, and dark."
Seasonal restrictions: Some water activities are limited during certain periods. At Chester State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There is fishing, kayaks and canoes at the boat dock for rent and to our children's disappointment no swimming in the lake."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks have kid-friendly play areas. A camper at Chester State Park Campground mentioned, "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."
Halloween events: Some campgrounds host seasonal activities for children. A visitor to Ebenezer Park shared, "We went around Halloween and they had trick-or-treating around the park as well as prizes for the best decorated."
Dog-friendly areas: Pet owners can find accommodating spaces for their animals. One reviewer at Chester State Park noted, "We enjoyed our weekend at Chester state park. My dog enjoyed the pond for swimming. Sites were decent and we felt we had privacy."
Tips from RVers
Space between sites: Site spacing varies significantly between parks. A camper at Crown Cove RV Park warned, "Rules state belongings must be 3ft away from away from neighboring sites which is almost impossible with how close sites are."
Hookup placement: Position of utilities can present challenges. A reviewer at Ebenezer Park noted, "Power connections were so low to the found had to kneel to see and read breakers."
Long-term options: Several campgrounds accommodate extended stays. A visitor to Broad River Campground shared, "Definitely for both long term and overnight RV. We have been here for a month. Aside from the commute to anywhere this is a good campground." RV camping near Chester, South Carolina often includes monthly rate options at parks like Broad River for those needing extended accommodations.
