Camping options around Lancaster, South Carolina cluster around Lake Wateree and nearby recreational areas within 30 minutes of the North Carolina border. The region features a combination of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds accessible year-round with temperatures reaching the upper 90s in summer and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities with fishing access and boat ramps common amenities throughout the area.
What to do
Kayak and paddle Lake Wateree: Lake Wateree State Park Campground offers boat access with dedicated docks for overnight guests. "Beautiful setting up on Lake Wateree, Plenty of Campsites and very reasonable. So Much to do here, They have a swimming area, Fishing area and a dock for boating," notes camper Melissa about the Lake Wateree State Park Campground.
Hike woodland trails: McDowell Nature Preserve provides multiple hiking paths through forest areas. Reviewer Emily B. explains, "I take my two labs there almost every weekend for a good hike through the woods and they LOVE IT! A few of the trails are right on the lake and the dogs love to hop in and cool off."
Play mini-golf for free: Cane Creek Park includes complementary putt-putt facilities for campers seeking recreational activities. "The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," writes Sarah B. about Cane Creek Park.
Visit historical sites: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground includes museum facilities with educational exhibits. A reviewer notes, "Took a walk on the nature trail and it was a nice, short hike and then we looked at the museum and schoolhouse."
What campers like
Clean bathhouses: Campers consistently mention well-maintained facilities at McDowell Nature Preserve. "Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!" writes I.R. about the McDowell Nature Preserve facilities.
Quiet atmosphere: Eden in Lancaster provides tranquil camping experiences. "Eden is a great weekend escape from city life! A place to recharge and unplug from everyday life," reports Andrea E. about this smaller Eden in Lancaster SC property.
Shaded sites: Andrew Jackson State Park Campground offers tree coverage at most sites. "Almost all campsites are heavily shaded but navigation with a larger RV would be difficult," notes camper Nate G. about the Andrew Jackson State Park Campground.
Security measures: Several campgrounds implement protective measures. At Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, "They have a security gate to keep passers by out," according to Charles F., while "the campground is patrolled regularly by the police and I felt very safe" at McDowell Nature Preserve according to Ryan B.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Some areas have connectivity challenges. At Lake Wateree State Park, "There is no wifi until you're about 15 minutes from the park" according to Jen G.
Site leveling issues: Multiple campgrounds require leveling equipment. Rachel R. notes about Andrew Jackson State Park: "Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level, but it was ok."
Noise considerations: Highway and airport proximity affects some locations. At McDowell Nature Preserve, "you could hear traffic and air planes flying over" according to Michelle L., while the Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort has "nighttime noise was bothersome, not likely where it was coming from, likely outside the campground" per Molly F.
Limited nearby supplies: Several parks are distant from shopping. Lake Wateree State Park is "about 25 minutes from any stores, but they keep their shop extremely well stocked" according to Jen G.
Tips for camping with families
Use the shuttle service: Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort provides convenient transportation to the adjacent amusement park. "You can purchase Carowinds tickets right here and ride a shuttle all day long to the park rather than fight traffic," explains Nate G.
Try weekend activities: Cane Creek Park offers special events during holidays. "Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast," writes Sarah B.
Select sites carefully: Andrew Jackson State Park requires attention to site selection. "We stayed on site 16 right on the lake. Beautiful views. Our site was very steep, so took a lot to get level," reports Rachel R.
Check swimming schedules: Water access varies by season and day at Cane Creek Park. "The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there," notes Sarah B.
Tips from RVers
RV sizing limitations: Several campgrounds present challenges for larger units. At Andrew Jackson State Park, "It is a great campground but tight fit for our 30 foot camper," according to Julie P.
Choose premium sites for longer rigs: Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina offers two distinct RV areas with different advantages. "Taylor Creek is newer with less trees providing lots of open space and great for Solar regeneration," reports Chad L.
Watch for unlevel areas: Many sites require extensive leveling equipment. Kevin E. notes about Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA: "It was relatively level but not perfect."
Consider off-season visits: Campgrounds have different experiences depending on timing. Bob F. observed about Carowinds Camp Wilderness: "Prices are rather expensive during the season, but reasonable off-season."
