Top Tent Camping near Lancaster, SC

Looking for tent camping near Lancaster? Finding a place to camp in South Carolina with your tent has never been easier. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Lancaster, SC (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Crowders Mountain State Park

    1. Crowders Mountain State Park

    15 Reviews
    23 Photos
    124 Saves

    Tent camping only - No RV spaces. All campsites at Crowders Mountain State Park are hike-in and primitive. Campground is accessed via a 1 mile trail starting from the visitor center.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

    2. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    7 Saves

    Camping is restricted to youth organizations involved in outdoor skills development or learning. A Special Use Permit is required. Each group/organization will complete a service project determined by the refuge manager or provide a copy of research/species list of the organization is a class group. A fire ring is provided, however if the refuge is under fire danger/drought conditions, open fires will be prohibited. Any other recreational group or research activity not specifically mentioned above may require a Special Use Permit. Please contact the refuge manager for more information or to apply for a Special Use Permit. Email us at carolinasandhills@fws.gov. All provisions of Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres

    3. Blythewood Acres

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    4 Saves

    5 min from downtown Blythewood and exit 27 on I-77

    Water/Sewer/Power (20/30/50 pedestals) provided.

    Daily/Weekly/Monthly rates available

    Rural land in Blythewood down long driveway with locked gate. Circle drive, water connection from on-site well & septic dump station are available.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $45 - $55 / night

    • No image available

      4. Yates Family Camping

      3 Reviews
      20 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
      Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler

      5. Hippie Holler

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      14 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group

      $40 - $55 / night

      • No image available

        6. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

        1 Review
        2 Saves

        Poulous Loop offers a rustic camp setting ideal for exploring the area's hunting opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state. During big-game and turkey seasons, the campground is open for hunters. From early January through late March groups can reserve the entire camp for events. Families, churches and clubs might like to reserve the camp for reunions, get togethers and campouts. Other recreation opportunities in the area include trail riding, birding and wildlife viewing, berry picking and photography. Nearby, try your hand at fishing the Broad River at the Woods Ferry Picnic Area. Click here for a printable guide.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • Tents
        • Group
        • No image available
          Camper-submitted photo from Poolus Loop Hunt Camp

          8. Poolus Loop Hunt Camp

          Be the first to review!
          1 Photo
          2 Saves

          Overview

          Poulous Loop Group Campground is located on the Enoree Ranger District of Sumter National Forest. It's location in the piedmont of South Carolina, Chester County, provides year round camping opportunities. t's surrounded by a mixed pine-hardwood forest with an elevation of approximately 400 to 500 feet. Long hot summers and mild winters are the norm for the Enoree Ranger District. Winter temperatures range from low 40's to upper 60's degrees and summer temperatures range from high 80's to high 90's. Popular activities include hunting, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

          Recreation

          Poulous Loop offers a rustic primitive camp setting ideal for exploring the surrounding area's hunting and trail riding opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state for big-game deer and turkey seasons. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR. __The Woods Ferry Horse Trail is a 26 mile trail system that parallels the Broad River corridor and meanders in and around upland pine and hardwood drains of the area. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers and can be easily accessed by following forest service gravel road 301F to access the trail junction.

          Natural Features

          Acres of pine-hardwood forest and gently rolling terrain surround Poulous Loop Group Campground. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the low country Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border.

          Nearby Attractions

          Leeds Outdoor Shooting Range, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest. Leeds Range is accessibleBring your own equipment, target and target holder to target practice from designated shooting tables down range maximum distance 100 yards. Manufactured stationary targets only. There is a user fee for range use. Olde English Tourism District- oldeenglish.com. Find upcoming events, restaurants, artists, farmers markets surrounding the Woods Ferry Recreation Area. Historic Brattonsville- 28 miles

          • Tents
          • No image available
            • No image available

            Recent Tent Reviews In Lancaster

            294 Reviews of 10 Lancaster Campgrounds


            • Davis The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
              Oct. 26, 2024

              McDowell Nature Preserve

              It was very peaceful

              My husband and I stayed here for a few days at the beginning of October. It's very quiet and peaceful. What I didn't like was they had no activities like most other camp sites. They do have hiking trials and fishing until 8pm. The staff was friendly and very helpful but they leave at 4pm and you can't check in till 3pm. I guess there's good and bad like with all places.

            • cThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
              Oct. 22, 2024

              Cane Creek Park

              Great spot for families

              Awesome spot for families and multiple night stays. Family environment comes with more noise but as long as you are expecting it you won’t be disappointed.

            • Carol J.
              Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain
              Sep. 19, 2024

              Kings Mountain

              Disappointing

              I recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10.  The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only.  Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews .  In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small.  The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day.  The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure.  But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.

            • Olivia W.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
              May. 24, 2024

              McDowell Nature Preserve

              Safe Gated Campground

              Campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours. The spots are very close to each other but that didn’t bother me. I chose spot D16 which is the only camping spot with a bit of an uphill ramp from the car to the camp spot. The rest lie flat. Didn’t help that I have a tent that attaches to my car so it made that difficult.

            • Tracie S.
              Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park
              May. 12, 2024

              Lake Wateree State Park

              Our Favorite Getaway

              This is one of our favorite spots! We can boat, fish, ride our golf cart, hang out by the fire and just enjoy the moment. It also has wonderful handicap accommodations. Hands down one of our favorites!

            • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
              Apr. 24, 2024

              Alston Trailhead

              Nice free spot

              We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees.

            • Loretta A.
              Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain
              Feb. 9, 2024

              Kings Mountain

              Amazing place to stay

              My husband and I come out to camp at kings mountain state park often and we love it if we decide to go camping or to go out to walk some trails with our dog this is the place we always come to the park rangers are all nice respectful and the keep the place clean and help to make your stay amazing. They also answer any questions you may have about the park like things to do while you are there and to enjoy your stay.

            • @HomegrownRV 😎.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from McDowell Nature Preserve
              Nov. 24, 2023

              McDowell Nature Preserve

              Great visit and campground!

              This was a very nice/quiet campground. The sites were spacious and private. The campground itself is very wooded with lots of trees for shade. Our site was also pretty level.

              The campground is gated, and you are provided a code at check in. The park also has security and on site most of the time. The only negative is that the place to enter the gate code is on the opposite side from where you pull in, so you do have to get out of your vehicle to enter it each time.

              The bathrooms and laundry were very clean during our visit. The playground was a nice addition for our toddler too!

              We would definitely stay here again.

              Follow us on Tiktok and Instagram at @HomegrownRV for more reviews and videos of campgrounds!

            • BThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park
              Nov. 1, 2023

              Lake Wateree State Park

              Nice campground

              Nice campground right on the lake. The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds. Staff and everyone around were super nice

            • I
              Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
              Oct. 8, 2023

              Alston Trailhead

              Amazing site, minus the train

              This site is awesome. The scenery is beautiful and it is super easy to access. You can hear coyotes howling at night.

              The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite.

              Everything else was perfect for us though!

            • Will C.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
              Sep. 29, 2023

              Alston Trailhead

              Stay at TrailHead

              Beautiful place! Unfortunately no space for us to drive our bus to a camp spot but plenty of room in parking lot. Just a nice little spot to stop before hitting the road again.

            • T.  D.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Woodsmoke Family Campground
              Sep. 19, 2023

              Woodsmoke Family Campground

              Overnight Stop

              Ok for overnight stop but wouldn't be a travel destination. Most sites seem to be long term or permanent sites. Very close to neighbor site, with fire pit being extremely close. Water, Sewer, Power, WiFi

            • p
              Camper-submitted photo from Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA
              Sep. 5, 2023

              Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

              Nice short stay

              We are full timers and stayed here 2 nights. Although people complain about KOA prices, we use them because we know what to expect. As expected everything was well maintained. Restrooms were spotless. Every employee we encountered was friendly and helpful. I reserved a back in space and when we arrived were told they had upgraded us to a pull through site at no extra charge. Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front. Had to unhook, but their diesel prices were even cheaper than I could get with my Open Roads discount card. Only problem was that it is a bit of a noisy area-ambulances obviously dispatch from right down the road. Some plane noise, but we've had worse. Thank you for providing above what we expect from KOA.

            • Addison C.
              Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
              Jul. 13, 2023

              Alston Trailhead

              Amazing camp site

              There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot

            • Damon O.
              Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
              Jul. 5, 2023

              Chester State Park

              Favorite State Park in SC

              While this is a smaller park, it has a ton to offer. Rv and primitive sites, bathrooms with hot showers, playground for the kiddos, a lake with rental kayaks and paddleboats, and the camp host was super friendly. Easily my favorite state park in SC so far.

            • MThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Kaleidoscope Farm
              Jun. 15, 2023

              Kaleidoscope Farm

              Nice quiet site close to town

              Site and hosts were nice. It was easily accessible(made it in a lowered mustang). The site was pretty clean and had firewood cut and ready to go for is.

              Not far from the roadway so not quiet and isolated if that’s what you were looking for. We weren’t and the quick in and out was perfect.

            • C
              Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
              Jun. 11, 2023

              Chester State Park

              Nice Park

              Went for a group camping event. Would definitely recommend it for that. Nice amount of space. Nice lake without heavy motorized boat traffic.

            • jThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
              May. 25, 2023

              Chester State Park

              Great little state park

              Was surprised how nice, clean, and well maintained this park was considering the small town near it is not doing well at all.

            • S
              Camper-submitted photo from Sesquicentennial State Park
              May. 21, 2023

              Sesquicentennial State Park

              Cute park convenient to Columbia

              We stayed in loop 2 at site 48 for 2 nights at the end of April. Chose this campground because we had an event in Columbia that we had to attend on our way back from a trip to Florida so we needed a place to stay for a few nights. The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups. There was water but we had some trouble getting the pressure just right. Really good tv signal since the campground is right outside of the city. Only a 20-30 minute drive down the highway. The part of town you go through to get there is a bit rundown (not bad by any means but you wouldn’t know there was a park nearby). The park itself it quite lovely. There’s a small lake that rents paddle boats and kayaks. A nice camp store. Cute park and splash pad. I actually wish we could have stayed longer. We have family nearby and will probably stay here next time we visit. I would recommend visiting if you want a quiet low key getaway.

            • Sherry M.
              Camper-submitted photo from Hippie Holler
              May. 20, 2023

              Hippie Holler

              ND introvert Friendly! So quiet!

              I found my happy place here at Hippie Holler! No kids or loud obnoxious other campers, felt at home, safe,understood and able to relax completely. Hidden Gem for the neurodivergants and chill seekers. Cool solar lights made it trippy ful lol

            • K
              Camper-submitted photo from Kings Mountain
              May. 16, 2023

              Kings Mountain

              Meets standards

              Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York. National Military Battlefield nearby. WiFi available at the Trading Post, but not at campsites. Some sites have cell service, site #48 does not for Verizon. Site #48 is not level but not bad. Park is tidy and clean. Quiet on a Wednesday.

            • Ronald C.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Ebenezer Park Campground
              Apr. 17, 2023

              Ebenezer Park Campground

              public park

              stayed here for 3 nights.my spot was in the woods  tight spot for  42 ft  trailer and no area next to the camper to sit unless you want to fall back from the steep grade .

              lake was very pretty and very busy . if you don't own a boat there is not much to do. I.  thought it was very noisy and crowded.



            Guide to Lancaster

            Camping near Lancaster, SC, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

            What to do

            • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend.”
            • Fishing and Boating: At Dreher Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, “We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced.”
            • Picnicking and Relaxing: Kings Mountain State Park has great picnic areas. One camper noted, “Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York.”

            What campers like

            • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The bathhouses were clean although it looked like there was some mold... but the shower was hot and welcomed.”
            • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the park rangers. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, “Small but well maintained, friendly staff.”
            • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One camper stated, “Spacious site! We were able to fit 2 tents.”

            What you should know

            • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, “No electricity, but there’s LTE connection. Also only one pit toilet for each gender and no running water at the site.”
            • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Ebenezer Park Campground mentioned, “I thought it was very noisy and crowded.”
            • Site Levels Vary: Some sites may not be level, which can be tricky for RVs. A reviewer at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly.”

            Tips for camping with families

            • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds, like Iron City Campground, have playgrounds for kids. One parent shared, “Fun for kids: Pool with splash mushroom; playground.”
            • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with lakes for swimming and fishing. A visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground said, “We swam for an hour or two... it was nice knowing that there are no alligators there.”
            • Plan for Group Activities: Choose campgrounds that allow for group camping. A camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, “I have been going to this campground since I was a kid. I always enjoy it.”

            Tips from RVers

            • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground noted, “The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website.”
            • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven, so having leveling blocks handy is a good idea. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, “We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level.”
            • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve said, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”

            Camping near Lancaster, SC, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor adventure!

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lancaster, SC?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lancaster, SC is Crowders Mountain State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

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

              TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Lancaster, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.