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Best Tent Camping near Lancaster, SC

314 Reviews

Primitive tent campgrounds near Lancaster, South Carolina include several established options within driving distance. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, located in nearby Kings Mountain, North Carolina, offers tent camping with hike-in access approximately one mile from the parking area. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge provides permitted camping for organized groups and researchers, though camping is not available to the general public without special permission.

Most tent sites in the area require moderate preparation due to limited amenities. At Crowders Mountain, campers must pack all supplies for the mile-long uphill hike to reach the campsites. The park provides fire rings and picnic tables at designated tent pads. Vault toilets are available, but drinking water access varies by location and season. Carolina Sandhills has minimal facilities with some drinking water access and toilets, but no showers or hookups. A recent review noted, "Camping is not open to the general public at this wildlife preserve. However, for the purpose of environmental education programs and research activity, school groups and youth groups are welcome to visit."

Tent camping experiences in this region offer notable solitude compared to developed campgrounds. The backcountry tent sites at Crowders Mountain provide a secluded forest setting despite being relatively close to urban areas. One camper described their experience: "The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents." The primitive nature of these sites appeals to campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. Most tent-only areas feature wooded surroundings with natural screening between sites. Hiking opportunities are abundant from these campgrounds, with Crowders Mountain offering trails leading to scenic overlooks. The hike-in requirement naturally limits crowds and noise levels at tent-specific campsites, creating a more immersive outdoor experience.

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Eden in Lancaster SC

Eden in Lancaster SC

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Best Tent Sites Near Lancaster, South Carolina (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lancaster, SC

3 Photos of 8 Lancaster Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lancaster, SC

314 Reviews of 8 Lancaster Campgrounds

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • Thomas H.
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Weston Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    I was stationed at Jackson from’07-‘09 and the only thing that has really changed is the dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs are completed. The receptionist said they’ve been working on it for maybe 4 years. Hopefully it’ll be completed sooner than later. The grounds could be kept up a little better as could the restrooms/bath houses but I imagine they lost some revenue due to the lake being closed for dam repairs.

    There isn’t any concerns getting back here, the biggest rigs will not have any problems. All sites are large concrete pads, FHU. Most sites are spaced very well, some better than others but you won’t be on top of anyone whichever site you’re at. They have a large concrete patio area, nearly the size of the pad itself with a picnic table and fire pit/grill and stand alone grill.

    Verizon cell coverage is adequate. I had 2 bars and LTE, sometimes 5G. Not like being in the city but sufficient. No wifi.

    There are cabins and tent sites as well. This isn’t a large campground but there were still a few open spaces.

    There will be various bugle calls throughout, morning, day and night. You may hear firing range training going on in the distance. You should expect this and it should not be seen as negative, you’re on a military campground.

    Current RV site price a night is $35, if you have a National park pass it’s $32.50. Despite the lake being off limits right now I will still come back. Once it’s opened back up I’m sure it will be more busy, right now it’s very peaceful.

  • Nora C.
    Jun. 8, 2018

    Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    Large shady spaces near Kings Mountain Military Park.

    Large spacious spots for RVs and Tent campers. Close to Kings Mountain Military Park. Several trails from easy to strenuous and varying lengths. Lake with fishing, kayaking and canoing. Clean facilities with bathrooms, showers and camp store.

    Spaces have electric, water, fire rings and picnic tables. Tent only areas.

  • Todd S.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Great place to stay

    We enjoyed our stay. The park office had everything well taken care of. We arrived late almost at sundown but they had an envelope waiting with instructions, a parking tag and a map. This is a hike in campground so we were in a hurry. The campground had lockers with firewood and you could leave the money in the envelope at the trailhead. The site was very private with a fire ring and picnic table and two pads for tents. The only complaint (and this isn’t the parks fault) is you aren’t far off the beaten path so car exhaust and jet noise was prevalent throughout the night. All in all happy with the stay and it served us perfectly as we were just passing through the area!

  • R
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    I can see why this is a busy campground. Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store. No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that’s not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through. We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us. Only negative was I that I was bitten up by mosquitoes and I used bug spray ( obviously I need a better kind) and citronella buckets. Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11. This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday’s in the county.

  • L
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

    Was once nice. (Edited)

    Forest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground. Nasty vault toilet, and trash cans but no water. As of July 2019 campground appears closed.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2016

    Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    Hike, Climb, Fish by Day or Backcountry Camp by Night

    I visited Crowders Mountain in December, and the weather only required a sweatshirt. My brother and I spent the day rock climbing. It was his first time climbing, and we were able to set up some beginner-friendly routes.

    As for the camping, your only option is a walk-in campground, about a mile-long hike. Drinking water and outhouses are available though.

  • Matt C.
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Weston Lake Recreation Area

    Overnight

    Stayed in a tent at tent site 3. Site was level and clean with water and electric, fire ring, and a picnic table. for $10 per night. There are also primitive tent sites as well for $5 per night. Lots of RV spots too! Bathhouse was cleans and has 2 showers and toilets on the mens and womens side. The office was closed before we arrived, but we were able to call on the phone to make a reservation. Seems like a few full time people in their RV. T mobile service worked well. Camp host was very friendly

Guide to Lancaster

Tent camping near Lancaster, South Carolina offers a variety of unique experiences, from wildlife preserves to well-equipped RV parks. Whether you're looking for a serene escape or a place to enjoy outdoor activities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out unique activities

  • The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife watching, hiking, and participating in environmental education programs, making it ideal for families and groups.
  • At Crowders Mountain State Park Campground, campers can explore various hiking trails, including a challenging trek to the mountain's summit for breathtaking views.
  • Hippie Holler is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat, with a focus on relaxation and enjoying nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Some prices for tent camping range from $1 to $30

  • Camping at Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp has seen a price increase to $30 per night, reflecting its primitive nature and limited amenities.
  • The Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge offers free camping for groups involved in service learning projects, making it an economical choice for educational trips.
  • While Yates Family Camping has mixed reviews, it provides essential hookups for a reasonable price, catering to those who want basic amenities while camping.

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 Campground 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 8 tent camping locations near Lancaster, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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