Camping opportunities near Landrum, South Carolina provide access to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences moderate temperatures with occasional overnight freezes between November and March. Most camping areas sit along watershed tributaries that feed the Green River or Middle Saluda River systems, offering multiple access points for water recreation during warmer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Paris Mountain State Park offers multiple difficulty levels across its trail system. One camper noted, "There are lots of trails and a big pond. Lots of bicycles riding around the park." Another visitor shared, "Great hiking trails and easy access campsites. Mountain lake was a little small for kayaking, but we had fun."
Water activities: Wilderness Cove Campground provides direct access to the Green River for tubing excursions. "Tubing is great, but the campsites and cabins are very limited," reports one visitor. The campground's location makes it ideal for cooling off during summer months.
Mountain biking: The Davidson River Campground connects directly to Pisgah National Forest's extensive trail network. As one reviewer explained, "If you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Jones Gap State Park campsites offer significant separation from neighbors. A camper mentioned, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
Diverse accommodation options: Emberglow Outdoor Resort features multiple camping styles beyond standard sites. According to one reviewer, "There are options as to how you want to camp. The camping options are very unique and diverse. They have your typical RV sites and tent sites, all of which have green space around them."
Swimming opportunities: Silver Creek Campground provides water access for cooling off. "This camp ground offers tubing on the green river, and a couple places to camp. One has a pool and is in the hills and the other is primitive and has a bar and food," notes one visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Landrum area fill quickly during peak season. One Lake Powhatan visitor shared, "Book ahead - the guy said they'd been completely full since June."
Site variability: Campsite levelness varies significantly throughout the region due to mountainous terrain. A Paris Mountain camper warned, "Some site are very uneven," while another noted, "Some of the sites needed a little rehab and weren't very flat."
Weather considerations: The mountain elevation creates unpredictable weather patterns, especially in transitional seasons. One Table Rock State Park visitor advised, "Just make sure that if you hike during the winter to give yourself plenty of time to finish the trail and to wear good trail shoes since ice can be expected."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Orchard Lake Campground offers dedicated child activities. "This is a great campground to camp with ur family. They have swimming, a little zip line. My then 7 year old played on it all day they even have a game room," shared one parent.
Accessible activities: Campgrounds with mixed terrain provide options for all ages. A reviewer reported, "We went kayaking and swimming daily. There is a slide in the middle of the pond that my son loved. When it rained the game room had a movie on and lots to do inside."
Multiple bathroom facilities: When camping with children, proximity to restrooms matters. One camper mentioned, "Bathrooms are clean and there's hot showers. Firewood and ice are available for purchase by the gate."
Tips from RVers
Site approach challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow access roads requiring caution. A Paris Mountain visitor cautioned, "The road through the park back to the campground is pretty narrow at some points - we don't know how we would have managed if we had met another RV!"
Full hookup availability: Not all pet friendly camping near Landrum, South Carolina offers complete RV connections. One visitor advised, "All RV sites are full hookups and green space around them. Our site backed up to a beautiful stream with some trees for hammocks and shade."
Surface materials: Some campgrounds use gravel that can create challenges. "All camping sites are gravel so make sure you have some leveling blocks," advised an experienced RVer.
