Camping options near Laurens, South Carolina range from state parks with lakeside sites to private campgrounds with yurt accommodations. The region sits at elevations between 500-800 feet in the South Carolina Piedmont, creating moderate terrain that's accessible for most campers. Summer temperatures typically reach the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60s and 70s.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Chester State Park Campground offers a championship disc golf course along with lakeside trails. "Beautiful state park campsite on the water. Clean. Newly renovated community areas. Great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station," notes Christopher B., highlighting the park's recreational focus.
Fishing opportunities: Pine Ridge Campground provides catch-and-release fishing in their one-acre pond. "The owners are wonderful! Great place to stop for one night or enjoy their amenities for a weekend," says Imagine C., making it ideal for anglers of all skill levels.
Water activities: Sadlers Creek State Park Campground offers multiple water access points for swimming and boating. One visitor shared, "Our campsite was very easy to haul the kayaks to the beach from and very private also. Quiet and peaceful," highlighting the park's accessibility for water sports enthusiasts.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness at Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA, with one reviewer noting, "Level gravel sites with concrete patios. Some with yard swings. Very clean. Clean bathhouses. Cute camp store. Free library."
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds in the region cater to families with children. At Pine Ridge Campground, Erica C. observed, "Our family had a great time! Lots of stuff for the kids to do! Bath house clean and laundry facility great! We will definitely be back!"
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds like Hickory Knob State Park Resort offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "It does have a nice golf course and skeet shooting, kayak rentals, cabins, a restaurant and a pool. The campsites are nice enough," mentions one camper, highlighting the diverse activities available.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many campgrounds have specific site characteristics to consider. At Sedalia Campground, Susan B. notes, "Nice, quiet campground. Has fire pit and access to running water. No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets. But very nice place to get away from stress of life."
Reservation needs: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated," reports Keith K. about Chester State Park Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges. At Springfield - Hartwell Lake, one reviewer mentioned, "Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those."
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-specific amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and open spaces. Colin H. says about Pine Ridge Campground, "Lots of fantastic amenities, cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen and a great pool make this a great place to stay. Add on all the activities they plan for big holiday weekends and this place is a no brainer."
Consider comfort facilities: When camping with children, clean bathrooms make a difference. At Travelers Rest-North Greenville KOA, one visitor noted, "For safety and privacy, it was the type that can be locked so you don't have to worry about strangers being in the bath facility with you."
Look for water access options: Children enjoy water activities during hot months. Jennifer K. shares about Richard B Russell State Park Campground, "The beach is nice and was never crowded. We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: At Richard B Russell State Park Campground, Sonyia W. advises, "Sites were on the smaller side and not particularly level front to back. Bath house was clean but a decent uphill walk away from most sites as there is only one."
Verify hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Regarding Springfield - Hartwell Lake, Melissa W. notes, "The sites are big, with trees in between most sites. Most sites are a stones throw away from the lake. The view Lake Hartwell is Beautiful. There is no hook ups for sewer. But there is a dump station."
Consider site privacy: Some RV parks offer more seclusion than others. At Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA, a camper observed, "It's what you expect of a KOA. Convenient, friendly and right off the freeway. This one was clean. Check in was easy. The bathrooms were clean. Water pressure was decent."
For those seeking yurt camping near Laurens, South Carolina, options include Richard B Russell State Park Campground and Hickory Knob State Park, both offering yurt accommodations within driving distance. These yurt camping destinations provide a comfortable alternative for those wanting to experience the region without traditional tent camping.
