The Long Creek area sits at the intersection of the Chattooga River and Mountain Rest regions, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 feet throughout the camping corridor. Temperatures typically drop 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Most campgrounds in this area remain open year-round, though water systems at higher elevations may be winterized from November through March.
What to do
Hiking the gorge floor: At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, permits for gorge floor access are limited to 100 daily and require good physical condition. "The hiking is fun but intense. Be prepared for lots of stairs, a bridge over the water, and rock hopping across the water," notes Jamie M. When planning your visit, check ahead as floor access varies: "We called ahead and the gorge floor/Sliding Rock Trail were supposed to be closed for water release, but the day that we left we found that it was actually opened."
Overnight paddling: Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers primitive sites accessed by water. "We kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area and used the large tree trunks as seating. The site overlooked the water and had a good amount of privacy/space from the other campers."
Mountain biking: Unicoi State Park offers rental bikes and dedicated trails ranging from beginner to advanced. "Campground was nice. Sites are open and unlevel but most were a good size. It was great to be able to access trails from the campground. You can also walk to the day use area from campground which has a trail and beach picnic area."
What campers like
Private deck access: Campers at Currahee RV Park appreciate the unique waterfront platforms. "We were lucky enough to get a spot overlooking a creek on the property. We had a little deck that was perfect to back our toy hauler up to and open the back. I loved sitting on the deck with our dogs, tea, and a good magazine." Request site 17 for maximum privacy: "It's the most secluded spot and has river access and a balcony."
Lake proximity: South Cove County Park offers water access from nearly every site. "Don't let the term 'County Park' lead you to believe this campground is not up to par with larger campgrounds. All sites have 50 amp electric and water hook-up. Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view. You can go into the lake right from your site."
Covered structures: River Campground offers sheltered tent sites that protect against inclement weather. "My five night stay was wonderful very laid-back rustic looking perfect for my situation lots of rain but the covered tent sites made it fun and able to deal with the elements."
What you should know
Cell reception limitations: Many glamping areas near Long Creek have minimal connectivity. "The area very serene, quiet and pretty. Nice hiking area and swimming area. If you need to get ahold of someone though you'll have to drive 10 to 15 minutes into town," advises a visitor to Oconee State Park. This applies to most wilderness camping areas throughout the corridor.
Reservation requirements: At Cherry Hill Campground, walk-up camping can be challenging. "The only way I was able to get a site was by reservation. Eventually, I got a site, but the process of having to reserve online ahead of time is frustrating, especially since I was told by a park ranger at another South Carolina State Park that even if you don't have reservations you can show up if sites are available."
Campsite variations: Terrain quality varies considerably between sites. "Sites were small but not overly so. Being regular tent campers, we understand that sometimes you are at the mercy of your neighbors. The people staying across from us decided that 1030 was the time to start blaring music and screaming."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking options: Keowee-Toxaway offers accessible trail camping for families. "This was my first backpacking trip without a guide. The trail was relatively short, but the hills were bigger than expected. However, the payoff at the trailside campground is incredible. The sites are out on a point on Lake Keowee."
Multiple swimming access points: Tugaloo State Park provides family-friendly water recreation. "Really enjoyed the lakefront campsites. Able to kayak right from campsite. Bath houses were very clean and spacious. Have a couple of hiking trails. I did the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. "It sits out on a peninsula on Lake Keowee in Seneca, SC. If you don't have access from your site, there is a really nice sandy beach area for swimming. We loved the playground."
Tips from RVers
Site positioning challenges: At Tallulah Gorge State Park, large rigs require careful positioning. "Large family with a travel trailer... Nice, basic campground. No matter how we did it our steps to the trailer came right in front of the giant cement table, which was nerve wrecking with little kids." Call ahead to request specific sites if traveling with longer vehicles.
Electrical reliability concerns: When glamping in Long Creek, South Carolina region, be prepared for occasional power disruptions. "This is a decent campground with a small RV loop and a handful of sites with water and electric... Twice in one week this campground experienced a complete and total power outage each of which lasted for hours."
Leveling considerations: Many sites throughout the region require leveling blocks. "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV."
