Best Campgrounds near McConnells, SC

Campgrounds near McConnells, South Carolina include a variety of established facilities within a short drive of the town. Chester State Park Campground, about 15 miles southwest of McConnells, provides both tent and RV camping with water and electric hookups. Other nearby options include Kings Mountain State Park to the west and Lucky Farms Under the Stars, a small private campground with primitive sites. The camping landscape encompasses lakefront sites, wooded areas, and open fields with varying levels of amenities and privacy. Most campgrounds in this region support both tent and RV camping, with several locations offering cabin rentals.

Reservations are recommended at all established campgrounds in the area, especially during spring and summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Chester State Park maintains 25 designated campsites with most offering water and electric hookups, while only two sites provide full-service connections. Several campgrounds feature improved facilities with showers, flush toilets, and dump stations for RVs. Roads within the established camping areas are typically well-maintained gravel, suitable for most vehicles. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making camping possible year-round. One camper noted, "We landed a lucky spot here, we were in 6 and our friends were in 7. While some sites have wonderful views of the lake, these two sites had a nice grassy area, big enough for some corn hole, frisbee or some tag."

Chester State Park receives consistently high ratings from campers who appreciate its lake access, clean facilities, and natural setting. The park features fishing opportunities, boat rentals, and hiking trails around the lake. Many visitors highlight the recently renovated community areas with swings, benches, and fire pits overlooking the water. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Beyond the campsite, there is an amazing seating area near the fishing dock, with multiple hanging bench swings, communal fire pits and a great view of the lake." Several campgrounds in the region offer similar water-based recreation with boat ramps, swimming areas, and shoreline fishing. For those seeking more seclusion, Lucky Farms Under the Stars provides more primitive camping with only six sites in an open field setting. The mixed-use camping areas throughout the region cater to various preferences, from full-hookup RV sites to basic tent camping in more natural surroundings.

Best Camping Sites Near McConnells, South Carolina (74)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."

    "There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."

    2. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    3. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    4. Chester State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chester, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 385-2680

    "Tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC this park has a lot to offer, hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking its great. It's our favorite little get away."

    "The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit."

    5. Chester State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chester, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 385-2680

    "When I checked in, the lady was nice enough to find a site with grass behind the gravel so I could set up my tent. She didn’t warn me that it was sloped."

    "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated."

    6. Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Lancaster, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 285-3344

    $40 - $50 / night

    "This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds. Staff are friendly."

    "Nice, small, respectable campground close to Charlotte NC. Sites are paved, but dont expect completely level."

    7. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    8. Iron City Campground, Inc.

    25 Reviews
    Blacksburg, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 491-2874

    $40 - $45 / night

    "ICC is a nice place just over the NC border on I85 in SC. Very close to Charlotte and Greenville areas. Lots of southern pines provided shade."

    "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again."

    9. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"

    "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."

    10. Lucky Farms Under the Stars

    1 Review
    Catawba, SC
    11 miles

    $30 - $50 / night

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Recent Reviews near McConnells, SC

402 Reviews of 74 McConnells Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Croft State Park Campground

    Outdoor adventure awaits

    37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Lekotawind

    This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Great stopover place

    We were here one night. CG is nice, they have some seasonal sites and a lot of other sites. There are some new sites along the pond on the lower level. They also had buddy sites, perfect for a 2+ campers to gather as a group. Nice dog park, nice playground.

    We would stay here again.

  • D
    May. 8, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Cane Creek Campground 2025

    Nice campground. Got very busy on Friday through the weekend. Nice lake and hiking trails. Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers.


Guide to McConnells

Camping near McConnells, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Kings Mountain State Park, have well-marked hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained," making it easy to enjoy the scenery.
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Wateree State Park is a great spot. A camper shared, "Great park with waterfront sites. Plenty of fishing areas."
  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Cane Creek Park offer playgrounds and open fields. One family noted, "There are several playgrounds for kids to play, along with an open field by the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathhouses and well-maintained grounds. A visitor at Iron City Campground said, "The bathhouse is clean, and the laundry room is nice."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at McDowell Nature Preserve said, "The campground is guarded by two gates, and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at places like Croft State Park. A camper remarked, "Our site was also pretty level, and the campground itself is very wooded with lots of trees for shade."

What you should know:

  • Check-in Procedures: Some campgrounds have specific check-in locations that can be confusing. One camper at Kings Mountain State Park mentioned, "I received an email telling me to check in at the trading post and had the wrong address."
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are level, so it's good to check the descriptions. A visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park noted, "The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park mentioned, "The park can get a little noisy on weekends with festive groups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One camper at Cane Creek Park said, "I started taking my nephew a few years ago, and he loves it too."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A family at Iron City Campground enjoyed the pool and playground, saying, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. A camper at Croft State Park mentioned, "I think sleeping would be uncomfortable without a fan, especially in the heat."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Carowinds Camp Wilderness noted, "The sites are tight but there's shade."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be sloped, so bring leveling blocks. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park shared, "Site #1 on the lake. Level paved driveway lots of shade."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, ensure you have long enough cords. A visitor at Cane Creek Park mentioned, "The electricity panel was a bit far from our tent."

Camping near McConnells, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near McConnells, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McConnells, SC is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 46 reviews.