Best Tent Camping near Clarks Hill, SC

Are you in need of a campground near Clarks Hill, SC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Clarks Hill. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Clarks Hill, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Tent Sites Near Clarks Hill, South Carolina (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clarks Hill, SC

1 Photos of 11 Clarks Hill Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Clarks Hill, SC

413 Reviews of 11 Clarks Hill Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

    Nice spot would return for sure

    I was passing thru SC on the SCAR headed down to the Palmetto Rally and stopped here to camp. It was a very nice campground with level pads, picnic table and fire ring (bring your own wood). As well there were several vault toilets and there was even a water faucet. It was a good campground and I would stay here again. It is not reservable so first come first served. There was some cell coverage as well. I tent camped so can not comment on RV as the others in the campground were tent camping as well.

  • Clark B.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    This is a great USACOE campground on Clark Hill Lake

    90+ sites with water, 50/30 amp electric, a dozen or so primitive sites. Most have access to water and if the lake level is good, there is usually some beach area at most sites where you can swim, tie off a boat. We love it here and have been coming for Memorial Day and Labor Day for 25 years. Reservations are easy through Reserveusa.gov. Sites are all hard compact dirt/gravel but most are very level. Gate is locked each evening at 10:00 with a combination lock code provided to you for access. Very safe and secure. Just a couple of miles from Clark Hill Dam which has a nice visitor’s center. About 20 minutes north of Augusta suburbs of Martinez and Evans.

  • Mo F.
    Aug. 26, 2016

    Mistletoe State Park Campground

    Waterfront seclusion

    We camped in one of the tent only walk-in sites located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. We had a ton of stuff, not realizing it was an uphill and pretty long trek, but it was totally worth it. We had the whole place to ourselves, no neighbors, in late March. The sun setting over the water was beautiful, it was quiet even as a few motor boats came in for the night. There is a tiny beach on the tip of the peninsula, picnic tables, and an outhouse. It was my favorite spot of everywhere we stayed on an Alabama-Georgia-South Carolina roadtrip including AirBnB and bed and breakfast.

  • Andy S.
    Sep. 16, 2019

    Mistletoe State Park Campground

    Nice!

    This is a review of the four walk-in tent sites at Mistletoe State Park.  I personally stayed in #4 and had a look at the others. 

    The best site is definitely #2 -- feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock (better for tents as it is mostly open, but there are places for hammocks along the edges). 

    Site #4 is probably second best, better for a hammocks probably (which is what I had) as no great level ground. It is not right on the water but has it's own private path to the water(couple hundred feet to the water).

    Sites #1 & #3 do not really have access to the water without climbing down something steeply dangerous or through thick trees.  (The water access from the other sites is right in the middle of those other sites so you couldn't really share that unless they are empty or occupied by friends.)  Still #1 is a pretty good site.  #3 is the least interesting and smallest, but still secluded -- I wouldn't call any of these bad.

    None of these sites have groomed tent pads -- just gravelly ground.   They do each have a table, fire pit, and lantern pole.  #1 & #2 are best for tents.  There is good separation between all sites.  Sites #2 & #3 are within shouting distance of each other and you'd be able to see tents, etc at one from the other.  There is an outhouse between sites #1 & #2, and another another between sites #3 & #4.  It is a 5 minute (or so) walk to the real bathroom (which also has showers) back in the main campground.

    Other than the lake itself at sites #2 & #4, I didn't see any dedicated water source for these sites.  (The lake is silty -- pre-filtering recommended if you are using a filter.)  So you'd have to bring in water or get it from the bathroom area or maybe from an empty RV site which all have spigots.  You'll have to pack out your trash, and there are definitely critters around that will get in your trash so it should be secured somehow.  (Hanging it from the lantern pole isn't good enough -- you'll wake up to find a hole in the bag and it strewn around, ask me how I know.)

    Everything in the park was very clean and well-maintained, although when I was here in September (during the week), the whole place was basically deserted anyway.

    The water access at sites #2 & #4 is nice but it is not a real beach -- it is all large rocks for the most part and they were very slippery even when dry so be careful.  The water level was also extremely low when I was there so some of those rocks are probably covered by water earlier in the year.

  • N
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Elijah Clark State Park Campground

    Friendly. Fun. Relaxing.

    Set up well for families with children… room to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards; playground; putt putt course; trails to walk; beach areas all around the camp ground for easy access to the water. Kayak rentals.

    Bathrooms were generally clean. Campsites a relatively flat. Good picnic tables at each site. Not every site had a pole for a lantern or trash bags to hang from. Fairly good tree coverage around the campground for shade and hammocking.

  • Scott M.
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    Quiet Lakeside Campground

    Winfield is a compartively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park. Quiet and peaceful, it's tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond, if you're form South Carolina) which sees a good deal of boat traffic (pontoon boats in particular) in the summer months. Great for water activities (kayaking, SUP, etc) with awesome evening views.

  • Bill W.
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sumter National Forest Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

    "roughing it" in a small secluded campground.

    I spent a great couple of days here mid-week in mid-June. There was one other occupied campsite (out of 9) the first night and I had the whole place to myself the second. No showers, no wi-fi or cell sevice, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot-just what I wanted. No reservations either. 

    There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim.. There are two trails. A short one (about a mile) around the pond and a longer 5.6 mile loop. Great trail.

    Be sure to check the website for problems beforehand.   The water was out when I was there (actually it was restored just as I pulled out!!!).

    So all in all, I great place if you want a rough campsite with few others around.

  • Justin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

    Primitive Tent Sites

    I stayed in primitive tent site 10 but all of these primitive sites are great! Well kept and spacious. Some sites have a decent walk in distance but others are close to the parking areas. There’s water points to get fresh water if needed throughout the site areas. Definitely will stay here often when “car” camping instead of backpacking.

  • Danny B.
    Mar. 30, 2019

    Leroys Ferry

    Can’t beat it for the price

    $10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places. Each site has a pick nick table and fire ring, a few had charcoal grills on stands but not all. First come first serve, bring exact money because it’s just a drop box. It’s primitive camping so bring your own water, no electricity. No trash dumpster either so be prepared to pack if out . Cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed .


Guide to Clarks Hill

Tent camping near Clarks Hill, South Carolina, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Clarks Hill

  • For a serene experience, consider staying at Fell Hunt Camp, where you can enjoy well water and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.
  • Bring your own supplies to Leroys Ferry, as it’s a primitive site with no electricity or running water, but offers stunning waterfront views.
  • If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, Clarks Hill Training Center is a great option with reservable sites and ample space for group camping.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Clarks Hill, known for its clean park and great fishing spots.
  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Soap Creek Marina, which also features picnic tables and fire pits for a cozy evening.
  • For a unique experience, visit Back to Nature Garden Center, where you can camp among the trees while being close to local amenities.

Features of Campgrounds Near Clarks Hill

  • Parksville offers electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for those who want a bit more comfort while camping.
  • At West Dam, you’ll find water hookups and a peaceful environment, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
  • Morrow Bridge Seasonal Hunt Camp provides a rustic experience with no modern amenities, ideal for those looking to truly disconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clarks Hill, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clarks Hill, SC is Clarks Hill with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clarks Hill, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Clarks Hill, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.