Glamping close to Newberry, South Carolina combines camping comfort with easy access to recreational areas along the shores of Lake Murray and surrounding forests. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring mild winters and warm, humid summers. Most glamping sites in the area operate year-round due to the favorable weather conditions, though summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing access: Chester State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities with direct lake access. "The lake and the sitting area beside the lake are both beautiful. There is a paved walkway down to the lake to a sitting area and a dock," notes Myron C., who appreciates the well-maintained facilities.
Disc golf course: Chester State Park features a championship disc golf course that attracts players of all skill levels. Keith K. mentions, "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course," making it a good option for active visitors seeking outdoor recreation near Newberry.
Farm animal interaction: At WyldStay Greenville, visitors can enjoy a unique glamping experience with Highland cows. Jerry H. shares, "We arrived and immediately met Pebbles. She was the sweetest cow and allowed us to pet, take pictures with her and of course feed her." The property also has sheep and ponds to enjoy.
Hiking trails: Sedalia Campground serves as a trailhead for the Palmetto Trail. Myron C. points out, "The Palmetto Trail runs through it, so if you are thru-hiking, this would be a good place to camp for the night." The trails connect to nearby lakes and forest areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pine Ridge Campground maintains extremely clean bathhouses and common areas. Mary C. notes, "Beautiful restrooms kept clean and had a combination lock on them." Similarly, Colin H. mentions it has the "cleanest bathhouse I've ever seen," a consistent point of praise across reviews.
Quiet atmosphere: Eden in Lancaster SC offers a peaceful setting for those seeking relaxation. Andrea E. describes it as "a great weekend escape from city life! A place to recharge and unplug from everyday life." Robert D. agrees, calling it "a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway."
Helpful staff: Many glamping spots near Newberry pride themselves on attentive service. Georgia G. shares about Pine Ridge Campground, "We are 5 weeks into full time and it's been a little rough. The owners here took us under their wings and helped whenever needed."
Lakefront views: Plum Branch RV Park (formerly Lake Thurmond RV Park) provides waterfront camping. Robin notes, "This campground is very quiet and right near the water," making it popular for those seeking glamping with water views.
What you should know
Limited tent sites: Many glamping locations near Newberry cater primarily to RVs or cabin stays. At Sedalia Campground, tent campers should note, "If you want to get away from civilization, this might be the place to camp. However, it is beside a road," as Myron C. points out.
Site leveling challenges: Hickory Knob campsites can require careful positioning. Padget M. advises, "Site 18 had great water access. Beach is made of clay so be sure to wear shoes unless you don't mind red feet." Tracy H. adds, "Some sites have a steep drop off, so you'll need to walk to the launch area (dirt slope) for access."
Varying site privacy: Chester State Park Campground has sites with different privacy levels. Keith K. mentions, "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other," which may be important for those seeking more secluded glamping experiences.
Seasonal maintenance noise: At some locations, maintenance can impact the quiet. Tracy H. notes about Hickory Knob, "You can hear the grounds crew mowing the golf course pretty much all day, so if you're looking for total silence, this may not be the place for you."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Pine Ridge Campground offers extensive facilities for children. Jyll G. shares, "There is an acre of catch and release pond, a playground and jump pad for kids, a pool, some trails, several things to do." Erica C. confirms, "Our family had a great time! Lots of stuff for the kids to do!"
Cabin options: For families wanting glamping comfort near Newberry, Chester State Park has cabins as an alternative to tent camping. Keith K. notes, "Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated," providing flexibility for families with different comfort needs.
Activity planning: Eden in Lancaster SC offers resources for planning family outings. Andrea E. mentions, "There's alot to do here and tons of other outdoor activities within a few minutes' drive, and there's a guide book that lists it all," which helps families organize their stay.
Weather preparation: The humid climate means summer visitors should prepare for heat. Remember that most campgrounds have limited shade, so bring portable shade options, cooling towels, and plenty of water for kids during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site utility positions: At Plum Branch RV Park, Kevin H. advises, "Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways." This practical insight helps RVers prepare properly.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. Tracy H. notes about Hickory Knob, "The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is the fact that the campground road is in pretty rough shape," which is important information for larger rigs.
Cell coverage: For those working remotely while glamping near Newberry, connectivity varies. Kevin H. provides detailed carrier information: "Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up... T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service," helping digital nomads plan accordingly.
Site size considerations: Hickory Knob has sites that may challenge larger rigs. Melanie shares, "Our spot was woodsy and secluded. A little small for our camper but once we got it into the spot, it was great," suggesting careful selection for RVers with larger setups.
