Best Campgrounds near Newberry, SC
Camping near Newberry, South Carolina encompasses several established campgrounds along Lake Murray and within Sumter National Forest. Dreher Island State Park Campground, located on a scenic island in Lake Murray, provides lakeside sites for tents and RVs along with camper cabins for those seeking more shelter. The Newberry/I-26/Sumter NF KOA in Kinards offers family-friendly camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites approximately 15 miles northwest of Newberry. Brick House Campground in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests provides more primitive camping experiences with toilets but limited amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature sites for both tent and RV camping, while a few locations like Prices Bridge Glampsite offer cabins and glamping accommodations.
Public lands and state parks in the region maintain varying amenities and reservation requirements. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities, though primitive sites with vault toilets can be found at locations like Brick House Campground. "Mostly a bourse trail but we knew that going into it. Which means you need to expect to get muddy as the bourses make excellent mud puddles," noted one camper about trails near Brick House Campground. Lake access points throughout the area provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming, particularly at Dreher Island and Lake Greenwood State Park. Summer temperatures typically remain hot and humid, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms possible. Cell service varies significantly between developed campgrounds and more remote forest sites.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Newberry area, particularly at Dreher Island State Park. A camper shared, "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." Campgrounds with lake access tend to book quickly during summer months and holiday weekends, often requiring reservations weeks or months in advance. Sites at Lake Greenwood State Park provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking and swimming, with campsites that range from lakeside to more wooded settings. While some campgrounds maintain shower facilities and electrical hookups, more remote forest service campgrounds offer a more rustic experience with basic amenities. Camping in the Sumter National Forest provides access to hiking trails and fishing opportunities in a more secluded setting than the popular state parks.