Tent campgrounds near Newberry, South Carolina offer primitive camping experiences with varying amenities and settings. Sedalia Campground in Union is a popular option for tent campers seeking affordability and access to outdoor activities. Several seasonal hunt camps are also available in the surrounding area, including Herbert Seasonal Camp in Carlisle and Fell Hunt Camp in Bradley, which operate primarily during hunting seasons.
Most tent sites in the Newberry area feature basic amenities with limited services. Sedalia Campground provides running water and vault toilets but lacks picnic tables at individual sites. The campground has both single ($5) and group ($10) camping areas with communal fire pits in the group section. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp once offered primitive camping with vault toilets and trash receptacles but no water, though recent reports indicate potential closure or significant price increases. Tent campers should check current status and bring essential supplies as amenities vary considerably between locations.
The tent camping experience near Newberry connects visitors with natural surroundings and outdoor activities. Sedalia Campground sits adjacent to the Palmetto Trail, making it convenient for thru-hikers and those seeking trail access. The area attracts road and trail cyclists who appreciate the proximity to quality riding routes. Hunters frequently use the seasonal camps during fall and spring hunting seasons, which can affect availability and atmosphere. A visitor noted, "If you want to get away from civilization, this might be the place to camp." Another camper described Sedalia as a "nice, quiet campground" that provides "a very nice place to get away from stress of life." Fell Hunt Camp offers multiple tent sites arranged in a circle, creating opportunities for group camping experiences.
"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
from $45 - $55 / night
from $5 - $150 / night
from $75 / night
TravelerIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
ScoutThis is a restricted use Army Travel Camp managed through MWR. It is open only to those holding military ID cards.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
RangerA lot of the sites are situated for RVs. If you want to hammock camp, absolutely grab site T-15. It's spacious, private, and has a lot of water frontage. It's a terrible tent site but a perfect hammock site.
GuideThis is a great spot for a quick overnight or chill spot to camp in a pinch! Easy access, road not too bumpy or rough, very flat in parking lot for posting up. We arrived after dark and it was quite easy to navigate.
Although we didn’t stay to do the Palmetto trail hike, it was gorgeous and tranquil in the morning. Despite not having amenities, there were 2 clean port a potties right in the lot.
Overall was quiet however there were about 4 trains that rolled by in the evening (quite loud) but didn’t wake us up late at night or early in the morning. There are a lot of frogs as well but not so loud that it disturbed our slumber.
Cell service was good and had no problem texting or using internet.
Would definitely stay again!
Tent campsites near Newberry, South Carolina are primarily concentrated in the surrounding national forest areas where elevations range between 400-700 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical climate conditions with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 30°F. Camping options include both established campgrounds and seasonal hunt camps that operate under different management structures and reservation systems.
Hiking access: Campers at Sedalia Campground appreciate the trail connections. "If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes," reports one visitor who regularly travels from Spartanburg to camp here.
Equestrian camping: Fell Hunt Camp accommodates horseback riders with designated areas. "20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses," notes a traveler who stayed overnight while passing through.
Water activities: Seasonal camping at COE Hartwell Lake Poplar Springs provides access to water recreation from May through September. The campground sits along the 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell with boat ramps within 2 miles of camping areas.
Well water quality: The natural water sources receive positive reviews at some campgrounds. A camper at Fell Hunt Camp mentioned, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious," highlighting an often overlooked camping amenity.
Affordable rates: Blythewood Acres offers level sites with full hookups at reasonable rates. "Water, sewer, power and dump station on site! These sites are level and waiting for your RV," according to a recent review.
Solitude opportunities: Remote locations provide quiet camping experiences away from urban areas. One camper noted about Sedalia, "It's been quiet the times that we've been there," indicating consistent low-traffic conditions even during return visits.
Price fluctuations: Some campgrounds have experienced significant rate changes. A reviewer of Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp noted, "Forest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground," and further observed that "As of July 2019 campground appears closed."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Newberry offer only basic amenities. "I was glad to see that it had running water and one of the cleanest pit toilets I think I have ever seen," mentioned a camper about Sedalia Campground, suggesting these simple facilities exceeded their expectations.
Seasonal availability: Hunting seasons affect campground operations. Herbert Seasonal Camp only operates from September to January, while Fell Hunt Camp runs from September 14 to January 4, making advance planning crucial during these periods.
Pack portable tables: The absence of picnic tables at several campgrounds requires bringing your own. A Sedalia camper advised, "Just be aware that there are no picnic tables," indicating families should pack folding tables for meals and activities.
Group camping spaces: Rocky Branch Hunt Camp and similar sites offer communal areas ideal for family gatherings. Fell Hunt Camp's circular arrangement of "20+ campsites in a circle" creates natural community spaces described as "a great spot for some group camping!"
Trash management: Pack-out policies vary between campgrounds. Though Sedalia provides trash receptacles, a visitor observed, "I picked up a small bag of trash left by previous campers before setting up," suggesting families should bring extra bags and teach children proper disposal practices.
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Newberry lack RV-specific amenities. A visitor to Sedalia noted it is good "for dry camping if you are in a small RV," indicating larger rigs should seek alternative locations.
Level parking surfaces: Finding flat parking areas can be challenging at primitive sites. An RVer at Blythewood Acres commented positively that "these sites are level," making it notable compared to other regional options where leveling equipment might be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newberry, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newberry, SC is Sedalia Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Newberry, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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