Tent camping near North Augusta, South Carolina offers primitive camping along shorelines, forested sites, and access to boating across three states. The region sits on the border of South Carolina and Georgia where the Savannah River forms Thurmond Lake, creating multiple waterfront camping opportunities. Sites are predominantly available from spring through fall with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows in the 30s.
What to do
Fishing access points: Soap Creek Marina provides convenient lake access with a $5 boat launch fee. A visitor noted, "Pull-up RV or tent spots with fire pits and picnic tables. There are also a few cabins available to rent... There's a small restaurant located onsite along with a small store. Nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot."
Swimming areas: Clarks Hill offers swimming opportunities in addition to camping sites. According to Steven S., the location provides a "Very clean park. Great fishing" experience with direct water access for cooling off during hot summer days.
Trail exploration: Raysville Marina serves as a good base camp for hiking the nearby trails. One camper mentioned the "Customer service when open in the off season! Friendly, accommodating, very responsive," making it suitable for tent campers seeking adventure during shoulder seasons.
What campers like
Affordability: Danny B. at Leroys Ferry appreciates the value, stating "$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."
Seclusion: Daniel D. found that Leroys Ferry offers unexpected privacy: "This is a great, unpopular place to camp. Most of the campsites have access via trails to the lake. It's clean with easy access and most sites are very easy to navigate. The pit toilets were kept very clean."
Convenience: Back to Nature Garden Center combines natural settings with nearby services. David H. mentions, "Small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country. There's a family dollar next door if you forget anything."
What you should know
Payment systems: At Leroys Ferry, campers need to prepare accordingly. Danny B. advises, "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."
Road conditions: Pine Hill Camp requires preparation for rough access. Eric Z. warns, "Speaking of the road, it's a sandy dirt road with some soft spots so pay attention."
Cellular coverage: Connectivity varies widely across tent camping areas near North Augusta. At Pine Hill Camp, Eric Z. reports, "T-mobile was pretty much useless, AT&T provided a little bit of usable signal." At Leroys Ferry, Danny B. notes, "Cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed."
Tips for camping with families
Holiday planning: Leroys Ferry provides unexpected quiet during peak times. One camper shared, "Stayed here over the Fourth of July and I was the only camper there while all the other sites were packed. Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
Group camping options: Fell Hunt Camp offers facilities suitable for family gatherings. Brittany S. reports, "We stayed here for one night while traveling and it was perfect for what we needed. 20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses. The water in the spouts is well water and delicious. Would be a great spot for some group camping!"
Marina amenities: Families appreciate the added services at nearby marinas. At Soap Creek Marina, one visitor mentioned the convenience of "a small restaurant located onsite along with a small store," reducing the need to pack extensive supplies for shorter family trips.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Pine Hill Camp requires some preparation for larger rigs. Eric Z. explains, "Not a lot of level spots around but we found a spot that worked for our 37' fifth wheel with some leveling. Were also able to position for decent solar exposure."
Marina hookups: Raysville Marina accommodates longer stays. Jerry F. mentions, "Absolutely love this place. However hard to get a spot because so many people pay monthly and leave there campers. Staff is wonderful. No bathhouse."
Waterfront positioning: Larger vehicles can access waterfront sites at Leroys Ferry with some effort. One RVer notes, "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level."
