Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Pelion, SC has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Pelion is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Pelion, SC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately __ mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.__
Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the campground.__
Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the campground.__
Located in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, campsites are surrounded by pines and other trees. Campsites are generally in shade for large parts of the day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by campers throughout the day, and this location offers campers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the occasional southern fox squirrel.__
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
$25 / night
Camping Information: Each site is packed sand and has individual water and 30 amp electrical hookups. 17 sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet, others up to 30 feet. 14 sites are pull through. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Nine sites are newly-improved. Amenities include: a large, level parking area, a campfire ring with grill and a lantern hook. Four sites are equipped with tent pads. These pads provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 ft. Loop 1 is closed seasonally. Loop 2 is open year round. Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) Central water is available. Walking distant to restrooms. Showers not available. Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $11-13.50 which allows up to 10 campers. The rate increases by $5-6.25 increments for each additional five campers up to a total of fifty campers.
Set along the South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a haven for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
A scenic 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River, attracting paddlers from across the region.
Aiken State Park has a history as notable as its natural beauty. During the Great Depression, the park was built by two Civilian Conservation Corps companies, one of which was an African-American detachment of the C.C.C. Their work has withstood the test of time and can still be seen in some of the remaining structures and interpretive signage.
$28 - $32 / night
In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.
The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting, and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins.
Columbia’s finest and most convenient RV Resort. Located only 3 miles from I-26, I-77 minutes from I-20, Downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina and Lake Murray. Full hookups, full amenities, and large pull-thru sites. Open all year. Shaded sites with large yards.
Camping Information: Each site is packed sand and has individual water and 30 amp electrical hookups. 17 sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet, others up to 30 feet. 14 sites are pull through. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Nine sites are newly-improved. Amenities include: a large, level parking area, a campfire ring with grill and a lantern hook. Four sites are equipped with tent pads. These pads provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 ft. Loop 1 is closed seasonally. Loop 2 is open year round. Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) Central water is available. Walking distant to restrooms. Showers not available. Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $11-13.50 which allows up to 10 campers. The rate increases by $5-6.25 increments for each additional five campers up to a total of fifty campers.
Set along the South Edisto River, Aiken State Park is a haven for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
A scenic 1.7-mile canoe and kayak trail winds its way down the south fork of the Edisto River, attracting paddlers from across the region.
Aiken State Park has a history as notable as its natural beauty. During the Great Depression, the park was built by two Civilian Conservation Corps companies, one of which was an African-American detachment of the C.C.C. Their work has withstood the test of time and can still be seen in some of the remaining structures and interpretive signage.
$28 - $32 / night
In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.
The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting, and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins.
Columbia’s finest and most convenient RV Resort. Located only 3 miles from I-26, I-77 minutes from I-20, Downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina and Lake Murray. Full hookups, full amenities, and large pull-thru sites. Open all year. Shaded sites with large yards.
Ranger
Ten site campground, all walk in. Sites 1 and 2 fairly short distance to walk. Campsites are spacious and clean. Pit toilets and solar powered device charger available in parking lot. Easy distance to access visitor center and main trails.
Traveler
Great camping fire temps. Weather was rainy towards the end but enjoyed the stay. Our site #3 was a pull through. A little to close to main road (about 6’) but that was the only issue otherwise not much to complain about. Water was cold and crystal clear.
Legend
We camped here over the weekend with the pups. The state park has 2 different campgrounds. We decided for the Lakeshore one. It's pretty big with over 100 campsites. They have the usual amenities like fire pit, and picnic table with bench. Our was private, but the sites in the middle are not. The bathhouse was very clean with nice hot showers. The park has several trails, a visitor center, cabins on the water, at least 2 boat ramps with a bait shop. There are no trash cans near the campsites, there is one big dumpster at the entrance of the campground. It's about 1.30h to Folly Beach. We would definitely camp here again.
Traveler
Great location! This RV Resort has great amenities and staff along with their location! Awesome gym and club house plus beautiful pool! Staff are very friendly and welcoming! Check them out!
ScoutWe found this campground while traveling through Columbia SC and made a late evening reservation. We were able to reserve online and even pick our camping spot. It has full hookups and we were able to find the spot easily even in the dark. The owner called to make sure we had no questions and to explain where to pick up our packet. She was very nice and made us feel welcomed. It appears that they are a new campground and will have even more amenities soon. It was also very quiet. We will definitely be staying here on our subsequent trips through SC. I highly recommend this campground!
Guide
We called with very short notice looking for an overnight site. Though the campground was booked, the owners so graciously allowed us to park in the overflow parking which included water & electric. We even arrived at 10pm, and they were waiting at the gate for us! We were so pleased with the owner’s generosity and hospitality. We will definitely be back to take advantage of the swimming pond, paddle boats, fishing & playground!
RangerThis place offers lakefront views and surrounded by tall trees. The bathrooms are air conditioned and the water is hot. The only problem I had was the cleaning schedule of the women’s bathroom seemed to take place around 7:30ish in the morning.
TravelerStayed for 2 nights at Tent Site 4 in early May and had wonderful weather! There was a big storm for about an hour after we set up camp, but the site drained well and it wasn't too buggy despite being right on the water. Loved the walkability, super easy walk on a slight decline from our parking space next to the stairs/path to the site. Two good spots for setting up a hammock. Loved watching the birds and occasional fish. Water and electric available and functioning on site. Quick walk to bathroom/shower.
Overall a great experience!
ScoutI 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.
Traveler
This was the perfect place to stop for an overnight stay to break up the drive to FL. Our full hook-up site was almost perfectly level with a fire ring and picnic table. We stayed in a back-in site, which we were grateful for since they are all in the shade. Our grandson loved feeding the goats and donkey so make sure you bring some fruit and/or veggies. Claire was very communicative prior to our arrival and even stopped by our site after we settled in to see if we needed anything. They are expanding by adding a bathhouse and possibly more sites in the future. They have weekly movie nights and a couple of corn hole boards. I believe there's a walking trail as well but we didn't have a chance to check it out since we were in and out so quickly. If we had to list a con, I guess the only thing would be the bugs....but that's typical of the south in the summer so we were already prepared. We will definitely be stopping by again for a longer stay.
TravelerCountry setting in a great little RV park that is just getting started. Full hook-ups. Easy access and parking. Owners were very hospitable and available. Sweet animals and love the farm feel. Definitely plan to stay again.
Scout
We stayed here for our son’s first birthday, in campsite 30! It was beautiful and we felt like we had plenty of privacy. Our site had a trail attached to the back of it which was really nice for hiking and it was perfect distance from the bathroom! On the topic of the bathroom, the toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice. Really nice, they might look a little scary on the outside though but don’t mind that any bit.
For people that love hammocks, site 29 (right next to ours) has a bunch of perfect hammock trees. If we go again we will try to stay in that spot! Great place to stay.
GuideNeeded a quick stop and contacted them last minute. They had a pull thru spot and were great at accommodating us. Shower, bathroom and laundry. Wow!
ScoutHad a one night stay. New hookups, easy access and being right next to the farm animals was very fun! The rooster was pretty expressive overnight too!
Ranger
We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees.
Scout
Very flat wide open lot within minutes to the Aiken horse park and downtown. My only recommendation is to have it better marked so guests know exactly where it is upon arrival. Maybe a tiny little sign?
TravelerWe stopped heading south and north along I-95 to and from Florida. Very easy off and on I-95. Plenty of available spaces in off-season. The campground is small and quiet. Camp Host was very helpful. Sites were spaced reasonably far apart but there is no privacy between. Not all sites have a water view, but most appeared fairly level. Not all sites have sewer access. Our only complaint was lots of smoke from campfires and grills. Would stay again.
TravelerStayed at TENT site 13. It sits with two other tent sites on a small peninsula at the bottom of Dreher Island State Park. It’s a nice large site with a large tent pad. There quite a few good trees to hang a hammock, which I camped in. Absolutely gorgeous sunrise, sunset, and when I was there the moon was full.
GuideThis place was well thought out when it was being built, lots of space, great level sites, nice dog park. Fitness center and laundry are new and nice.
Guide
Fresh blueberries!
ScoutOur stay at Outside Inn Campground was truly awesome! The sites are very nice, easy access, and they also have"buddy sites" for when you are traveling with others. The owners (Chris& Clair), their daughters (Macy and Caroline), and the varous animals were great! We definitely recommend every RVer add this place to their list!
GuideWe were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind. Site has good trees for a hammock and near a path down to the lake for fishing/picnic/swimming. Beware there is a sharp drop off across from the site, so make sure whoever is backing in has a spotter out front.
TravelerMy family spent 8 days at Outside Inn Campground in Santee SC. This Campground is now our Campground #1.
This is a new Campground that was developed with the Campers in mind.
The owners are hands-on in the operation and customer service, not necessarily in that order.
The sites are well placed throughout the Campground. They have established trails throughout the woods.
On of the main attractions are the animals: cows, ducks, chickens, goats, a donkey, turkeys and roosters.
GuideNice campground. Campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site. Shower house was less than perfect, but adequate.
Scout
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to welcome Christina to our platform. Check out her property and come back here to leave some love.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! This is a unique experience for those looking to camp a little higher off the ground and enjoy the huge deck looking out into the forest. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
ScoutThis site is awesome. The scenery is beautiful and it is super easy to access. You can hear coyotes howling at night.
The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite.
Everything else was perfect for us though!
Camping near Pelion, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
Camping near Pelion, South Carolina, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and friendly communities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Pelion, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pelion, SC is Dreher Island State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 46 reviews.
What parks are near Pelion, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Pelion, SC that allow camping, notably Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests and J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
