Top Tent Camping near Pelion, SC
Searching for a tent camping spot near Pelion? Find the best tent camping sites near Pelion. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your South Carolina camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Pelion, SC (6)
1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
27 Reviews•94 Photos•2 SavesOverview
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.__
Recreation
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.__
Facilities
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.__
Natural Features
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.__
Nearby Attractions
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.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$25 / night
2. Blythewood Acres
1 Review•8 Photos•4 Saves5 min from downtown Blythewood and exit 27 on I-77
Water/Sewer/Power (20/30/50 pedestals) provided.
Daily/Weekly/Monthly rates available
Rural land in Blythewood down long driveway with locked gate. Circle drive, water connection from on-site well & septic dump station are available.
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
$45 - $55 / night
3. Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
Be the first to review!•5 Photos•2 SavesOverview
This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the Longleaf Campground. It is surrounded by 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.
Recreation
Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you 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 visitor center.
Facilities
Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you 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 visitor center.
Natural Features
Campsites are located on the edges of an open, grassy clearing in the mixed pine/hardwood forest, and is adjacent to an area currently undergoing restoration to a longleaf pine grassland/savanna. Depending on the time of day, sites may be the sun during the morning or afternoon/evening hours. This location offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970.
Nearby Attractions
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.
- Reservable
- Tents
$10 / night
4. Back to Nature Garden Center
1 Review•6 SavesEnjoy a stroll in nature along one of our relaxing forest trails and if you want to try your hand at primitive camping let us know since we have several tent camping sites available.
We are booking reservations for our pioneer camping. Sites are $15 per campsite per night. Please note sites do not have access to fresh water or bathrooms. There is limited access to electricity in the common area but roughing it is meant to be part of the experience. Of course if you do need supplies, you are in the middle of Augusta, GA with a Family Dollar conveniently located next door. Once you step foot in the forest though you will feel as though you are miles away from it all! Our forest trails are free to the public and a great way to get out in nature!
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$10 / night
Recent Tent Reviews In Pelion
242 Reviews of 6 Pelion Campgrounds
- N
Nick & Allyssa S.
TravelerSandy Oak RV Park
5 ⭐️ Hospitality— Great RV Park
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!
Bill W.
ScoutSumter National Forest Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area
"roughing it" in a small secluded campground.
I 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.
- AAlisa H.Scout
Poinsett State Park
Great camp site!
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.
- EEllen A.
GuideSandy Oak RV Park
Quick stop for the night
Needed 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!
Rachel S.
Ranger
Alston Trailhead
Nice free spot
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.
- TTerry S.Traveler
Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground
Small and peaceful under the pines
We 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.
Robert G.Guide
Black Pearl Farms
Come in May
Fresh blueberries!
- Kristen S.Guide
Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground
Peaceful, good trails
We 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.
- BBrian B.Guide
Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground
Nice peaceful setting
Nice campground. Campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site. Shower house was less than perfect, but adequate.
- IIsabel B.Scout
Alston Trailhead
Amazing site, minus the train
This 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!
Will C.TravelerAlston Trailhead
Stay at TrailHead
Beautiful place! Unfortunately no space for us to drive our bus to a camp spot but plenty of room in parking lot. Just a nice little spot to stop before hitting the road again.
T. D.TravelerWoodsmoke Family Campground
Overnight Stop
Ok for overnight stop but wouldn't be a travel destination. Most sites seem to be long term or permanent sites. Very close to neighbor site, with fire pit being extremely close. Water, Sewer, Power, WiFi
- KKathleen R.Scout
Black Pearl Farms
Rustic
CAUTION: The directions provided by The Dyrt to this location are incorrect. It is not located on Sand Hill. So please use Google Maps to find the location or you will be down a long dirt road with no place to turn around.
Black Pearl Farms fit most of our expectations. However, I did make some poor assumptions regarding the information. We were in spot 3 which had "access to power and water". Which was true, but not what I assumed. The site was a few yards away from a wash area to get water from and there was a 12 volt power cord outside to plug into.
Our dog loved having the space to roam around and the camping spots were in a wooded area behind the farm. We stayed in number 3, but if we return our preference would be for number 2.
Anyway, it was a nice spot once we arrived.
- Dallas W.Guide
Barnyard RV Park
Great place to camp in Lexington area
Located behind the flea market Dirt sites : lots of water flowing through during rainy weather Water,electric and sewer at sites Large pull through sites Easy access to bathrooms and showers Friendly staff at front office Good weekly deals Big rig friendly Used several occasions now
- Addison C.Traveler
Alston Trailhead
Amazing camp site
There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot
- MMatt M.Scout
Kaleidoscope Farm
Nice quiet site close to town
Site and hosts were nice. It was easily accessible(made it in a lowered mustang). The site was pretty clean and had firewood cut and ready to go for is.
Not far from the roadway so not quiet and isolated if that’s what you were looking for. We weren’t and the quick in and out was perfect.
- BBarry B.Scout
Lake Greenwood State Park
Honest review
This review is neither negative or positive. Just how it is, so you know before you go. The park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded. All roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits. Some have water and power (30 and 50 amp), some have sewer. There are a few ADA compliant. Restroom/bath houses are never far off, and we're clean, with 2 shower stalls each. Almost every camper there had big pull behinds, so they have their own showers, leaving the bath houses mostly private. Lots of families with children. A site without sewer cost us $46. It felt like a safe park to camp in.
- SSarahTraveler
Sesquicentennial State Park
Cute park convenient to Columbia
We stayed in loop 2 at site 48 for 2 nights at the end of April. Chose this campground because we had an event in Columbia that we had to attend on our way back from a trip to Florida so we needed a place to stay for a few nights. The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups. There was water but we had some trouble getting the pressure just right. Really good tv signal since the campground is right outside of the city. Only a 20-30 minute drive down the highway. The part of town you go through to get there is a bit rundown (not bad by any means but you wouldn’t know there was a park nearby). The park itself it quite lovely. There’s a small lake that rents paddle boats and kayaks. A nice camp store. Cute park and splash pad. I actually wish we could have stayed longer. We have family nearby and will probably stay here next time we visit. I would recommend visiting if you want a quiet low key getaway.
- MMike G.Scout
Little Cedar Creek Campground
Clean & Friendly
Nice site with trees and picnic table
- JJohn B.Scout
Black Pearl Farms
Amazing riverside camping
Beautiful, well maintained site beside the Edisto river, just as advertised! Private, peaceful, just what we were looking for.
- CCharles H.Guide
Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area
Nice spot would return for sure
I was passing thru SC on the SCAR headed down to the Palmetto Rally and stopped here to camp. It was a very nice campground with level pads, picnic table and fire ring (bring your own wood). As well there were several vault toilets and there was even a water faucet. It was a good campground and I would stay here again. It is not reservable so first come first served. There was some cell coverage as well. I tent camped so can not comment on RV as the others in the campground were tent camping as well.
- ccharles P.Scout
Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
Great day adventure
Me and my wife had a great time on the trail. Close to 4 miles long, and pretty easy. Great for a day adventure, or excercise. There is also a nature facility located at the trail head that provides knowledge of the area, and the wildlife.
- TTraciScout
Sandy Oak RV Park
Absolutely one of the greatest rv parks
Sandy Oaks is a wonderful park to stay in, whether overnight or extended stay.. friendly and knowledgeable owners who are very welcoming. Couldn't ask for better security. Would definitely recommend!!
- Bryan B.Scout
Sesquicentennial State Park
Very beautiful and quiet
Many trails to hike on and many beautiful sites close to town but far enough for minimal traffic sounds
- Steven V.Traveler
Broad River Campgound
Quiet and in the country
Management is awesome. Park is always clean, well cared for and quiet
Ashley F.
Legend
Blythewood Acres
Level Sites
Ashley here with The Dyrt, welcoming your host Mark! Water, sewer, power and dump station on site! These sites are level and waiting for your RV. Book them today and leave them some love.
- Ashley F.Legend
Big Creek RV Park
Primitive or Full Hook-ups
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Offering full hook up sites or primitive sites, this property has something for everyone. You can paddle out to the main lake from this location. Quiet setting. Give them a try and leave them some love!
Guide to Pelion
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.
What to do
- Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Dreher Island State Park Campground, provide excellent access to Lake Murray. One reviewer mentioned, "We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced."
- Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Poinsett State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center."
- Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park offer a chance to see unique wildlife. One camper noted, "It’s a great location and very quiet. Walk-in campsites and pretty secluded."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Hamilton Branch State Park Campground stated, "The bathroom was clean, loved the General store. Will go back."
- Spacious Campsites: Many sites are roomy and provide privacy. A visitor at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park mentioned, "Sites were spaced reasonably far apart but there is no privacy between."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of park rangers. One camper at Colleton State Park Campground said, "The rangers are very helpful and the camp host was terrific."
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A review for Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park pointed out, "No electricity, but there’s LTE connection."
- Mosquitoes and Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, "There were lots of mosquitoes, ants, bugs etc."
- Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have rough roads that can be tricky for larger RVs. A camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park mentioned, "Roads were really heavy with potholes, so not the friendliest for RVs."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground said, "Beautiful site right on Lake. Plenty of places to walk."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Santee Lakes KOA shared, "Campground was clean. Very nice lake and swimming area."
- Pack for Comfort: Bring along items like hammocks and games. A visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Two good spots for setting up a hammock."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake noted, "Some sites are better than others. But, wouldn’t complain about any if just staying a few nights."
- Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for sites with full hookups. A review for Hamilton Branch State Park Campground stated, "Every site is on the lake!"
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!!"
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 tent campsite near Pelion, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pelion, SC is Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Pelion, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Pelion, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.