Table Rock State Park stands about 35 miles northwest of Pelzer, South Carolina, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 3,400 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows regularly dipping below freezing. Campgrounds near Pelzer offer diverse terrain from lakefront properties with water access to mountain settings with hiking trails.
What to Do
Hiking Table Rock Trail: At Table Rock State Park Campground, campers can tackle challenging trails with significant elevation gain. "The Table Rock trail is a must if you are nearby! It is pretty strenuous especially if you have health issues but is well worth the trek to the top," notes Maggie J., who advises wearing "good trail shoes since ice can be expected" during winter hikes.
Kayaking on Lake Keowee: Launch directly from your campsite at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. "We kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area," shares Nichole W., who paid only $12 for a primitive site.
Visit nearby waterfalls: Within a 30-minute drive from Oconee State Park, you'll find multiple waterfall hikes. Jay B. reports, "There are tons of hiking opportunities in the area with tons of waterfalls. We did get to hike to a few, but wish we had more time to spend there."
What Campers Like
Highland cow interaction: Unique to WyldStay Greenville, visitors can have personal interactions with Scottish Highland cattle. Jerry H. describes meeting "Pebbles (My wife's favorite of the Highland cows). She was the sweetest cow and allowed us to pet, take pictures with her and of course feed her."
Waterfront campsites: At Springfield - Hartwell Lake, most sites provide direct lake access. Melissa W. notes, "The sites are big, with trees in between most sites. Most sites are a stones throw away from the lake. The view Lake Hartwell is Beautiful."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Pine Ridge Campground. One visitor, Jyll G., called it "beautifully kept and clean" while Mary C. praised the "beautiful restrooms kept clean and had a combination lock on them."
What You Should Know
Site selection for tents: At Sadlers Creek State Park Campground, tent campers should be selective. Jen G. cautions, "Our campsite didn't have a tent pad (not disclosed on the website) and it was all gravel, so we were pretty uncomfortable with only sleeping bags to lay on."
Varying lake water levels: Lake levels can fluctuate significantly, affecting waterfront campsites. Maggie J. cautions about Keowee-Toxaway State Park: "Make sure to check the water level; I've had to help push boats back into the water a few times and there has also been instances when our canoe floated off when the water rose."
Gate closure times: South Cove County Park enforces strict entry policies. Amanda W. warns, "The campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground options: South Cove County Park offers multiple play areas within walking distance. Kelli P. mentions, "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site."
Wildlife encounters: Table Rock State Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. John B. reports, "We saw deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders."
Geese management: Watch out for waterfowl at lakeside campgrounds. Roxy M. cautions, "Warning! Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything! Including the picnic table!"
Tips for RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should be prepared for varied terrain. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Daniel G. reports, "This is a decent campground with a small RV loop and a handful of sites with water and electric...however the electrical infrastructure needs some work at the very least."
Yurt camping alternatives: For those interested in yurt camping near Pelzer, South Carolina, Tugaloo State Park offers yurts as an alternative to traditional RV camping. While not directly in Pelzer, it's within 45 miles and provides a hybrid camping experience. Liz H. notes, "They also have cabins with docks and yurts as well. Great views from them as well."
Navigating narrow roads: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. An experienced camper at Tugaloo State Park warns, "Not big rig friendly. I have a 43ft 5th Wheel and it was very tight navigating through the park."
