Best Campgrounds near Pendleton, SC

Campgrounds near Pendleton, South Carolina largely revolve around Lake Hartwell and nearby state parks, offering a range of tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell provides waterfront camping with electric hookups and boat access, while Devil's Fork State Park and Mile Creek County Park feature cabin options alongside traditional camping areas. Most sites in the region are classified as established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping, with many providing water and electric hookups suitable for both tent campers and RVs.

The camping season generally runs year-round at most facilities, though availability may be limited during Clemson University football weekends when nearby campgrounds fill quickly. "We were in Clemson for a wedding, and were surprised how close Twin Lakes Campground was to everything. 12 minutes to downtown Clemson (even on a game day Saturday)," noted one camper. Road access to campgrounds is typically well-maintained, with most sites accessible via paved roads suitable for standard vehicles. Reservation requirements are common, particularly during summer months and fall football season when demand peaks. Temperatures in summer can be quite warm, making waterfront sites especially popular for their swimming access and cooling breezes.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors, with Lake Hartwell sites particularly praised for their views and access. Many campgrounds feature spacious, level sites with fire rings and picnic tables. A visitor mentioned, "Big spacious sites. Lots of pull through options," highlighting the RV-friendly nature of many facilities. Mixed-use campgrounds predominate in the region, accommodating both tent and RV camping with appropriate hookup options. While some campgrounds like Twin Lakes focus primarily on RV and tent sites, others like Devils Fork State Park offer cabin rentals for those seeking more amenities. Most campgrounds provide basic facilities including restrooms and trash disposal, with many also featuring shower buildings, dump stations, and recreational facilities such as boat ramps, swimming areas, and hiking trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Pendleton, South Carolina (285)

    1. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

    29 Reviews
    Clemson, SC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $36 - $76 / night

    "Most, but not all, sites have lake views.  During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58).  "

    "Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."

    2. Oconee Point

    13 Reviews
    Townville, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Wow, Oconee Point in South Carolina is one of my favorite camping spots for me. I absolutely love this place, and have been coming here ever since I was little."

    "We had an excellent weekend stay at site 16, lovely lake view of Hartwell, power and water hookups only."

    3. Coneross Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Townville, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $26 - $76 / night

    "Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."

    "Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."

    4. Mile Creek County Park

    26 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2196

    $15 - $116 / night

    "Having lived in South Carolina most my life, I haven't seen it all.. but have seen a lot of it. Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water."

    "We mainly confined our time to our site and Lake Keowee, so this review is only commenting on those observations and not other areas or accommodations within the park."

    5. Tugaloo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 356-4362

    $27 - $230 / night

    "This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.

    The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."

    "On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line.  "

    6. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 944-2639

    "The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."

    "There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"

    7. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 882-5250

    $25 - $60 / night

    "There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."

    "Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊 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!"

    8. Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    16 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."

    "Many sites have a tent pad, are very level packed gravel/sand and well situated with very few having very close neighbors. "

    9. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 878-9813

    "The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest."

    "South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get"

    10. Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level."

    "Close proximity to bathhouse. Wind was a big deal our first day. Temps dropped the weekend we camped and the wind coming off the lake made it much colder."

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Recent Reviews near Pendleton, SC

1306 Reviews of 285 Pendleton Campgrounds


  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Upper Cove Creek - UCC2 Dispersed

    Okay spot

    Avery Road was closed so we ended up here. Not a whole lot of sites in the forest here. This site was fine, nothing special, but nothing bad. There’s a shallow creek that runs next to this spot.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    Nice lake campground

    Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level. Stairs down to the water right next to our site so easy access to our canoe. We will camp here again. 50A power and water at site. Dump station near the exit. ATT phones worked well. Greenville TV stations OTA easily received. Awesome sunrises and sunsets

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    Small and nice, Great place for quiet

    Large sites in a wooded area. Plenty of room with pull through and back in sites. Older campground but serene with great hiking trails and awesome scenery. We live very close to this park yet this was the first time camping here. This was the trial run for our latest rig so basically a shakedown cruise. The campsite was fairly level and with forest off the door side of the Camper. Only 30 A power here so we had to watch what we were running electrically. They did have 2 30A outlets but at this time we did not have the double 30 to 50 amp adapter. We will be staying here again whenever we want a quick weekend getaway.

  • Ethan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Tugaloo State Park Campground

    Extremely crowded

    This campground was not fully booked, yet most campsites were maxed out with people in each one so it felt extremely busy with lots of partying-like noise. Lots of vehicle/ golf cart/ sxs traffic throughout grounds and past our campsite at all hours. Only a few campsites offer a little bit of privacy, most have none. Lots of pictures that show waterfront property can be deceiving. Bathrooms were big and very clean, and all staff were friendly.

  • Tyler I.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Orchard Lake Campground

    Always Welcoming

    Owners are great and very helpful, sites are always clean and welcoming!

  • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Chattooga River Lodge and Campground

    Connect with nature

    This was my first stop traveling and my converted short bus. I have been here before so I felt super comfortable being here. But I have never can’t. I am at campsite six which is perfect for a smaller rig or take camping. It’s right along the creek and very private with a short walk to the bathhouse. Through a fun trail you can make it to the lodge. This campground is surrounded by many places to hike and scenic waterfalls. It’s a must stay. The owners Mat and Teresa are amazing.

  • K
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Great campground!

    As a solo traveler that doesn’t like excessive noise or want to be near kids, I just wanted peace and quiet to relax and listen to the sounds of nature. The owner, Jeanie(hopefully I’m spelling that right) understood completely and was sure to put me in a site where she knew the surrounding sites would be empty for the entirety of my stay and she was sure not to book anyone near me. Yes, the sites are fairly close together, but I stayed during the week and was able to enjoy most of the place to myself ….or at least the area of the campground that I was in. When I extended my stay an extra night, she was sure to warn me that there was a family with kids coming that night and that they’d be in my vicinity. I couldn’t have asked for a better campground host! She had all the info on waterfalls in the area which minimized my planning time/time staring at my phone. And the fact that the place is all pea gravel really makes a difference! It rained the first couple days I was there and my tent wasn’t a muddy mess which is always a plus!

    The bathrooms and showers were clean and the camp store had just about everything you could possibly need in a pinch. Firewood and ice were priced fairly, making it very convenient if you forgot to grab either one while you were out for the day. Will definitely be back! Actually, I can’t wait to go back!

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!


Guide to Pendleton

Camping near Pendleton, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms. A review from Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Campground facilities are clean and very well kept."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "Campground staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Beautiful views: The stunning scenery is a big hit. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground remarked, "Mountain top NPS campground with great restaurant and unbelievable view."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "We had very little cell service (Verizon)."
  • Tight campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground noted, "These campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared."
  • Bear country: Keep food secure to avoid bear encounters. A camper at Mount Pisgah Campground shared, "I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. A family at Devils Fork State Park Campground said, "The lake was a short walk and absolutely stunning!"
  • Plan for meals: Bring your own firewood and food, as some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."
  • Engage with nature: Encourage kids to explore the trails and lakes. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Nice trails with beautiful scenery."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Be cautious of narrow roads: Some campgrounds have steep and narrow access roads. A visitor at Lake Powhatan mentioned, "The roads in the campground are steep and hilly."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds lack stores. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground noted, "Close to Walhalla, if you need supplies."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, the Pendleton, SC campgrounds have something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pendleton, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pendleton, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 285 campgrounds and RV parks near Pendleton, SC and 25 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pendleton, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pendleton, SC is Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pendleton, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Pendleton, SC.