Camping near Pendleton, South Carolina centers around Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee, with elevations ranging from 650 to 800 feet above sea level. The region experiences mild winters with occasional freezes and humid summers when lake temperatures can reach the mid-80s. Most waterfront campsites require advance booking, especially during fall football season when Clemson University events drive high demand.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell, campers can enjoy watercraft activities directly from their sites. "We loved staying here for a birthday weekend. Dog friendly, right on the water, clean restrooms. We stayed at a primitive site and will definitely be back," notes a visitor who particularly enjoyed kayaking from their campsite.
Mountain biking trails: Located about 25 minutes from some Lake Hartwell campgrounds, the Clemson Experimental Forest offers excellent biking terrain. "We learned this is some really amazing mountain biking 25 minutes away in the Clemson Experimental Forest... the Isaqueena Trail system. Ranges from easy/intermediate to advanced when you get to the lower waterfall area," reports one Mile Creek County Park camper.
Fishing options: Lake Hartwell provides year-round fishing opportunities, with multiple species available. A camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground notes, "Swimming was great" and many visitors mention bringing fishing gear to take advantage of the lake access directly from campsites.
What campers like
Private water access: Many campsites at Devils Fork State Park Campground offer direct water entry. "This is a wonderful spot to access the absolutely gorgeous Lake Jocassee. There are some fantastic places to swim connected to the campground," mentions one visitor who appreciated the swimming areas.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is consistently highlighted across campgrounds. At South Cove County Park, a visitor observed, "Clean bath houses, nice and large campsites, most sites have nice views," indicating the well-maintained facilities that enhance the camping experience.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer generous site dimensions. A camper at Oconee Point remarked, "As with pretty much all Army Corps of Engineers parks we've been to, the sites are large and spaced far enough apart to give privacy." This extra space is particularly valued during busy weekends.
What you should know
Reservation timing: For the best sites, early booking is essential. A camper at Springfield - Hartwell Lake advises, "We stayed at one of the small loops, waterfront right at a small cove. Very nice side, some shade but decent water access." Waterfront sites typically book 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
Gate closure policies: Some parks implement evening security measures. A visitor to South Cove County Park notes, "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," an important consideration for campers planning late-night arrivals.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. At Oconee Point, a camper reported, "Cell phone service is very good and over the air TV offers about 10-12 channels," which can be critical information for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. At Mile Creek County Park, a visitor mentioned, "We booked our trip in February so we got all the spots we wanted. We had 5 spots in a culdesac surrounded by the lake on all sides. Bath houses were conveniently located. Lots of hills so it was a little hard for the little kids to get around on bikes."
Swimming areas: Purpose-built swimming zones provide safer water access. "The beaches are very nice with playgrounds on them. Water was clear to 7' depth," notes a visitor to Coneross Park Campground, highlighting the family-friendly water options.
Site selection for kids: Consider terrain when choosing family sites. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground shares, "Variety of campsites available to suit any camping style. Great for families, as there are drive up camp sites with fire pits and plenty of space, and spread out so it still feels like you have privacy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Some campgrounds require adjustments for larger rigs. "We needed to slightly block up rear of our class A to get level. Stairs down to the water right next to our site so easy access to our canoe," reports an RVer at Sadlers Creek State Park Campground.
Dump station locations: Most parks offer dump facilities at exits rather than full hookups. A camper at Oconee Point noted, "Roads are wide, well kept, and easy to navigate. Sites have 50/30/20 amp electric service and water, pads are level packed gravel, each having a picnic table and fire ring."
Navigation challenges: Certain campground loops present maneuvering difficulties. One experienced camper warned about Coneross Park Campground: "The roads are wide and easily navigable for the most part, but in a couple areas very tight turns are necessary." This information is particularly valuable for those with larger RVs or trailers.
