Best Tent Camping near Pendleton, SC

Primitive tent camping opportunities near Pendleton, South Carolina include several backcountry and established sites within the surrounding national forests and state parks. Burrells Ford, located along the Chattooga River, offers walk-in tent sites approximately one-third mile from the parking area. Jones Gap State Park Campground provides secluded tent-only sites with more privacy than typical campgrounds, while Pine Point Primitive Campground in Table Rock State Park features hike-in tent pads for those seeking a more remote experience.

Most primitive tent sites in the region feature basic amenities like fire rings and tent pads, but limited services beyond these essentials. Many areas require campers to pack in all water or filter from nearby streams, as drinking water is rarely available at tent-only sites. Vault toilets exist at some locations like Burrells Ford parking area, but tent campers should be prepared to hike significant distances to reach them or practice proper backcountry waste disposal. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, and food storage precautions are necessary as several campgrounds are located in bear country. Denver Downs Farm offers a more open field camping experience with reservable tent sites.

The Pendleton area tent campgrounds provide excellent access to waterways and trail networks, making them popular bases for hiking, fishing, and wilderness exploration. Areas like Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area feature tent campsites near waterfalls and pristine natural settings. Tent pads at most sites are generally level but may be composed of gravel, dirt, or forest duff, requiring appropriate tent stakes or freestanding tents. Tree cover varies by location, with most backcountry sites offering ample shade and hammock options. A camper noted that "most sites weren't too bad because the back of the tent pad was almost level with the pad itself," highlighting the generally accommodating terrain for tent setup despite the primitive nature of many sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Pendleton, South Carolina (56)

    1. Denver Downs Farm

    1 Review
    Pendleton, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 305-1268

    $30 / night

    "Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything.

    Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe."

    2. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, SC
    29 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review:

    In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."

    "Trail/Campground Review:

    The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "

    3. Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area

    5 Reviews
    Sunset, GA
    23 miles
    Website

    "This small primitive campsite is located near the NC side of Jocassee."

    "My only complaint was that the grounds could have been cleaner but I’m sure part of the blame is on the poor weathers we have been having for the past few weeks."

    4. Grapevine

    6 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 561-4000

    "It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."

    "Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"

    5. Jones Gap State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, SC
    35 miles
    Website

    "Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."

    "Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."

    6. Weldon Island

    Be the first to review!
    Hartwell Lake, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    7. Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    1 Review
    Long Creek, SC
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-9568

    "Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out. Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail."

    9. Miltown

    Be the first to review!
    Hartwell, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    10. Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park

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

    $20 / night

    "Pine Point Primitive Campground is found in SC and considered part of Table Rock State Park. A handful of sites are offered, each with a tent-pad, picnic table and firepit. "

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Tent Camping Reviews near Pendleton, SC

1137 Reviews of 56 Pendleton Campgrounds


  • Courtney B.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Devils Fork State Park Campground

    Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

    We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

    While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

    Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Cabins without the amenities

    These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

    There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

    This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.

  • Everette G.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Victoria Bryant State Park Campground

    Great Camping in any Season

    Victoria Bryant State Park is probably one of my most frequented camping spots in the last few years. All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant. There are only about 8 platforms, and one is ADA only, so they book up quick. They are all spaced pretty far apart, privacy isn't too hard to maintain (except maybe site 7&8). 1-4 are down a hill, 4 being the furthest away at about 40 feet, down the steepest incline. There are facilities right across the parking lot, that have always been clean and well maintained, and heated in the colder months. Camp hosts and office have firewood. There are several miles of trails that are lower difficulty, save for some hilly spots. In October, the park does a pretty cool little haunted trail. There's obvious reasons we enjoy VBSP, staying dry in the rain, nice, dense forested areas, and awesome campgrounds make it an easy choice.

  • Thomas R.
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Amazing place

    We arrived Late afternoon took the road about 3 1/2 miles to our site which has a small waterfall actually there are three waterfalls here next to our site the one that can be seen easily the other two a little bit harder to get to by foot but we’ll worth the walk. The was water extremely cold couldn’t stay in it for more than five minutes. Most roads up here are only dirt and helpful if you have 4 Wheel Dr. to get to certain secluded areas we saw blackbear no venomous snakes but did come across a few black racers. As for firewood you can scrounge around there for branches and such but better to buy the wood out on the main stretch in Clayton the town outside of warwoman wildlife management area. We paid $125 for a 8 foot bed of semi seasoned split wood also known as a cord that lasted us the 4 days of tent camping. There are a few places before you head into warwoman wildlife management area that sell wood for a nites fire. There were no bugs and the temperatures were in the low 50s at night and mid 70s during the day. The fall leaves where a little late to show there true colors but still beautiful. Most sites have bear proof food containers that you can utilize and very heavy well built picnic tables. We had a restroom near us that is like portable toilets with toilet paper provided. No internet service but did find certain areas on the roads up there that you could use your cell phone. The only running water is the creeks and no electricity. Everyone we meet had kids and that was during the weekend. No body was camping there during the weekdays.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Coneross Park Campground

    Lakeside campground

    This campground is huge. A lot of the campsites are close together, but we snagged a site along the west side of the campground, where there’s a little more privacy and seclusion.

    Being right on the water was amazing, the water was so warm and being able to swim from your site is pretty cool. This site had some stairs leading from the parking spot to the site, then slopes down to the lake.

    Dogs need to always be on leash and there’s no alcohol allowed, which is a bit of a bummer.

    Spigots and bathhouse was convenient, except no soap by the sinks.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Burrells Ford

    Nice Place to Get Away from the Crowds

    To get to this campground, you have to drive two and a half miles down a forest road, and then you hike about a third of a mile to the campsites. You have to backpack in and take everything you need. Make sure to take lots of water or a good water filter. When I first arrived, I was a little disappointed that the pit toilet was not open(I think perhaps due to the pandemic). The hike to the campsites is an easy, slightly downhill roadbed. When I went, it was the perfect time for the black-eyed susans to bloom, so it was a pretty hike. 

    This is a primitive campground, so there is no electricity, drinking water, or sewer hookups. However, it is peaceful, and if you want to get away from the conglomeration of RVs and tent campers, this is great. 

    When I got to my campsite, I was surprised to find a nice large picnic table and lantern pole. Most hike-in sites don’t have these amenities. There was also a hanging system for food since this place is in bear country. The thing I did not like was the gravel pad. It is a good thing I had a freestanding tent that didn’t require tent stakes. The site was really a good one with trees all around and the sounds of the creek, which is a tributary of the Chatooga River. 

    I was the only camper, which from what I understand is unusual. This is partly because school had started and it was during the week. This made it easy to gather firewood, but the wood was wet because of the recent rains. Fortunately, I had a little alcohol stove to cook my meals. 

    The reasons people come to this campground are because of access to water for fishing, the solitude, and King Creek waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy. 

    Overall, this is a pretty good place to camp, but you can’t just run to your car if you forget something. Well, I guess you could, but it would be a third of a mile slightly uphill. All of your private hygiene has to be done backcountry also, which is not a problem if you are accustomed to backpacking.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    State Park with Beautiful Views

    Table Rock State Park is a large park with at least three“campgrounds.” One is a primitive campground, and one is a traditional campground. I did not get to explore the third campground, but I believe it is a traditional campground as well. The site I stayed at, site 56, was level, except for the approach; however, the pad was rough gravel. I put down two tarps under my tent to help eliminate the roughness inside the tent. The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants. There was no lantern pole, but there was a fire pit and a picnic table. The bath house was only a short walking distance away. There is no lack of things to do, and the trail system is extraordinary. The main attraction, I would guess, is Table Rock Mountain, but there are other things to do. There is a swimming beach and a diving platform. Beside the beach are picnic tables, including a picnic shelter with a standing grill. The visitors center/store was well stocked with souvenirs and supplies, and there is a laundry next to it. Sometime during the night when I had to go to the restroom, I discovered that there was not water. The next morning, I turned on the faucet at my campsite, and it sputtered out brown water at first and then it came out clear. I said that to say this. There was a problem and they dealt with it quickly. That impressed me. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable, but nothing can be done about that during the summer. If you camp in a tent during the summer, make sure to take and extension cord and a fan. Overall, this is a great place to camp during vacation, but the cost is a little more than I expected to pay for a tent site. Costwise, I’m not sure I would want to pay that much for camping for a whole week. It rivals the national campground franchises. However, if cost doesn’t concern you, it really is a good place to camp.

  • Emily S.
    Nov. 27, 2017

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Primitive Camping

    Table Rock is one of the largest state parks in the state of SC and has a TON to offer in terms of hiking. We stayed in the primitive hike in tent only camp sites, not the "regular" campground. The hike in was relatively easy. Sites are VERY close together, so don't plan on much privacy. Tent pads and picnic tables are provided and were clean.

  • W
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground

    Great place for a group of up to 60 friends to camp!

    Large clearing in the forest for setting up tents or trailers. There is a short creek crossing: 4-WD or high clearance is suggested, but several in our group made it across in minivans & sedans (water was low). Large fire ring between 4 picnic tables, 2 composting toilets, 1 bear box, & a hand-cranked well pump. Trail from near privy goes to small waterfall & pool upstream of camp.

    Even after setting tents up for 40 people, we still had plenty of room for kids to play soccer, etc. in the field between. Watch out for ruts & valleys in the field. I’d suggest camping on the upper hill for least amount of rain run off, or along the treeline near the water pump for morning shade. Easy access to other trails & waterfalls in the area. We immediately reserved for next year!


Guide to Pendleton

Tent camping near Pendleton, South Carolina offers diverse options from primitive backcountry sites to accessible riverside camping. The surrounding Sumter National Forest contains over 85,000 acres with elevation ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during the day and cool to the mid-60s at night, making proper gear selection important for comfort.

What to do

Trout fishing access: Burrells Ford provides excellent access to the Chattooga River, known for its stocked trout. As Jason D. notes, "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line."

Waterfall exploration: The Riley Moore Falls Campsite offers dispersed camping with proximity to scenic falls. According to Robbie B., "Great spot in the banks of the Chauga River just by the falls for dispersed camping... Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail. Lightning bugs were out in April."

Swimming holes: Many campsites provide swimming opportunities during warmer months. At Grapevine, one camper mentioned, "It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The Jones Gap State Park Campground is known for its well-spaced sites. Emily S. shares, "Unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."

Level tent pads: Many primitive sites offer better-than-expected tent pads. A camper at Pine Point Primitive Campground mentioned, "Best of all the remote sites had FLAT tent pads, which always make for a better night sleep!"

Solitude opportunities: For those seeking quieter camping experiences, Pine Point Primitive Campground provides isolation. Myron C. notes, "The best part about this campground is that it is away from the sounds of traffic, and your nearest neighbor, if you have one, will be a tent camper about 200 feet away."

What you should know

Access challenges: Many primitive sites require substantial effort to reach. At Burrells Ford, one camper advises, "It's a bit of a walk down a rode to get here and saw a Father and son taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea."

Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant, especially in spring and fall. Christy C. shared her experience at Burrells Ford: "It dropped to 17 degrees and our plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man / 3-season tent that we had just purchased. The wind was whistling down the river next to us."

Peak season crowding: Some sites become very busy during holidays and summer weekends. RC S. warns about Burrells Ford, "During peak season (summer, Spring Break) it will be slightly crowded, but there's usually still room to camp and it doesn't normally get rowdy or loud."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly backpacking: Several sites offer good introductions to backpacking for families. One parent shared about Jones Gap: "This is a great campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office. The trail is moderately difficult with lots of rocks."

Gear transportation tactics: For campsites requiring short hikes with children, consider alternative transportation methods. Donnie S. observed at Burrells Ford, "You can either backpack it in or take a wagon to take your stuff in."

Educational opportunities: Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area provides excellent nature observation opportunities. A camper noted, "My favorite campsites lie off of the Canebrake Trail and connect with the Foothills Trail. My family and I mainly hike to the first-come-first-serve campsites but there are also a lot of boaters tying off at the shoreline."

Tips from RVers

Alternative field camping: For RVs unable to access the more remote primitive sites, Denver Downs Farm offers open field camping. Adam V. reports, "This is a farm and outdoor event center with a 140 acre field you can camp in. Very well maintained. There are no defined campsites we could see. Just a giant field to set up and camp."

Road access limitations: Many primitive tent camping sites near Pendleton have limited RV access. At Grapevine, a reviewer cautions, "You have to drive 2.3 miles down a curvy, bumpy, hilly forest road. You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended."

Space for smaller rigs: Some tent-focused campgrounds can accommodate small campervans or truck campers. A camper at Jocassee Gorges noted, "Not big rig friendly. Lots of opportunities for kayaking, hiking. Not an easy place for first timers to get into. Small campground loop."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pendleton, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pendleton, SC is Denver Downs Farm with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pendleton, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Pendleton, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.