Cabin camping near Taylors, South Carolina offers access to the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,500 feet. The area averages 50 inches of annual rainfall with summer temperatures typically in the 80s, making late spring and early fall ideal for woodland cabin stays. Many cabin sites require reservations up to six months in advance due to high demand, especially during leaf-changing season in October.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to mountain trails. At Table Rock State Park Campground, "There are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views," notes one visitor who mentions seeing "deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders" along the trails.
Water activities: Lake Keowee at Mile Creek County Park offers swimming and boating options. "The lake is rocky, but it has a perfect shallow end for little ones and very deep for kayaking," reports one camper who rented a pontoon boat nearby. Another visitor recommends: "Bring tubes and floats to relax in the water with."
Mountain biking: Riders can access trails directly from Davidson River Campground. "They start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffee and supermarkets all within [reach]," says a cyclist who stayed there. The nearby Clemson Experimental Forest offers "the Isaqueena Trail system. Ranges from easy/intermediate to advanced when you get to the lower waterfall area."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many visitors appreciate the room between sites. At Paris Mountain State Park Campground, one camper describes it as "one of the quietest parks we have stayed out and used it for a base camp to hike Jones gap and table rock. The bathhouse was clean and there are lots of trails and a big pond."
Private wooded settings: Cabins tucked among trees provide privacy. "Our sites were clean and perfect for tents! The sites are kinda close but we felt very comfy with our two sites," reports a visitor to Table Rock State Park. At Mile Creek County Park, a camper who reserved early got "5 spots in a culdesac surrounded by the lake on all sides."
Clean facilities: Lake Powhatan — National Forests In North Carolina receives high marks for cleanliness. "It was incredibly clean, the campground hosts were very friendly and helpful, and the quick access to both the Blue Ridge Parkway and downtown Asheville are unbeatable," says one visitor. Another notes: "Bathroom and showers are cleaned well everyday and are heated."
What you should know
Site reservations: Book well in advance, especially for summer and fall weekends. At Devils Fork State Park Campground, visitors recommend making reservations "a few months in advance" to secure waterfront sites. "This is a very popular destination. So, the campground was pretty loud and crowded at night until the lights out call."
Site levelness: Some mountain campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Paris Mountain State Park, one camper observed: "Some site are very uneven" while another said they "liked the campground. No amenities per day except bathroom/showers. Nice large sites but very unlevel due to mountain side."
Road access: Mountain roads can be narrow and winding. A visitor to Paris Mountain warns: "The road through the park back to the campground is pretty narrow at some points - we don't know how we would have managed if we had met another RV!" Some roads to cabin areas close during specific hours, with one campground locking "the back gate from 10pm to 8:30am."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Families appreciate swimming areas with gradual entry. Devils Fork State Park offers "a beautiful lake campground" with "lots of water activities. The area is clean." Another camper notes its "gorgeous views, friendly people" make it great for families wanting water access.
Playground access: Some cabin areas include play structures for children. At Orchard Lake Campground, a visitor mentions: "This is a great campground to camp with ur family. They have swimming, a little zip line. My then 7 year old played on it all day they even have a game room." Multiple reviews mention the family-friendly atmosphere.
Activity planning: Factor in travel time to attractions. Lake Powhatan campers note it's "only 15 minutes from downtown Asheville and 5 minutes from the North Carolina arboretum." Another visitor appreciates that "there are numerous hikes that are on the grounds or just outside," making it convenient for families with varying energy levels.
Tips from RVers
Site navigation: Some mountain campgrounds have tight turns. At Paris Mountain, "We have a 31' Class A and we managed fine, but I did hear some people with larger trailers having a harder time." Another RVer advises being aware that "the drive up to this spot is steep and curved."
Hookup availability: While many cabins offer full amenities, RV sites vary. Davidson River Campground offers electric and water but no sewer at most sites. A visitor notes: "We had plenty of room and great separation from fellow campers. No hookups at our site."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts mountain camping significantly. A Lake Powhatan visitor recommends: "Book ahead-the guy said they'd been completely full since June." Winter camping is available at some locations but with limited services, as most cabin areas maintain "only 3 loops of the campground open in the off season."
