Best Campgrounds near Clemson, SC

Near the college town of Clemson, South Carolina, you'll find several good camping spots within driving distance. Davidson River Campground has walking trails and mountain bike paths that start right from the camping area. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground sits near the impressive gorge with hiking trails that take you down to see the waterfalls. Devils Fork State Park Campground puts you close to Lake Jocassee where many campers spend their days fishing or taking boats out. All three campgrounds have clean bathrooms and showers, though some are more updated than others. The privacy between sites changes depending on which loop you choose - some have good tree coverage while others are more open. Most sites have trees for shade, which helps during South Carolina's hot summers. From these campgrounds, you can get back to Clemson pretty quickly if you want to catch a game or grab a meal in town. Many locals recommend camping in spring or fall when it's not too hot and the trees look great. The campgrounds around Clemson work well for quick weekend trips or longer stays, depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near Clemson, South Carolina (307)

    1. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

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

    $36 - $76 / night

    "Well maintained campground with most sites situated within easy access to Lake Hartwell. A short drive to Clemson via country roads."

    "Our site(site 60) was right on the lake and absolutely beautiful."

    2. Mile Creek County Park

    26 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    13 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."

    "While the spot is very level, be very weary that the drive up to this spot is steep and curved, We barely made clearance with a 23' trailer that has a lift kit on it."

    3. Devils Fork State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    20 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!"

    4. Oconee Point

    13 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    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."

    "Open May through October, friendly staff,convenient to Clemson University"

    5. Coneross Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Townville, GA
    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."

    6. Tugaloo State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Fair Play, GA
    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.  "

    7. South Cove County Park

    12 Reviews
    Seneca, SC
    9 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. Oconee State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Tamassee, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 638-5353

    "This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."

    "We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."

    9. Table Rock State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    24 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. Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    24 Reviews
    Sunset, SC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 868-2605

    $7 - $26 / night

    "Located in Sunset Sc, near Clemson and Easley, this park is one of our favorites off of the Cherokee foothills scenic Hwy 11."

    "I stayed here many times as a student at Clemson.  Only a 45 minute drive.  The cabins are amazing.  Very clean as well."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 307 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Clemson, SC

1407 Reviews of 307 Clemson Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy roadm

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • Alden B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Ash Grove Mountain Cabins & Camping

    Very Nice camping near Dupont National Forest

    If you want close access to Dupont and Pisga NF you're within minutes! The owners Mark & Esther are wonderful. We call him SouthSide Mark ( hails from South Africa). Some sites are a little tight, but fine. If you have a big rig call ahead. The cabin was wonderful. The bathhouse is older but very clean. You can tell the owners love their campers and property. The site is tree covered and hilly. We will come again, guaranteed! Watch your step. Wood Spirits are Everywhere!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Golden Grove Farm and Brew

    HIPPIES AND HOORAHS

    arrived around 2 - had live music at 7 so went to get drinks & dinner. had the MOST incredible time. EVERY single person - staff & locals - were the friendliest, most welcoming and inviting people we have ever met. it was such a fun night. food & drinks are also amazing. if you’re looking for a fun night out but also need a place to stay - COME HERE!!! will definitely be coming back if we’re in SC

    such a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    River Falls at the Gorge

    Not a $96 a night Campground

    We have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.

    If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    Gorgeous view

    I believe every site is lake front. The view of the lake is amazing and perfect. Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those. Mine had rocks covered with wire thats been cut or broken so wasn’t taking my chances there. This place is huge! There is no sewer at sites but water and electric up to 50amp

  • Angie A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Mt Pisgah Campground — Blue Ridge Parkway

    Beautiful place on top of the mountain

    We stayed here one night on our way through the mountains. Nice camping spaces. They’re close together but well separated by the beautiful Magnolia bushes and other foliage throughout the park. Bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers available. There are bear boxes at each site. Even saw a black bear. But it didn’t bother us.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Town Mountain Travel Park

    Would return

    The host, Mike, was very helpful when we were setting up the RV for the night.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Adventure Village and Lodgings

    Nice secluded tent sites

    This campground has a few tent campsites near the office/shower building but a great number of remote sites up on the side of a mountain. 4WD required due to steep inclines and rough road conditions. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring and some shade during different times of the day. Fireworks were an issue the first night because it was 4th of July but other nights it was quiet.

    Management was mostly absent and check in was easy. Tent site selection is first come first served. Manager did pick up the phone to hear my complaint about fireworks (midnight) but shooters were coming from outside of the campground.

    Lot of cabins and RVs But I didn't see any pull throughs.


Guide to Clemson

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Campers love the hiking opportunities, especially at places like Davidson River Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiked the North Slope nearly 4 miles and wore out the dogs perfectly!"
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful, and there are plenty of smallmouth bass to be claimed as well!"
  • Swimming: Cool off in the water. Campers at Lake Powhatan enjoyed the lake beach, with one saying, "It’s the perfect size for kids."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were kept clean and were in better conditions than other state parks we’ve visited."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peaceful environment. One reviewer at Mount Pisgah Campground said, "The campground is VERY quiet and many of the spaces were rather private."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground remarked, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick-up twice a day is great!"

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty 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 said, "These campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared."
  • Bear country: Keep food secure to avoid bear encounters. One camper at Mount Pisgah Campground shared, "I did have a bear walk through my camp my last night there while I was in bed."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and playgrounds. At Devils Fork State Park Campground, a family enjoyed the "crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us."
  • Plan for meals: Bring your own firewood and food. A camper at Table Rock State Park Campground noted, "Make sure to bring your own firewood."
  • Engage in nature: Encourage kids to explore the outdoors. A visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground said, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. 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."
  • Use leveling blocks: Many sites can be uneven. A visitor at Mount Pisgah Campground mentioned, "Some sites are very uneven, resulting in some rather interesting on-the-fly engineering by other campers."
  • Plan for amenities: Not all sites have electric hookups. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The campground is more small RV friendly due to narrow roads."

Camping near Clemson, South Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any state parks with camping available near Clemson?

Several excellent state parks with camping are within easy driving distance of Clemson. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground is conveniently located just off I-85 exit 1 in South Carolina, making it perfect for overnight stays. The park has year-round camping, though the waterfront sites are seasonal. Oconee State Park Campground offers a beautiful mountain setting with a range of hiking trails and rustic cabins with modern amenities. Other notable state parks in the region include Table Rock, Paris Mountain, and Calhoun Falls, all offering diverse camping experiences within 1-2 hours of Clemson.

Where are the best campgrounds near Clemson, SC?

The Clemson area boasts several top-rated campgrounds with unique features. Mile Creek County Park stands out with its exceptional setting on a string of three islands connected by narrow straights, offering stunning views of Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Calhoun Falls State Park Campground features spacious lakeside campsites with privacy, direct lake access, and spectacular sunset views. For those willing to drive a bit further, Tugaloo State Park Campground on the Georgia-South Carolina line offers a secluded feel with comfortable, spacious sites surrounded by trees and nature.

What RV camping options exist around Clemson, South Carolina?

RV enthusiasts have several excellent options near Clemson. Tiger Stripes RV Campsites & Tailgate offers gated executive sites inside Clemson RV Park at the Grove, perfect for Clemson University visitors and tailgaters. Willow Valley RV Resort provides 80 graveled, easy-to-access sites with amenities including a playground, basketball court, pool, bathrooms, and laundry facilities. For county-operated options, South Cove County Park offers big-rig-friendly sites with full hookups. Most RV parks in the area provide good access to local attractions and outdoor activities.

What activities can you enjoy while camping near Lake Hartwell by Clemson?

Lake Hartwell offers abundant recreational opportunities for campers. Water activities dominate with excellent fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming access. Many campgrounds like Springfield - Hartwell Lake provide boat ramps and water access directly from campsites. Beyond water recreation, the area features numerous hiking trails through scenic woodlands and along shorelines. Paris Mountain State Park Campground, though not directly on Lake Hartwell, offers additional hiking options within driving distance. Wildlife viewing, photography, and mountain biking are popular activities. The proximity to Clemson University also provides opportunities to enjoy collegiate sporting events, campus tours, and cultural activities.