Best Campgrounds near Prosperity, SC
The Prosperity area in central South Carolina features several established campgrounds surrounding Lake Murray, with Dreher Island State Park Campground serving as a primary destination. Located on an island within the 50,000-acre Lake Murray, this park provides both tent and RV camping with lakefront sites. Other options include Brick House Campground in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, offering more primitive camping experiences, and Alston Trailhead, which provides free camping areas with walk-in tent sites. The region includes a mix of state park facilities, national forest campgrounds, and private RV parks like Newberry/I-26/Sumter NF KOA in nearby Kinards.
Camping in the Prosperity region experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall particularly popular seasons. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings higher occupancy rates, especially at waterfront locations. Lake Murray's water level fluctuations can affect shoreline camping and boat launch accessibility throughout the year. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak seasons. Tent campers should note that some sites have limited flat, non-graveled areas for pitching tents. A visitor to Lake Greenwood State Park noted, "Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky."
Waterfront camping represents the most sought-after experience in the region, with Lake Murray providing extensive shoreline access. Dreher Island State Park receives consistently high ratings for its lake views and water recreation opportunities. One camper described it as "a lakeside camping paradise" with "nearly every single campsite having either direct lake access or, at a minimum, a brilliant lakeview." Campgrounds in the area typically offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between developed and primitive sites. Privacy between campsites differs considerably across locations, with some reviewers noting close proximity to neighboring sites at more developed campgrounds, while forest service campgrounds tend to offer more seclusion.
