Tent campsites near Hartwell Lake offer primitive camping experiences within the Sumter National Forest, where elevations range from 700 to 1,000 feet. Camping options include both roadside pull-offs and more secluded spots that require short hikes. Night temperatures typically drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even during summer months when riverside campsites provide natural cooling.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Fish the Chauga River where camping at Grapevine Campground puts you riverside. "I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day," reports a camper who frequents the area.
Waterfall exploration: Visit King Creek Falls via a half-mile trail from Burrells Ford. "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," notes a visitor who stayed at the campground.
River swimming: Cool off at the large beach area below Riley Moore Falls where tent campers can enjoy swimming after the 1-mile hike in. "Large beach below the falls so likely busy in the summer," reports a camper who visited in April when "lightning bugs were out."
What campers like
Campsite privacy: At Jones Gap State Park Campground, campers appreciate the distance between sites. "Each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself," writes one camper who has stayed at multiple spots in the park.
Night sounds: The rushing water creates natural white noise at streamside tent sites. "The river is a great soundtrack for a nights sleep," notes a camper who stayed at site #10 in Jones Gap, where the main trail runs alongside the river.
Wildlife viewing: Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area offers camping in untouched wilderness. "It's a very quiet area right along the foothills trail and I highly recommend camping here," writes a visitor who notes the area allows hunting in designated seasons.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many tent campsites require specific vehicles or hiking. At Riley Moore Falls Campsite, "a 4x4 will get you to trailhead, spots for maybe 3 vehicles. Would not attempt without 4x4. Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out."
Limited facilities: Primitive sites typically have minimal amenities. At Burrells Ford, "the pit toilet in the parking area tends to be better maintained than the one in the campground," and campers are advised to "bring your own toilet paper!"
Road conditions: Forest service roads can deteriorate quickly. "Entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains," notes a visitor to Grapevine Campground, where the final 2.3 miles are "curvy, bumpy, hilly forest road."
Tips for camping with families
Short hike options: Choose sites with manageable approaches for children. "Site (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc) with a little work and a few trips," reports a parent who camped with a toddler at Jones Gap.
Water play areas: Find campsites with safe river access for children. "Spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop," notes the same family who found the location perfect for both toddler and dog.
Gear transport solutions: Consider alternative ways to move gear for sites without direct vehicle access. At Burrells Ford, one visitor "saw a Father and son taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea. So you can either backpack it in or take a wagon to take your stuff in."
Tips for RVers
Alternative farm camping: When traditional campgrounds are full, consider Denver Downs Farm where RVs can set up in open fields. "This is a farm and outdoor event center with a 140 acre field you can camp in. Very well maintained. We came here on Thanksgiving weekend because all other campgrounds were full."
Safety considerations: Forest roads to tent campsites rarely accommodate larger vehicles. "You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended," warns a camper about Grapevine's 2.3-mile forest road access.
Distance from amenities: Plan for self-sufficiency as most primitive tent campgrounds lack hookups. "There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything," notes a visitor to Denver Downs Farm, where the large open field camping feels "very safe" despite being basic.
