The camping options near Slater-Marietta range across elevations from 1,000 to 3,000 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the region. Campsites typically experience 10-15°F temperature differences between valley and ridge locations, affecting camping comfort during spring and fall seasons. Summer camping can see daytime temperatures reach the upper 80s, while winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures and frost.
What to do
Trout fishing access: The Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park Campground offers catch-and-release fishing opportunities. "Jones Gap gives you the feeling of really being deep in the Appalachians. The rushing river and dense foliage with tons of mountain laurel makes the air seem so fresh. I love just coming here and hiking upstream and playing in the river," reports one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Trails begin directly across from Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest. A regular visitor notes: "If you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground. Bike shops, coffee and supermarkets all within [reach]."
Swimming in Lake Jocassee: The clear waters at Devils Fork State Park offer refreshing swimming options during summer months. A camper mentions, "So much for family's to do here. Water is so clear. Site is so clean."
Mining activities: Travelers Rest KOA features the Johnson Creek Mining Company water tower and trough where children can try panning activities. One reviewer specifically highlighted: "I wish my grandson had been with us. He would have loved the fire truck playground and the Johnson Creek Mining Company water tower and trough."
What campers like
Private walk-in sites: Paris Mountain State Park Campground offers secluded camping with natural separation between sites. "We loved our stay at this campground. It was one that once we got settled we wished we were staying longer! The park has a lot of trails and scenery and is a great place for riding a bike. All in all, pretty campground that is super peaceful!" reports one visitor.
Heated amenities in winter: Paris Mountain maintains heated bathroom facilities during colder months. A camper notes: "The bathhouses were definitely older, but very clean."
Mountain views: Solitude Pointe provides sites with views of surrounding peaks. "The sites on top of the hill are awesome!! Paved, very wooded and private, and umbrellas with the picnic tables!" a satisfied camper reports.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access, with one camper at Broken Oak Organics noting their spot was "shallow enough for the kids play, with some nice spots to catch brown and rainbow trout."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: The mountain terrain creates naturally uneven campsites at several locations. At Black Forest Family Camping Resort, campers should note: "Sites are all gravel. We have hammocked camped here, and this last trip, I camped in my Motorcycle trailer. Great spot to be for riding around the blue ridge mountains. Most sites have electric and water. You will likely need to level anything you bring."
Reservation windows: Table Rock State Park opens reservations 13 months in advance, with weekend spots filling 6-9 months ahead during peak seasons. One visitor advises: "Spent 4 nights here. Mortified to say that this was our first time here despite living in Charleston, SC for over 10 years. What a gem!"
Water pressure concerns: Some RV sites experience inconsistent water pressure. A camper at Black Forest noted: "The water pressure was not satisfactory and we couldn't take showers in our camper."
Cell service variability: Coverage varies significantly across the region. Black Forest campers report: "There is no Cell Reception at the campground but they have WiFi. The WiFi can only be accessed from a few places."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Devils Fork State Park Campground offers safe swimming areas with gradual entry points. A family camper shares: "This is my favorite SC park (so far). Several waterfalls are in the area, plus fishing lakes and swimming beach. Lots of outdoorsy things to do, and beautiful views of Table Rock from the Mountain Laurel Campground."
Playgrounds and recreation: Orchard Lake Campground includes various play structures. "This campground is wonderful! We found it out of an emergency stop and stayed for 5 nights. It is beautiful and has so much for the kids to do. To just let the kids be kids and have fun!" reports a family with children ages 8-12.
Short hiking trails: Paris Mountain features family-friendly loop trails under one mile. One visitor mentioned: "Great hiking trails and easy access campsites. Mountain lake was a little small for kayaking, but we had fun."
Junior Ranger programs: Table Rock State Park offers educational activities for children including ranger-led hikes. A participant shares: "I stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike."
Tips from RVers
Steep access roads: Solitude Pointe Cabins & RV Park has challenging terrain but offers assistance. "It is on a steep hill, but the camp hosts escort you to the site and help navigate your camper in if needed. Sites are on level cement pads which makes set up easy," reports an RV camper.
Narrow campground roads: Paris Mountain has tight turns on interior roads. "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! We have a 31' Class A and we managed fine, but I did hear some people with larger trailers having a harder time."
Site length restrictions: Most campgrounds accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, with few options for larger rigs. According to one Travelers Rest KOA visitor: "Most are creekside back ins. Full hook up including cable. Level gravel sites with concrete patios."
Dump station locations: Limited dump stations require planning. Davidson River campers should note: "The campground has a great river to swim in and is close to Brevard and Asheville but reservations are recommended. This place is packed most all of the summer now so you don't want to show up without a spot."
