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Best Campgrounds near Lancaster, SC

340 Reviews

Camping near Lancaster, South Carolina includes a mix of state parks, county facilities, and private campgrounds, with most sites situated around scenic lakes and wooded areas. Andrew Jackson State Park, located within Lancaster city limits, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and glamping options. Lake Wateree State Park, approximately 30 miles south, provides shaded campsites surrounded by trees with boat access. McDowell Nature Preserve and Cane Creek Park, both within 30 minutes of Lancaster, feature additional camping options with lake access. As one camper noted about Andrew Jackson State Park, "This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds."

Most campgrounds in the Lancaster area are open year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and increased mosquito activity. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays at Lake Wateree State Park, which tends to book solid. Cell service varies by location, with Lake Wateree having limited connectivity. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. Fire restrictions are uncommon, but campers should check current conditions before arrival. Paved roads make most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. RV campers will find numerous options with hookups, while tent campers may prefer the walk-in sites at Cane Creek Park, which are "large, well spaced, heavily wooded and private, with lake access for good fishing and paddling." Water recreation is central to the camping experience, with most parks offering boat ramps, fishing opportunities, and kayak rentals. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds and picnic areas. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though leash rules apply. Campers should arrive prepared with supplies as some locations have limited nearby shopping options, and alcohol restrictions vary by county and park.

Map showing campgrounds near Lancaster, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lancaster, South Carolina (59)

    1. Cane Creek Park

    28 Reviews
    Mineral Springs, NC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 843-5909

    "Campground has trails and fishing in walking distance.  It is always packed.  No alcohol permitted."

    "Just be mindful when booking sites near the Lakeside Lodge, they book parties, so it’s a little busier & noisier than our preference."

    2. Andrew Jackson State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Lancaster, SC
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 285-3344

    $40 - $50 / night

    "This is a cool little spot not far from Charlotte NC which doesn't seem as busy as other nearby campgrounds. Staff are friendly."

    "Nice, small, respectable campground close to Charlotte NC. Sites are paved, but dont expect completely level."

    3. Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Great Falls, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 482-6401

    "While there are a few hiking trails, if you don’t have a boat or canoe you will be missing out on most of the appeal of this park."

    "We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us."

    4. Eden in Lancaster SC

    2 Reviews
    Great Falls, SC
    7 miles
    +1 (704) 701-8608

    $40 - $110 / night

    "You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina."

    "There's alot to do here and tons of other outdoor activities within a few minutes' drive, and there's a guide book that lists it all."

    5. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    6. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    7. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    8. Lucky Farms Under the Stars

    1 Review
    Catawba, SC
    16 miles

    $30 - $50 / night

    9. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina

    3 Reviews
    Great Falls, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 779-1948

    $45 - $55 / night

    "This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days."

    "This is a park on the East side of Lake Wateree. Not far off l-77. Has what you need. Full hookups picnic table and a fire pit. The owners are trying hard to improve the park."

    10. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

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Recent Camping Photos near Lancaster, SC

97 Photos of 59 Lancaster Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lancaster, SC

340 Reviews of 59 Lancaster Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Well spaced sites with good amenities. Set in the woods, making it easy to forget you're in Columbia! Quiet, lots of birds in the spring. Easy drive to Congaree, which we highly recommend.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • Amber L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 17, 2025

    Coble's Landing

    DO NOT STAY HERE

    WARNING DO NOT STAY HERE!!! REX COBLE is part owner of this campground. My father’s camper was broken into and vandalized by the owner REX. Stayed for 3 months and never received a receipt for cash handed over. Always gave us the go around and said he was out of town on business. So we started using cash app to prove payments. We even paid 6 months advanced for storage. Investigation still in process and having to get the law involved again. Biggest crook and con of Anson County. Drug deals happening right in the Rv Park in front of family’s and children durning the day and all times at night. This place needs to be investigated, raided and shut down! Our whole life was taken from us. Photos, jewelry, guns, clothing, TVs, and etc. I highly suggest you do not stay here or trust your belongings being stored.

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Lekotawind

    This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

  • D
    May. 8, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Cane Creek Campground 2025

    Nice campground. Got very busy on Friday through the weekend. Nice lake and hiking trails. Free putt-putt. Clean bathrooms and hot showers.

  • D
    May. 1, 2025

    McDowell Nature Preserve

    Beautiful and quiet

    Great, long words wooded site! Reasonably priced. Gated. Great restrooms and showers.

Guide to Lancaster

Camping near Lancaster, SC, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, “Lots of hiking nearby. Beautiful area! Highly recommend.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Dreher Island State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer shared, “We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced.”
  • Picnicking and Relaxing: Kings Mountain State Park has great picnic areas. One camper noted, “Lovely shaded campground. Boat rentals at Lake York.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The bathhouses were clean although it looked like there was some mold... but the shower was hot and welcomed.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the park rangers. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, “Small but well maintained, friendly staff.”
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground. One camper stated, “Spacious site! We were able to fit 2 tents.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park, have minimal facilities. A visitor noted, “No electricity, but there’s LTE connection. Also only one pit toilet for each gender and no running water at the site.”
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Ebenezer Park Campground mentioned, “I thought it was very noisy and crowded.”
  • Site Levels Vary: Some sites may not be level, which can be tricky for RVs. A reviewer at Kings Mountain State Park said, “The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds, like Iron City Campground, have playgrounds for kids. One parent shared, “Fun for kids: Pool with splash mushroom; playground.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with lakes for swimming and fishing. A visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground said, “We swam for an hour or two... it was nice knowing that there are no alligators there.”
  • Plan for Group Activities: Choose campgrounds that allow for group camping. A camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, “I have been going to this campground since I was a kid. I always enjoy it.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground noted, “The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website.”
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be uneven, so having leveling blocks handy is a good idea. A camper at Morrow Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, “We even had to just leave once because we couldn’t even begin to get our camper level.”
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at McDowell Nature Preserve said, “Cell/Internet coverage is non-existent, unless you can get to a high Vista lookout.”

Camping near Lancaster, SC, has its perks and quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any RV parks or campgrounds available in Lancaster?

Yes, the Lancaster area has several RV-friendly options. Chester State Park Campground is well-suited for RVs and travel trailers, though tent campers may find the terrain too rocky at some sites. The park offers fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort is another excellent choice located about 15 minutes from events in the area. It features clean, well-designed facilities with a wooded perimeter that creates a secluded atmosphere despite being near attractions. Additional options include Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, which accommodates big rigs, and Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA, both offering full hookups and convenient amenities.

What are the best camping spots near Lancaster?

The Lancaster area offers several excellent camping options. Lake Wateree State Park Campground provides shady sites surrounded by trees and is perfect for water enthusiasts with boating and canoeing opportunities. The park features hiking trails and accommodates both RVs and tent camping. For a peaceful retreat, Anne Springs Close Greenway Group Camp offers primitive campsites circling beautiful Lake Haigler with equestrian-friendly trails that can be walked or ridden. Other notable options include Chester State Park, which is great for hiking, fishing, and kayaking, and Eden in Lancaster SC, which provides basic amenities including water and toilets.

Can I find long-term camping options in the Lancaster area?

Sesquicentennial State Park Campground offers extended-stay possibilities in the Lancaster region. Once on the outskirts of Columbia but now part of the metro area, it provides convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining a natural setting. The park features plenty of trailer sites along with tent and primitive camping options. For military members, Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp offers affordable lakeside camping with access to restrooms and showers. While most state parks limit stays to 14 consecutive days, private campgrounds like Lucky Farms Under the Stars may offer more flexible arrangements for long-term stays. Contact campgrounds directly to inquire about extended stay policies and potential seasonal rates.

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