Oconee State Park Campground stands at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the foothills region of South Carolina, offering a blend of upland hardwood forests and mountainous terrain. The campground experiences moderate seasonal changes with warm summers and mild winters. Several camping sites feature uneven terrain with tree roots throughout, requiring careful placement of tents and RVs.
What to do
Hiking trails beyond the park: The area surrounding Table Rock State Park Campground connects to numerous waterfall trails. "There are many waterfalls in the area and many places to hike. There are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views," notes a visitor who appreciated the park's less crowded atmosphere compared to the Smokies.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking solitude, King Creek Primitive Campsites provides remote sites along Burells Ford Road. A camper explains, "From Hwy 107 you can access Burells Ford road which is fully gravel and rocky, certain cars may have difficulty. Just follow the gravel road and you'll find a parking lot on the left that has a backcountry campsite."
Lake activities with limited reception: Multiple state parks in the area offer water recreation with varying levels of connectivity. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, "The area very serene, quiet and pretty. Nice hiking area and swimming area. If you need to get ahold of someone though you'll have to drive 10 to 15 minutes into town," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Secluded glamping options: While luxury glamping in Tamassee, South Carolina has become increasingly popular, some visitors prefer the more rustic cabin experiences. A visitor at Cherry Hill Campground noted, "Very clean and well taken care of. Gorgeous area. Ground is slightly rocky to sleep directly on," highlighting the natural setting without sacrificing basic comforts.
Group camping areas: Social campers appreciate dedicated group sites. "Had a fun time with a group of friends camping in the group camping area," reports one visitor to Oconee State Park, making it an excellent choice for upscale glamping near Tamassee with friends or extended family gatherings.
Spacious lakefront sites: Waterfront camping provides both scenery and recreation. A visitor to South Cove County Park praised the layout: "We were impressed with the large number of pull through sites and the cleanliness of the campground. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The mountain location experiences variable conditions. At Tallulah Gorge State Park, hikers face "lots of stairs, a bridge over the water, and rock hopping across the water," requiring appropriate footwear for changing terrain.
Maintenance issues: Some cabins require more thorough pest control. Guests have reported varying experiences with cabin cleanliness across different parks in the area, particularly during shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: Most parks in the region require advance booking. "The only way I was able to get a site was by reservation. Eventually, I got a site, but the process of having to reserve online ahead of time is frustrating," shared a Cherry Hill Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. At South Cove County Park, a family noted, "There are several large play areas in walking distance. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation. "The lake is great for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals," reports a camper with experience at South Cove.
Trail difficulty ratings: Consider hiking distances when planning with children. At Gorges State Park Campground, "The best one is to Rainbow and Turtle Back Falls, a somewhat challenging 4-mile round trip hike, but well worth it," according to a visitor who found the effort justified by the views.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous terrain feature uneven sites. At Table Rock State Park, visitors recommend checking site details before booking, as some locations require additional leveling equipment.
Access road considerations: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. One Gorges State Park visitor cautions, "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."
Electrical reliability: Power outages occur at some parks. At Keowee-Toxaway State Park, one RVer reported, "Twice in one week this campground experienced a complete and total power outage each of which lasted for hours," suggesting backup power options for critical needs.
