Travelers Rest camping destinations range from mountainous to riverside settings, with elevations between 1,100 and 3,500 feet creating variable camping conditions throughout the seasons. Fall brings temperatures between 40-75°F while summer highs can reach the mid-90s with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Riverside camping options feature rocky terrain along gentle flowing waters suitable for wading and fishing.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Jocassee: Access the pristine waters directly from Devils Fork State Park Campground where water clarity is exceptional for viewing underwater features. "Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. 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! Fabulous solid hiking including waterfalls and biking even around the park's roads."
Mountain biking from campsite: Direct trail access available at Davidson River Campground with routes for beginner to advanced riders. "Located right inside Pisgah National forest this campground is perfectly set for all adventures. If you're looking to see the sights of the forest and take a drive the scenic parkway then youve come to the right campground. On the other hand if you're thinking of riding the mtb trails you're in luck. They start literally across the davidson river from the campground."
Trout fishing: Fish directly from riverbank campsites at Broken Oak Organics for brown and rainbow trout. "My family enjoyed the huge lawn for yard games, and the river was beautiful! Shallow enough for the kids play, with some nice spots to catch brown and rainbow trout. Bathroom and shower was really nice and clean. Fire pit was steps away overlooking the river."
What campers like
Private wilderness feel: Jones Gap State Park Campground offers trail-side sites spaced approximately a quarter mile apart. "The spots are clean and well maintained. As you're in a state park, you have the added benefit of a fire ring and tent pad, but no picnic table. However, unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself."
Cool mountain air: Sites at higher elevations provide natural cooling during summer months. "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."
Family activities: Orchard Lake Campground provides extensive kid-friendly amenities beyond traditional camping. "They have swimming, a little zip line. My then 7 year old played on it all day they even have a game room. 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."
What you should know
Narrow access roads: Campground entrances require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. "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 leveling challenges: Table Rock State Park Campground offers beautiful but occasionally uneven camping pads. "The campground was quiet and well shaded. Some of the sites needed a little rehab and weren't very flat. The bathrooms were definitely older, but very clean."
Seasonal restrictions: Several campgrounds operate with limited capacity during winter months. "I stayed here over New Year's and did a ranger-led First Day Hike. This is my favorite SC park (so far). Several waterfalls are in the area, plus fishing lakes and swimming beach."
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Small children can wade safely in shallow streams adjacent to campsites at Jones Gap. "I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms! Sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy."
Kid-friendly hiking: Short waterfall trails under 2 miles available from most campgrounds. "We did a short day hike to check out the camp sites and look at the waterfalls. We went on the weekend and was pretty late start so we did have to wait a good while to be let in the park - minor annoyance but it was OK. The trails and the park are so very well kept up!"
First-timer camping spots: Black Forest Family Camping Resort offers cabins with electricity for families new to outdoor experiences. "These cabins may not be for everyone. They are pretty bare bones. The cabins have electricity, but the water pump is outside and the bathrooms and showers are communal (but clean). There is a full size bed and two bunk beds in each one."
Tips from RVers
Assistance with difficult sites: Staff at Solitude Pointe Cabins & RV Park provide backing help. "Small in size with only @14 rv sites, but huge in friendly staff and super helpful getting you in/out of your site. It is on a steep hill, but the camp hosts escort you to the site and help navigate your camper in if needed."
Concrete pads available: Several campgrounds offer stable concrete platforms to ease leveling challenges. "A wonderful campground run by friendly people. The sites are on level cement pads which makes set up easy. The paved, very wooded and private, and umbrellas with the picnic tables!"
Limited hookup options: Research specific sites for power needs and restrictions. "Close to Caesars Head and Table Rock. Full hookups, and the staff helps you back in and level up. Great service. Short drive to grocery and fresh produce stands."
Ranger
