Travelers Rest, South Carolina, lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 1,100-1,400 feet. The area experiences mild winters with occasional snow and humid summers with average highs of 85-90°F. Camping options include both heavily wooded sites with abundant shade and open meadow locations that provide better stargazing opportunities.
What to do
Mountain biking access: 1/2 mile from trails. At North Mills River, visitors appreciate the proximity to excellent trails. "There are tons of hiking opportunities in the area with tons of waterfalls. We did get to hike to a few, but wish we had more time to spend there," notes Jay B.
Trout fishing: Licensed anglers welcome year-round. The Davidson River in Pisgah National Forest offers prime fishing spots. "There are several loops and even sites provide access to the river for fishing. Just outside the campground are endless trails and several beautiful waterfalls that can be accessed within a 5-15 min car ride," reports ANGELA.
Waterfall exploration: 15-45 minute drives required. The region contains over 250 waterfalls within a 30-mile radius. "There are a couple of small towns not far away and Greenville isn't a long drive. If you like to hike there are two strenuous hikes in the park from 4-8 miles long and steep climbs that offer breathtaking views," explains John B.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Cool temperatures even in summer. At Pisgah National Forest Davidson River Campground, the riverside locations provide natural cooling. "We had a large double site with 2 tent pads and enough room for our friend's RV. The campground is right on the Davidson River with a number of hiking & biking trail heads and plenty of spots to get into the river," shares Amy G.
Flexible tent camping: Walk-in sites available without reservations. Lake Powhatan accommodates last-minute campers. "We initially planned to disperse camp nearby, but due to the cold weather, we decided to get a site with electric instead. Not all loops are open this time of year, but there was no issue getting a site - even at 10PM," writes Lisa A.
Swimming options: Multiple lakes within 20 minutes. Glamping close to Travelers Rest, South Carolina provides easy access to swimming holes. "The campground has good to excellent facilities and is well maintained. In the park, you can swim, hike, camp, fish and kayak. You will see some excellent views of the mountain ranges," describes one visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Half-price camping after November 1. Some campgrounds offer significant off-season discounts. "After November 1st the prices get cut in half, so I stayed for $11 (hard to beat)! To pay you fill out a permit envelope, tear off the receipt, include your payment and insert it into a mailbox of sorts," explains Jonathan N.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity common May-October. Table Rock State Park campers should use provided bear boxes. "The campground has good to excellent facilities and is well maintained. We saw deer, squirrels, birds, snakes, and many salamanders," notes John B.
Internet connectivity: Mostly limited or non-existent. Glamping sites near Travelers Rest typically lack reliable cell service. "We had 2 bars of ATT coverage. I wish we had more time to explore in this area - we'll be back," mentions one visitor, while another warns, "Whether it be through cellular or wi-fi, our entire business is online...the lack of reliable internet as boasted is frustrating."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select campgrounds. Pine Ridge Campground caters specifically to families with children. "This place is so cute! There is an acre of catch and release pond, a playground and jump pad for kids, a pool, some trails, several things to do," shares Jyll G.
Cabin options: Budget $85-150/night for climate control. For those who prefer luxury camping near Travelers Rest, cabins offer comfort with amenities. "This campground was recommended to me by a friend. After car camping for a few days, my son and I came here to a surprisingly comfortable cozy and AIR CONDITIONED (!) cabin for 3 nights," explains a camper.
Shower facilities: Bring shower shoes and quarters. Most campgrounds maintain clean but basic facilities. "The bathhouses and park are always really clean," notes Joni H., while another camper mentions, "The bathrooms are clean and the showers are hot (no adjustment possible on temperature)."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks. Most sites in the area require some leveling. "Site was not fully level, so we had to pull out the wheel levelers and go up about 4" on one side," reports Adam V.
Dump station access: Limited availability. Keowee-Toxaway State Park has basic facilities. "This is a decent campground with a small RV loop and a handful of sites with water and electric... however the electrical infrastructure needs some work at the very least," cautions Daniel G.
Site selection: Request creekside when possible. Many RVers prefer the sound of flowing water. "We had site #11 on the creek. At our site the creek babbled which was great," shares Sherry P., though she notes maintenance can be variable at some locations.
