Best Tent Camping near Pelzer, SC

South Carolina's upstate region offers several tent camping options within 30 miles of Pelzer, including Jones Gap State Park Campground and Burrells Ford, which provide primitive tent sites in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Several locations feature walk-in tent sites that require short hikes from parking areas, offering more seclusion than typical campgrounds. The tent-only areas typically sit along rivers and streams, providing both scenic views and natural water sources.

Tent campsites in this region generally feature bare-ground or gravel tent pads with minimal site improvements. Most locations have fire rings and designated areas for tents, though picnic tables are not guaranteed at all sites. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Burrells Ford, but many primitive sites require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal. One camper noted that "you have to backpack in and take everything you need. Make sure to take lots of water or a good water filter." Water access varies significantly by location, with some sites providing drinking water while others require filtering from streams or bringing all water supplies.

The tent camping experience near Pelzer emphasizes natural surroundings and seclusion. Most tent sites are situated near rivers like the Chattooga, providing ambient sounds and recreational opportunities. According to one visitor, "this is a beautiful place to camp, fish and hike! They have hike-in campsites in the park as well as the trail and even secluded drive-in campsites." Tree cover is abundant at most locations, offering shade during summer months. Walk-in tent sites at Jones Gap State Park are described as particularly private, with spots spaced about a quarter mile apart, creating a sense of having "the mountain to yourself." Many tent campsites serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the region's numerous hiking trails and waterfalls, with several parks featuring trail networks accessible directly from camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Pelzer, South Carolina (37)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Pelzer, SC

936 Reviews of 37 Pelzer Campgrounds


  • Courtney B.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Devils Fork State Park Campground

    Loved it so much, we've planned another trip there!

    We had a wonderful time camping at Devil's Fork State Park. Our group took up rustic tent sites T1, T3, and T5. On the map, these sites seem not ideal, as they are not on the water. However, they are more isolated, more wooded (plenty of trees for hammocking), and seemingly larger than the other tent sites. They are a short walk from the tent-camper parking area, a short walk from the two water spigots in the parking area, and a short walk from the restrooms. The bonus is that, behind sites T1 and T3, is a jumping rock into a gorgeous cove of Lake Jocassee with beautiful blue-green water. It's a great place to enjoy kayaks, rafts, and other inflatables. 

    While site T13 books up quick because of its waterfront location on the point, the walk from the parking lot is no joke. 

    Notes about the rustic tent sites: They have been recently renovated. Each has a picnic table and a fire ring. Only 1 vehicle is allowed to park, per site, unless you pay for the extra vehicle and park in the overflow lot. There is no electricity, and two water spigots located in the parking area. The entire camping area (25 tent sites and 59 RV sites) share 2 restrooms (which were muddy and gross while we were there). No generators are allowed in the tent area. We did have a bear visit us multiple times in one night, putting teeth puncture marks in our cooler. And if the bear don't get ya, the raccoons will!

  • J
    Jul. 19, 2016

    Black Forest Family Camping Resort

    Cabins without the amenities

    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. Outside, there is a a picnic table and a fire ring for each cabin. I think the mattresses are hard, so I usually bring a sleeping bag to pad it. So it can be seen as a step up from tent camping for people who don't like that kind of roughing it.

    There is a heated swimming pool and they do lots of things for kids like ice cream socials. They have a little shop in case you forget some necessities.

    This campground is close to Dupont Forest, with lots of mountain biking, hiking, and waterfalls. For $50 a night, it's a pretty good deal.

  • Everette G.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Victoria Bryant State Park Campground

    Great Camping in any Season

    Victoria Bryant State Park is probably one of my most frequented camping spots in the last few years. All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant. There are only about 8 platforms, and one is ADA only, so they book up quick. They are all spaced pretty far apart, privacy isn't too hard to maintain (except maybe site 7&8). 1-4 are down a hill, 4 being the furthest away at about 40 feet, down the steepest incline. There are facilities right across the parking lot, that have always been clean and well maintained, and heated in the colder months. Camp hosts and office have firewood. There are several miles of trails that are lower difficulty, save for some hilly spots. In October, the park does a pretty cool little haunted trail. There's obvious reasons we enjoy VBSP, staying dry in the rain, nice, dense forested areas, and awesome campgrounds make it an easy choice.

  • Thomas R.
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Amazing place

    We arrived Late afternoon took the road about 3 1/2 miles to our site which has a small waterfall actually there are three waterfalls here next to our site the one that can be seen easily the other two a little bit harder to get to by foot but we’ll worth the walk. The was water extremely cold couldn’t stay in it for more than five minutes. Most roads up here are only dirt and helpful if you have 4 Wheel Dr. to get to certain secluded areas we saw blackbear no venomous snakes but did come across a few black racers. As for firewood you can scrounge around there for branches and such but better to buy the wood out on the main stretch in Clayton the town outside of warwoman wildlife management area. We paid $125 for a 8 foot bed of semi seasoned split wood also known as a cord that lasted us the 4 days of tent camping. There are a few places before you head into warwoman wildlife management area that sell wood for a nites fire. There were no bugs and the temperatures were in the low 50s at night and mid 70s during the day. The fall leaves where a little late to show there true colors but still beautiful. Most sites have bear proof food containers that you can utilize and very heavy well built picnic tables. We had a restroom near us that is like portable toilets with toilet paper provided. No internet service but did find certain areas on the roads up there that you could use your cell phone. The only running water is the creeks and no electricity. Everyone we meet had kids and that was during the weekend. No body was camping there during the weekdays.

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2022

    Coneross Park Campground

    Lakeside campground

    This campground is huge. A lot of the campsites are close together, but we snagged a site along the west side of the campground, where there’s a little more privacy and seclusion.

    Being right on the water was amazing, the water was so warm and being able to swim from your site is pretty cool. This site had some stairs leading from the parking spot to the site, then slopes down to the lake.

    Dogs need to always be on leash and there’s no alcohol allowed, which is a bit of a bummer.

    Spigots and bathhouse was convenient, except no soap by the sinks.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Burrells Ford

    Nice Place to Get Away from the Crowds

    To get to this campground, you have to drive two and a half miles down a forest road, and then you hike about a third of a mile to the campsites. You have to backpack in and take everything you need. Make sure to take lots of water or a good water filter. When I first arrived, I was a little disappointed that the pit toilet was not open(I think perhaps due to the pandemic). The hike to the campsites is an easy, slightly downhill roadbed. When I went, it was the perfect time for the black-eyed susans to bloom, so it was a pretty hike. 

    This is a primitive campground, so there is no electricity, drinking water, or sewer hookups. However, it is peaceful, and if you want to get away from the conglomeration of RVs and tent campers, this is great. 

    When I got to my campsite, I was surprised to find a nice large picnic table and lantern pole. Most hike-in sites don’t have these amenities. There was also a hanging system for food since this place is in bear country. The thing I did not like was the gravel pad. It is a good thing I had a freestanding tent that didn’t require tent stakes. The site was really a good one with trees all around and the sounds of the creek, which is a tributary of the Chatooga River. 

    I was the only camper, which from what I understand is unusual. This is partly because school had started and it was during the week. This made it easy to gather firewood, but the wood was wet because of the recent rains. Fortunately, I had a little alcohol stove to cook my meals. 

    The reasons people come to this campground are because of access to water for fishing, the solitude, and King Creek waterfall. The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy. 

    Overall, this is a pretty good place to camp, but you can’t just run to your car if you forget something. Well, I guess you could, but it would be a third of a mile slightly uphill. All of your private hygiene has to be done backcountry also, which is not a problem if you are accustomed to backpacking.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2020

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    State Park with Beautiful Views

    Table Rock State Park is a large park with at least three“campgrounds.” One is a primitive campground, and one is a traditional campground. I did not get to explore the third campground, but I believe it is a traditional campground as well. The site I stayed at, site 56, was level, except for the approach; however, the pad was rough gravel. I put down two tarps under my tent to help eliminate the roughness inside the tent. The site was shaded and wasn’t too close to my camping neighbors, but the biggest problem was dealing with the ants—big black ants, small black ants, and other tiny ants. There was no lantern pole, but there was a fire pit and a picnic table. The bath house was only a short walking distance away. There is no lack of things to do, and the trail system is extraordinary. The main attraction, I would guess, is Table Rock Mountain, but there are other things to do. There is a swimming beach and a diving platform. Beside the beach are picnic tables, including a picnic shelter with a standing grill. The visitors center/store was well stocked with souvenirs and supplies, and there is a laundry next to it. Sometime during the night when I had to go to the restroom, I discovered that there was not water. The next morning, I turned on the faucet at my campsite, and it sputtered out brown water at first and then it came out clear. I said that to say this. There was a problem and they dealt with it quickly. That impressed me. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable, but nothing can be done about that during the summer. If you camp in a tent during the summer, make sure to take and extension cord and a fan. Overall, this is a great place to camp during vacation, but the cost is a little more than I expected to pay for a tent site. Costwise, I’m not sure I would want to pay that much for camping for a whole week. It rivals the national campground franchises. However, if cost doesn’t concern you, it really is a good place to camp.

  • Emily S.
    Nov. 27, 2017

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Primitive Camping

    Table Rock is one of the largest state parks in the state of SC and has a TON to offer in terms of hiking. We stayed in the primitive hike in tent only camp sites, not the "regular" campground. The hike in was relatively easy. Sites are VERY close together, so don't plan on much privacy. Tent pads and picnic tables are provided and were clean.

  • W
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Pisgah National Forest Kuykendall Group Campground

    Great place for a group of up to 60 friends to camp!

    Large clearing in the forest for setting up tents or trailers. There is a short creek crossing: 4-WD or high clearance is suggested, but several in our group made it across in minivans & sedans (water was low). Large fire ring between 4 picnic tables, 2 composting toilets, 1 bear box, & a hand-cranked well pump. Trail from near privy goes to small waterfall & pool upstream of camp.

    Even after setting tents up for 40 people, we still had plenty of room for kids to play soccer, etc. in the field between. Watch out for ruts & valleys in the field. I’d suggest camping on the upper hill for least amount of rain run off, or along the treeline near the water pump for morning shade. Easy access to other trails & waterfalls in the area. We immediately reserved for next year!


Guide to Pelzer

Tent camping near Pelzer, South Carolina offers primitive wilderness experiences in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800 to 3,500 feet. The region features numerous watershed tributaries feeding into the Chattooga and Saluda Rivers, creating a network of camping opportunities with varying degrees of accessibility. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during daytime hours while dropping to the 60s at night, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons.

What to do

Fishing in pristine waters: Grapevine Campground sits along the Chauga River with excellent trout fishing opportunities. One camper noted, "It is free camping with trout fishing. Its nearby to a lot of great hikes, drives and whitewater rafting."

Waterfall hunting: The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers numerous cascades accessible from camping areas. A visitor to Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping shared, "My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails. I was really bummed about the removal of the cable crossing, but still loved the trail due to climbing ladders and walking along The Cathedral!"

Kayaking and boating: Lake Jocassee provides clear waters perfect for paddling. A visitor to Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area commented, "Clean and clear water like we haven't experienced before. Beautiful water falls! Also Nicely taken care of facilities!"

What campers like

Spacious, secluded sites: Many primitive camping areas offer significant privacy between sites. At Grapevine Campground, campers appreciate that "they are far enough away from each other you really feel at one with nature."

Riverside camping: The sound of flowing water enhances the camping experience. A visitor to Pine Point Primitive Campground mentioned, "The tent sites are close to the lake, and the site that I chose has a short trail down to it through the woods."

Flat tent pads: Despite the mountainous terrain, many sites feature level spots for comfortable sleeping. One camper at Pine Point Primitive Campground specifically noted they "had FLAT tent pads, which always make for a better night sleep!"

What you should know

Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigation on unpaved roads. A Grapevine camper warned, "You have to drive 2.3 miles down a curvy, bumpy, hilly forest road. You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended."

Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. At Denver Downs Farm, one camper explained, "There are no defined campsites we could see. Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything."

Seasonal crowds: Popular areas can become congested during peak times. One visitor observed at Grapevine, "It does it pretty busy during the weekends, summertime, and holiday/long weekends."

Water filtration: Natural water sources require treatment. A camper at Burrells Ford advised, "You have to backpack in and take everything you need."

Tips for camping with families

Short hike-in options: Some campgrounds offer beginner-friendly backpacking experiences. At Asbury Hills Summer Camps, a visitor noted, "This trail was lots of fun! My friend and I decided to go here on a whim and it didn't disappoint. There are lots of features to this camp and the surrounding trails such as waterfalls, rock outcroppings, cable crossings."

Educational opportunities: The area's diverse ecology provides natural learning experiences. Asbury Hills campers mentioned, "It is a Christian retreat that holds religious summer camps as well as boy/girl scouts retreats. As for hiking trails there's a few within the camp some including caves, waterfalls, and river cable crossings."

Nature loops: Shorter trails accommodate younger hikers. A Grapevine visitor shared, "Great hiking nearby! I always enjoy doing the nature loop. It is great for all ages. My favorite time of year to come is late spring/summer when all the flowers are in bloom."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most primitive camping areas near Pelzer aren't suitable for larger vehicles. At Denver Downs Farm, a visitor observed it was "Very close to I-85 and easy to get to. Feels very safe. A little highway noise, but not bad."

Alternative farm camping: Agricultural properties sometimes offer unique camping options. The same Denver Downs visitor described it as "a farm and outdoor event center with a 140 acre field you can camp in. Very well maintained. We came here on Thanksgiving weekend because all other campgrounds were full. We were the only people here."

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts road conditions significantly. One camper at Grapevine noted, "Entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains," making access potentially challenging for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pelzer, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pelzer, SC is Denver Downs Farm with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pelzer, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Pelzer, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.