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.