Best Campgrounds near Westminster, SC
Westminster, South Carolina provides access to several mixed-use campgrounds along Lake Keowee and the Chauga River. The area includes established campgrounds like Chau Ram County Park with tent and RV sites, plus rustic options at Riley Moore Falls for primitive camping. South Cove County Park offers lakeside camping with nearly all sites featuring water views, while several other parks in Oconee County provide cabins and glamping alternatives. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though Chau Ram County Park specifically operates seasonally from May through November.
The terrain around Westminster features significant hills and elevation changes that affect campground layout and accessibility. "Campground is on a steep hill so walking to bathhouse is a good workout every time," noted one camper about Chau Ram County Park. Several campgrounds require careful navigation due to angled approaches and limited turning radius for larger RVs. Only a few sites at Chau Ram can accommodate vehicles longer than 35 feet. Water features prominently in the camping experience, with access to Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and the Chauga River. Weather conditions remain mild enough for year-round camping at most locations, though summer brings higher demand for waterfront sites and swimming areas.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Westminster area. South Cove County Park's peninsula location provides water views from nearly every site, with direct lake access from most campsites. A camper mentioned, "Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view." For those seeking more natural settings, dispersed camping at Riley Moore Falls offers riverside spots accessible via a steep one-mile trail that requires four-wheel drive to reach the trailhead. Families appreciate the multiple playgrounds at South Cove and Chau Ram's waterfall and swimming area. Reviews consistently mention clean facilities, though tent campers should note that many sites feature gravel surfaces that can be challenging for tent stakes. Most campgrounds maintain modern amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities.
