Best Campgrounds near York, SC

The York, South Carolina region encompasses several established campgrounds offering various accommodation options within short driving distances. Kings Mountain State Park provides tent and RV camping with electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables approximately 20 miles northwest of York. McDowell Nature Preserve offers waterfront camping opportunities along Lake Wylie just 15 miles east, while Chester State Park Campground sits about 25 miles south with lakeside camping and hiking trails. Ebenezer Park in nearby Rock Hill features full hookup sites for RVs with lakefront access, though recent data indicates temporary closure status.

Camping facilities throughout the area generally remain open year-round with South Carolina's mild climate allowing for comfortable camping in most seasons. Roads to major campgrounds are well-maintained and accessible by standard vehicles. Most developed campgrounds require advance reservations through their respective management systems, whether state park or county recreation departments. A camper wrote, "Chester State Park is a campground in a beautiful setting with a lake and sitting area beside the lake that are both beautiful," highlighting the scenic water features common to many sites in the region. Cell service varies considerably, with some remote areas having limited connectivity, particularly at Kings Mountain State Park where visitors have noted spotty coverage.

Lake access represents a significant draw for many camping areas near York, with several campgrounds situated on or near bodies of water. Chester State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its peaceful lakeside setting, while McDowell Nature Preserve provides access to Lake Wylie with boat-in camping options. Bathroom and shower facilities at most established campgrounds receive favorable mentions, though some users note that tent sites can sometimes be challenging to find on level ground. According to reviews, many campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept facilities with air-conditioned bathhouses—a welcome amenity during hot summer months. Kings Mountain State Park offers additional recreational opportunities with boat rentals at Lake York and proximity to the National Military Battlefield, making it suitable for visitors interested in both outdoor recreation and historical sites.

Best Camping Sites Near York, South Carolina (87)

    1. Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park

    46 Reviews
    Kings Mountain, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 222-3209

    $13 - $31 / night

    "When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."

    "There are lots of trails close to the campground with one around a lake and a stream off of it. Facilities were very well maintained."

    2. McDowell Nature Preserve

    31 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (980) 314-2267

    $15 - $33 / night

    "We loved the education center, the small walking trails and lakeside area. Staff were polite and helpful. Washrooms are incredible! Newly renovated at the time, and clean!"

    "The park is located southwest of Charlotte off of hwy 49 near Lake Wylie, SC."

    3. Ebenezer Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    20 Reviews
    Rock Hill, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 366-6620

    "We live nearby so this is a nice little place to camp at. Nice sites, close to places to eat. Bathhouse was clean and well kept."

    "This park is tucked away and gorgeous. So quiet and well shaded. The beach was awesome and the kids loved swinging on the water. Will return"

    4. Crowders Mountain State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Bessemer City, NC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 853-5429

    $17 - $47 / night

    "The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"

    "The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."

    5. Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    17 Reviews
    Pineville, NC
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 588-2600

    "The adjacent amusement park is closed due to Covid but i bet it is a blast to stay here when it is open. Wooded perimeter so you feel you are away from the city."

    "The hookups were standard location and heights no issues. Our steps come out to a large level dirt pad, not grass. Lots of trees providing shade which is nice."

    6. Iron City Campground, Inc.

    25 Reviews
    Blacksburg, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 491-2874

    $40 - $45 / night

    "ICC is a nice place just over the NC border on I85 in SC. Very close to Charlotte and Greenville areas. Lots of southern pines provided shade."

    "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground. If we are ever in the area again we would definitely stay here again."

    7. Charlotte-Fort Mill KOA

    11 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 548-1148

    $62 / night

    "We came here to do some trailer maintenance and because it is very close to home. We were not expecting it to be a great camping experience, but we’re pleasantly surprised!"

    "Site was large enough for 36' fifth wheel, truck, and our car fit behind rig. We could have fit a couple more vehicles if we had them. In addition there is a fuel station out front."

    8. Chester State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chester, SC
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 385-2680

    "Tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC this park has a lot to offer, hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking its great. It's our favorite little get away."

    "The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit."

    9. Copperhead Island

    2 Reviews
    Lake Wylie, NC
    14 miles
    Website

    $15 - $19 / night

    "Nice walk through Boy Scout camp. Trails are in good shape. Very close to Rivergate area. Great Lake access and nice kayaking."

    "This island campground is located in a county park on the shores of Lake Wylie adjacent to the McDowell Nature Preserve, which also has a campground."

    10. Anne Springs Close Greenway Group Camp

    3 Reviews
    Fort Mill, SC
    16 miles
    Website

    $66 - $108 / night

    "The Primative Campsites circle the paths surrounding beautiful Lake Haigler. The equestrian friendly trails may be able walked or riden."

    "A few minute walk into all the sites, basic bathrooms by car park, peaceful lake views, some sites close to a walking trail, well spaced apart sites"

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Recent Reviews near York, SC

459 Reviews of 87 York Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • madison F.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    great stop & stay

    nice campground. bathrooms and pool are CLEAN!!!! private bathrooms with showers. also has laundry ($) but has change for quarters in shop!! super big plus . also got a buddy site for the price of a normal one!

    not super crowded but still a nice community to be around :) 10 min drive into town as well. all sites have full hookups which was also super handy. not a bad price for what you get. only stayed two nights but would definitely stay again

  • J
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Golden Valley

    Disgusting with horrible customer service. Scam!

    Checked in around 6:00. The guy checking us in told us that the golf carts haven’t been working on hills(the whole place is hills) and to let it cool down for 10 minutes at a time if it overheats. We go to the cabin, which is littered outside with used baby wipes, get settled in, and by 8:10 realize the kitchen is infested with ants. Dozens of ants covering the appliances, counters, and kitchen sink. We asked for help and were told that maintenance would come to our cabin. They never showed up. We called the emergency line and it didn’t work, just put us in an endless loop and then hung up on us. Over and over again. We stayed that night because what other choice did we have? No one was available to help us with literally anything. Following morning, we pack up our stuff and tell the staff we’re leaving and all of our issues and ask for a refund on the room we spent 15 reluctant, ant-filled hours in. They escalate to a manager, and then tell us that another manager will call us“shortly”. The call never came. You don’t get what you pay for here. What’s advertised is a complete lie. You pay for a full kitchen? Too bad—you can’t cook or even store food here because there’s ants everywhere. Paid several hundred dollars for a golf cart to get around? It only works when it wants to. Call the emergency line for assistance? Yeah right! We spent$2k and they’re trying to dodge us for a refund. Disgusting place, disgusting behavior.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Croft State Park Campground

    Outdoor adventure awaits

    37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.

  • Chris K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort

    Superb Accommodations

    Always very clean, with meticulously maintained and picturesque grounds, the Camp Wilderness at Carowinds is well-appointed with amenities and attended to by helpful and friendly Carowinds staff. Providing shuttle service to the front gate for park entry, this is an excellent choice for overnight stays and Carowinds outings.

  • k
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Lekotawind

    This is a beautiful campground. It is well maintained and the staff are excellent to work with. Very clean.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Iron City Campground, Inc.

    Great stopover place

    We were here one night. CG is nice, they have some seasonal sites and a lot of other sites. There are some new sites along the pond on the lower level. They also had buddy sites, perfect for a 2+ campers to gather as a group. Nice dog park, nice playground.

    We would stay here again.


Guide to York

Camping near York, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Kings Mountain State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails were very well marked and maintained," making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced hikers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Lake Norman State Park Campground, you can rent boats and fish. A camper shared, "The campground is in a forest on the shores of Lake Norman," highlighting the beautiful setting for water activities.
  • Wildlife Watching: South Mountains State Park Campground is perfect for spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "There’s a beautiful creek you can ride your horses in or just play if you want."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at Lake Wateree State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "The nicest shower house I have ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Iron City Campground, Inc.. One guest said, "Lisa is the best host," which shows how welcoming the environment is.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Croft State Park Campground. A review mentioned, "Our site was very level and tucked back in the corner of the campground."

What you should know:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be unlevel, especially at Kings Mountain State Park. A camper warned, "The campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly."
  • Limited Cell Service: If you rely on your phone, be aware that some areas, like site #48 at Lake Norman State Park, may have poor reception. One visitor noted, "Site #48 does not have cell service for Verizon."
  • Narrow Roads: Accessing some campgrounds can be tricky. A reviewer at South Mountains State Park mentioned, "The road into the campground is narrow, hilly, and windy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Iron City Campground, Inc.. One parent said, "Fun for kids: pool with splash mushroom; playground."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food supplies, especially if you're camping at places like Lake Wateree State Park, where nearby stores are limited. A camper advised, "Not much near the site for supplies, so bring your supplies if possible."
  • Safety First: Many campgrounds, such as Cane Creek Park, have regular patrols, making it feel safe for families. A visitor noted, "The park ranger regularly patrols, making it feel safe."

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling Gear: Bring leveling blocks, especially for sites that may not be flat, like those at Croft State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "You must really check the site description or plan on bringing lots of levelers."
  • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Lake Norman State Park, offer electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers. One camper said, "RV sites are paved, with a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Dump Stations: Check for dump stations before you arrive. Campers at Andrew Jackson State Park found the facilities adequate, but it's always good to be prepared.

Camping around York, SC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near York, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near York, SC is Kings Mountain — Kings Mountain State Park with a 3.9-star rating from 46 reviews.