Tj C.
Scout
ScoutSteel Creek River Ramp
When I got here I was told that it was all private property
Best Tent Camping in South Carolina
South Carolina's diverse landscape provides numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds with basic amenities to primitive backcountry sites. Jones Gap State Park offers secluded tent-only sites along the Middle Saluda River with each campsite spaced about a quarter mile apart for privacy. Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park provides tent campsites with toilets and trash service in a unique floodplain ecosystem, while the Francis Marion National Forest contains numerous primitive tent camping areas accessible by multiple means including hiking and boat access.
Most tent campgrounds in South Carolina require some preparation as amenities vary widely. Walk-in sites at Jones Gap require campers to pack in all supplies along short trails ranging from 0.4 to 0.5 miles from parking areas. Fire pits are common at established tent sites, but many primitive areas require campers to follow leave-no-trace principles. Several campgrounds like Burrells Ford offer free tent camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. High summer temperatures can make shade a critical factor when selecting tent sites, particularly in lowland areas where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
Tent campers in South Carolina often benefit from waterside locations. Sites positioned near rivers or lakes provide both scenic views and natural cooling effects, particularly valuable during hot summer months. Many walk-in tent sites offer superior privacy compared to drive-up campgrounds, with several campers noting the solitude as a primary attraction. The rushing water sounds at Jones Gap's tent sites create a natural white noise effect that enhances the camping experience. Primitive tent areas in Sumter National Forest require high-clearance vehicles to access but reward campers with exceptional seclusion. A reviewer at Jones Gap State Park explained, "Having both tent pad and fire ring while still feeling like you have the mountain to yourself makes this my favorite place to camp in the state."
Best Tent Campgrounds in South Carolina (39)
1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
30 ReviewsGadsden, SC$15 - $25 / night
"Our time at Congaree was different from the other national parks we visited, because South Carolina had just undergone major flooding and much of Congaree -- especially its trails -- were under water."
"The campground is primitive. There are 10 single sites that you have to walk into from the parking lot. Not a very long walk but just enough to feel secluded from traffic and other people."
2. Burrells Ford
18 ReviewsHighlands, NCWebsite"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
3. Jones Gap State Park Campground
16 ReviewsCedar Mountain, NCWebsite+1 (864) 836-3647"Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area."
"Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park."
4. Grapevine
6 ReviewsLong Creek, SCWebsite+1 (803) 561-4000"It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."
"Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"
5. Francis Marion National Forest
6 ReviewsHuger, SCWebsite+1 (843) 336-2200"Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."
"Fantastic hiking, well maintained (during normal services), and the primitive campsites are the best "get-away" opportunity. Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna."
6. Primitive Camping By the Creek
4 ReviewsGrover, NC+1 (864) 761-6297$30 / night
"On the campsite there is a lot of firewood to use, in a shed to keep it dry. There are log seats around a nice campfire with a picnic table. Lots of room for multiple tents."
"It was very helpful and greatly appreciated after the 11hr drive. The campsite was spacious for us to set up camp and keep the jeep nearby."
7. Leroys Ferry
4 ReviewsLincolnton, GAWebsite+1 (800) 533-3478$10 / night
"10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
"Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
8. River Island Adventures
3 ReviewsNorth Myrtle Beach, SCWebsite+1 (843) 882-7487$40 - $65 / night
"The workers were a joy to be around and very attentive. Our campsite was amazing"
9. Sedalia Campground
4 ReviewsCross Anchor, SCWebsite+1 (803) 561-4000"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
10. Riley Moore Falls Campsite
2 ReviewsLong Creek, SCWebsite+1 (864) 638-9568"Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out. Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail."
"Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends."
Recent Tent Camping Photos in South Carolina
57 Photos of 39 South Carolina Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground
Sedalia Campground
Sandy Beach Campsite
Primitive Camping By the CreekC
Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park
Riley Moore Falls Campsite
River Island AdventuresM
Jones Gap State Park Campground
Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
Long Bottom Ford
Fell Hunt Camp
Burrells Ford
Tent Camping Reviews in South Carolina
1988 Reviews of 39 South Carolina Campgrounds
- DDebbie B.
TravelerPitts Landing Dispersed
No overnight parking
The sign at the dock says No Overnight Parking and No Camping
- MMorgan B.Scout
Jolly Acres RV Park & Storage
Very quiet campground. The campers and staff are all very nice. Will definitely come back!
Keith P.ScoutWillow Creek Trail
Small pullouts along road
Easy access with a Honda. Chilly nights
paul Z.
GuideEdisto Beach State Park Campground
Great place to camp
We love the Live oaks campground in Edisto Beach State Park. Level sites with plenty of privacy. We are in site 120 this trip and we have stayed in sites 118 and 122 on previous trips. these sites back onto the salt marsh which gives you some incredible scenery just behind the site
Stacey R.GuideBuck Hall Recreation Area
Great location for Shrimping
Most campers are here to go out shrimping. It’s a beautiful, small campground with level sites, some shade, electric and water hookups and tent sites right along the water. The bathroom could use an update but it was very clean and the shower was roomy and hot enough. A dump station is available. I understand the park will close after shrimp season (mid November..?) for updates. I lucked out on a first come, first serve site for the night. I’d definitely stay here again.
Stuart K.
LegendHickory Knob
Lakeside Retreat with a Touch of Southern Charm
Hickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
Sydney D.TravelerLittle Pee Dee State Park Campground
BEDBUG INFESTED CABIN
***BEDBUGS BEDBUGS BEDBUGS!!!! Went to bed at 10:30pm, woke up with my arms and shoulders burning from being bit an hour later. We checked the mattress when we arrived at 8:00 and didn’t see anything. They are CLIMBING OUT OF THE WALLS. We called and spoke to the park ranger on site after leaving 2 voicemails already with no call back, she acted and responded with no concern or with no intent to have the problem corrected before the next family comes in to stay. As far as bringing your camper, little pee Dee is amazing. We rented the cabin on site for 9/18/26-9/20/26. We brought our own linens, brand new in the package. Completely useless now. With all of our clothing and towels also.
- Sydney D.Traveler
Little Pee Dee State Park Campground
BEDBUG INFESTED CABIN
BEDBUGS BEDBUGS BEDBUGS!!!! Went to bed at 10:30pm, woke up with my arms and shoulders burning from being bit an hour later. We checked the mattress when we arrived at 8:00 and didn’t see anything. They are CLIMBING OUT OF THE WALLS. We called and spoke to the park ranger on site after leaving 2 voicemails already with no call back, she acted and responded with no concern or with no intent to have the problem corrected before the next family comes in to stay. As far as bringing your camper, little pee Dee is amazing. We rented the cabin on site for 9/18/26-9/20/26. We brought our own linens, brand new in the package. Completely useless now. With all of our clothing and towels also.
Guide to South Carolina
Tent camping in South Carolina offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- At Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, campers enjoy spacious walk-in sites with clean pit toilets and a solar-powered device charger available nearby.
- Burrells Ford features semi-secluded campsites along the river, complete with fire pits and lantern posts for a cozy evening atmosphere.
- Grapevine provides a remote experience with sites spread out near a river, allowing for a peaceful camping experience.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails accessible from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, which lead to the visitor center and main park trails.
- Fishing and exploring waterfalls are popular at Burrells Ford, where the scenic river is teeming with trout.
- For those seeking solitude, Grapevine offers a serene environment alongside the Chatooga River, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20
- Camping at Burrells Ford is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a primitive experience.
- Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park offers reservable sites, typically priced around $20, providing a well-maintained camping experience.
- At Grapevine, campers can enjoy a low-cost stay with the added benefit of nearby recreational activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best season for tent camping in South Carolina?
What is the best season for tent camping in South Carolina?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for tent camping in South Carolina, offering comfortable temperatures and fewer insects. Burrells Ford is excellent in March when the Chattooga River Trail provides mild temperatures, though nights can dip into the 30s. Summer camping is possible but prepare for heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, especially in lowland areas. Pine Point Primitive Campground — Table Rock State Park offers a cooler mountain retreat during summer months. Winter camping is viable with proper gear, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods in most regions. The coastal areas stay milder year-round compared to the upstate region. Check park websites for seasonal closures before planning your trip, as some campgrounds like Poulous Loop may have limited seasonal availability.
What are the best tent camping locations in South Carolina?
What are the best tent camping locations in South Carolina?
South Carolina offers excellent tent camping options for nature lovers. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park stands out with its secluded walk-in sites nestled in old-growth forest, offering a peaceful experience for just $5 per night. For those seeking waterfront camping, Leroys Ferry provides affordable sites at $10 per night with ample space between campsites. Other top options include Table Rock State Park's primitive sites, Francis Marion National Forest for trail access, and Burrells Ford for riverside camping along the Chattooga. Most tent campgrounds in South Carolina require minimal hiking to access, though some like Pine Point Primitive require carrying in your own water. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
What amenities are available at South Carolina tent campgrounds?
What amenities are available at South Carolina tent campgrounds?
Amenities at South Carolina tent campgrounds vary widely by location. Francis Marion National Forest offers drive-up sites with parking near your tent setup area, making it convenient for hikers. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area Trailside Camping offers reservable sites with toilet facilities. Water availability is inconsistent—some campgrounds have potable water sources while others like Pine Point Primitive require you to bring your own or hike half a mile to the nearest source. Cell reception varies by location; Longleaf Campground has LTE connectivity despite being primitive. Electricity is rarely available at tent-specific sites. Some campgrounds charge fees ranging from $5-30 per night, with national forest sites typically being more affordable than state parks. Always check specific campground information before your trip as amenities can change seasonally.
Is beach tent camping allowed in South Carolina?
Is beach tent camping allowed in South Carolina?
Beach tent camping in South Carolina is permitted but restricted to designated areas within state parks and some federal lands. Hunting Island State Park and Edisto Beach State Park offer legitimate beach camping options with sites set back from the shoreline but within walking distance of the beach. Most South Carolina beaches prohibit overnight camping directly on the sand, though day-use beach tents and canopies are generally allowed with size restrictions (typically under 12×12 feet). For alternatives near coastal areas, consider River Island Adventures, which offers drive-in and boat-in camping access with water and toilet facilities. Always check local regulations before planning beach camping, as rules vary by municipality and season. Some beach areas restrict even daytime tents during peak tourist season (Memorial Day to Labor Day) or require permits.
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