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Best Tent Camping in South Carolina

1,928 Reviews

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."

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Best Tent Sites in South Carolina (39)

    1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    31 Reviews
    Gadsden, 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 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    Website

    "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 Reviews
    Cedar Mountain, NC
    Website

    "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 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Huger, SC
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Grover, 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 Reviews
    Lincolnton, GA
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    North Myrtle Beach, SC
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Cross Anchor, SC
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos in South Carolina

58 Photos of 39 South Carolina Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in South Carolina

1928 Reviews of 39 South Carolina 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!

  • Courtney B.
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Little Pee Dee State Park Campground

    A quiet and clean state park

    Little Pee Dee State Park is a quiet and clean campground on the banks of Lake Norton. Locals often come here for fishing and non-motorized boating.  We were fortunate to witness a mass crayfish event--the recent flooding had brought them out of the swamp and up the spillway, much to the delight of seafood lovers.

    The campground had two different campground hosts, and they kept the restrooms and campsites immaculately clean.

    Campsites have a fire ring/grate and a picnic table, but no trash cans, and you'll need to bring your trash to a large bin located at the edge of the campsites.

    There are some nice sites right at the edge of Lake Norton, but the abundant water plants don't allow you to fish from the side of the lake, and it's not really a swimming lake. These sites accommodate RVs and have water & electric.  If you're on a budget, there are tent-only sites off the water.

    The campground recently built a sleeping cabin, which is a cute structure with air conditioning/heat, bunk beds, and a free-standing bed (the cabin sleeps four, total). Guests can use a fire ring and Adirondack chairs, hammock, and grill.

    The park also has a nice shelter for use.

    There is no WiFi here, and cellular internet is spotty. There isn't a camp store, but the Ranger Station does have ice, firewood, and a small number of souvenirs for sale.

  • Chelsie N.
    Mar. 21, 2017

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Huntington Beach State Park

    Best beach camping I've had! Lots of shade at the walk-in tent sites. The sites are secluded with bear/animal proof food storage at each site. Of course raccoons are about everywhere, but the nature is so friendly at this campground. A little birdy built a nest in our beach towels one night. The park rangers were helpful (for that situation) so that's cool. We camped during a tropical depression with no flooding. 8 straight hours of hard rain. Great great park.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

    Nice spot would return for sure

    I was passing thru SC on the SCAR headed down to the Palmetto Rally and stopped here to camp. It was a very nice campground with level pads, picnic table and fire ring (bring your own wood). As well there were several vault toilets and there was even a water faucet. It was a good campground and I would stay here again. It is not reservable so first come first served. There was some cell coverage as well. I tent camped so can not comment on RV as the others in the campground were tent camping as well.

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • 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.

  • Hannah W.
    Mar. 11, 2022

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Great stay!

    Stayed here for a few nights with a friend for spring break. The staff were very friendly and answered all the questions that we had. We were tent camping and the campsite was perfect! Had a picnic table, fire ring, plenty of space to pull the car in, level ground for the tent, and trees for hammocking. The bathroom facilities were very clean, and were right by the campsites. In terms of activities, there are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center. We rented a paddleboat and got to see some wildlife on the water (cranes, turtles, and even a couple little gators). Overall, this was a perfect state park, great for a quiet getaway.

    (Side note: the bugs were practically nonexistent in March when we visited, but we were told that they can get bad in the summer months)

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 29, 2017

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Bluff Campground the way to go for quiet, peaceful park oasis

    Having been on the road for about three months before coming to Congaree, we were happy to arrive to such a quiet and tucked-away campground. For $5 per night, Bluff Campground was the perfect spot to hole up for a few days and relax surrounded by the old growth forest of Congaree National Park.

    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.

    With no crowds and not much to explore, our three days in the park was very relaxing. We chose Bluff Campground -- a one-mile walk-in campground near the visitor center -- because we knew it would be less popular than Longleaf Campground, and we knew we’d be spending a lot of time there. The one mile hike seemed further than we thought because of our heavy loads, but once we arrived at our camp, set up our tent, chairs, hammocks, and slack line, we were able to just make the easy walk in and out each day.

    The campground itself has no facilities; its only amenities are the fire ring and picnic table at each site. We encountered only one other camper in our two nights here. We did encounter many mosquitoes, though, so don’t forget bug spray!

    At Congaree, there are several hiking trails and kayaking trails that we would have liked to do, but with our plans foiled by rain, we spent time at the visitor center, around the short boardwalk trail adjacent to the visitor center, and kayaking through the flooded plains, straight off the boardwalk.

    You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Congaree)

  • 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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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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