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A Weekend Outside!!! Our Favorite Campgrounds In Upstate SC

  • JP Grice
Upstate SC waterfront camping at South Carolina campground
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Are you looking for the perfect waterfront campgrounds in Upstate SC? Look no further than the following waterfront campgrounds scattered across the region’s lakes and rivers. Wake up to the calming sound of water. Then spend your days fishing, kayaking, or simply lounging by the water’s edge. We’ve compiled a list of the best campgrounds in Upstate SC. These are the perfect respite for those who love to be surrounded by nature and enjoy outdoor activities. So, pack your camping gear and get ready for a memorable adventure at some amazing campgrounds in Upstate SC!

Hester's Bottoms Campground in Mt. Carmel SC
Hester’s Bottoms Campground in Mt. Carmel SC

Hester’s Bottoms Campground

Nestled in the picturesque Mt. Carmel in the Old 96 District, Hester’s Bottoms Campground is one of the most stunning campgrounds in Upstate SC. It is situated on the sprawling 71,000-acre Strom Thurmond Lake, also known as Clarks Hill Lake. The campground boasts of 39 RV sites that face the waterfront and five primitive sites located by the waterfront. Visitors will have access to WiFi, and RV sites come complete with 50-, 30-, and 20-amp services.

Guests are cordially invited to use the private boat launch, boat dock, and indulge in fishing from the banks. They can also enjoy the private beach and our playground. Additionally, there are three bathhouses located strategically throughout the campground, all complete with private hot showers. The activities at Hester’s Bottoms are unparalleled: fishing, swimming, walking, bike riding, kayaking, and picnicking.

If you’re looking for golf carts, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water sports during your stay, they offer a rental program.

The General Store At Hester's Bottoms Campground In South Carolina
The General Store At Hester’s Bottoms Campground In South Carolina

Andrew Jackson State Park

Established in 1952, this 360-acre park pays tribute to the only US president born in South Carolina. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the variety of activities available, including fishing, hiking, boating, and picnicking. Take a refreshing swim in the lak. rent a fishing boat. Or you can bring your own kayak or canoe to explore the small island in the middle. 

Plus, the park offers a campground with 25 sites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. All campsites have water and electric hookups, with restrooms and showers nearby.

Calhoun Falls State Park

Calhoun Falls State Park, situated on the stunning Lake Russell, has everything you need for a perfect camping experience. With three campgrounds located along the lake’s shores, you can enjoy water and electrical hookups for RVs up to 40 feet or tent camping with walk-in sites and tent pads. 

All but one tent site is waterfront, and each campground has access to restrooms with hot showers. Boating enthusiasts will love the park’s marina and in-water refueling, and pets are welcome in most outdoor areas.

Twin Lakes

If you’re on the hunt for spacious waterfront campgrounds in Upstate, SC, Twin Lakes should definitely be on your radar. Located at Hartwell Lake, one of the largest and most popular recreation areas in the southeast, Twin Lakes offers campers sweeping views of the lake’s 56,000 acres of water. 

With 89 of the 102 available campsites being waterfront, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views and easy access to the lake. This spacious campground offers a boat ramp, marina, playground, and picnic shelters, among other amenities.

campground in Upstate SC - waterfront camping

Mile Creek Park

Mile Creek Park is nestled in the picturesque foothills of Pickens County on the stunning Lake Keowee. With 69 campsites, each equipped with water and electricity, you can choose from waterfront or interior sites. The park also offers 10 lakefront cabins that sleep four adults, and some even sleep four additional children, making them perfect for a quiet and relaxing family stay without TV or internet. 

Launch your water adventure from the park’s three boat ramps and enjoy seven miles of shoreline for swimming, sunbathing, skiing, and fishing. With playgrounds, picnic sites, and basketball courts, Mile Creek Park is perfect for the whole family.

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park is another one of the best campgrounds in Upstate SC. This 1,540-acre park is located just fifteen minutes from downtown Greenville and boasts four beautiful lakes, offering visitors a range of water activities from kayaking and canoeing to fishing and swimming. 

With over 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, visitors can explore the dense hardwood forest and stunning monadnock formations. Paris Mountain also has plenty of options for overnight stays, including well-maintained RV and tent campsites with water as well as electrical hookups and secluded trailside campsites for a more rustic experience.

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is a gem nestled in the heart of Upstate, SC, offering a perfect combination of natural charm and modern amenities. Located near Branson, it serves as a natural getaway for tourists looking to take a break from the haste of city life. Water lovers can rent everything from ski boats to paddleboards and enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or an exciting day of skiing. 

Meanwhile, land-based activities such as hiking and biking are available on paved or challenging mountain trails. The park offers 69 camping sites with individual water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, and hot showers. A primitive walk-in camping area near Lake Oolenoy is also available.

Croft State Park

Croft State Park offers a perfect combination of activities for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation. With its 165-acre Lake Craig and equestrian facilities, the park offers endless possibilities for activities like fishing, boating, horseback riding, and hiking. 

Visitors can choose from 35 miles of trails that wind through the park’s wooded terrain or picnic by Fairforest Creek. The park’s equestrian facilities feature a show ring, 20 miles of trails, and horse stalls for those looking to explore the park on horseback. The park also features two campgrounds with water and electricity for those seeking an overnight stay. 

Devil’s Fork State Park

If you’re seeking a slice of paradise in Upstate, SC, Devil’s Fork State Park is a must-visit. With its crystal-clear waters and scenic views, this waterfront campground is a nature lover’s dream. The campsites here are spacious and surrounded by lush old-growth hardwoods, offering a secluded and peaceful escape from the hustle of everyday life. 

Whether you’re a scuba diver, fisherman, boater, or simply an explorer, Devil’s Fork has something to offer. From its 59 standard campsites for tent or RV camping to its 25 tent-only sites and 20 villas, this park is the perfect home base for your next adventure. Don’t miss the boat-in campground, featuring 13 tent sites, for the ultimate privacy and tranquility.

Lake Keowee In South Carolina In The Fall

Keowee Taxoway State Park

Keowee Taxoway State Park is an outdoor paradise packed with outdoor adventure and natural beauty, making it a perfect waterfront campground in Upstate, SC. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this park boasts incredible views. With its lush forest full of wildflowers and rhododendrons, it’s easy to feel a million miles away from city life. Adding to the experience, the park has a rental cabin, a courtesy dock, and lots of picnic spots. 

There are plenty of shoreline fishing opportunities and several well-maintained hiking trails. A special added bonus is the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center. Here you can learn about the park’s huge, undisturbed, and protected natural areas. With its incredible setting and wide range of outdoor activities, Keowee Taxoway State Park is an ideal spot for waterfront camping in Upstate, SC.

Lake Greenwood State Park

Lake Greenwood State Park in Upstate, SC, is a perfect waterfront campground for any visitor looking to take in a vibrant landscape and connect to history. With its 11,400-acre reservoir, the park and campers can take advantage of two boat ramps and access to largemouth bass, bream, black crappie, and other species. Even if you don’t own a rod, the park offers loaners at the office. 

The 125 campsites offer stunning views of the lake and direct access to the shoreline. There are also three picnic shelters and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. Impressively, the park also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in WWII. Explore this unique waterfront campground in Upstate SC and experience unique offerings like The Drummond Center, interactive exhibits, and more.

Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell State Park is the perfect waterfront campground in Upstate, SC, where outdoor adventurers can find their bliss. From tent campers to RV enthusiasts, and now with the addition of camper cabins, the range of accommodations ensures there is something for everyone. The park features a 56,000-acre lake surrounded by 115 paved campsites with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables, perfect for al fresco dining with breathtaking views of the lake. 

The sprawling lake also provides miles of shoreline to cast a line and plenty of shallow spots for a dip. And for those who want to take a break from the sun, there’s the picnic area, playground, and 0.7-mile nature trail.

Coneross Campground

Nestled on the Seneca River arm of Hartwell Lake, this campground is conveniently located near Anderson and Clemson, just off Highway 24. With a total of 106 spacious and mostly shaded sites, including 94 water and electric hookups and 12 primitive sites, there’s a spot for everyone. 

But it’s not just the great location and variety of sites that make Coneross Campground so special. This place is loaded with amenities. There’s a a boat ramp with a courtesy dock, a dump station, shower and restroom facilities, a playground, a parking attendant, and even a swim beach! And for those who need it, all-electric sites have standard 50-amp service.

Conclusion

These campgrounds in SC offer a wide range of facilities and activities for campers to enjoy. This makes them an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. So, pack your bags and head out. You can’t go wrong with any of these fantastic waterfront campgrounds in Upstate SC for a memorable camping adventure!

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JP Grice

Art Director and co-founder of QC Exclusive. Probably traveling the Carolinas, photographing sunsets, or fly fishing in a river somewhere.

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