The best waterfall campgrounds in South Carolina

Looking for a camping experience near waterfalls in South Carolina? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 60 options specifically tailored to your preference, you'll have plenty of choices. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler or looking for a luxurious escape, the average price per night is $30, with options as low as $20. Need some recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites like Private Oasis In The Forest (105 reviews), Camp Clatworthy (95 reviews), and 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve (88 reviews). And don't worry about amenities - popular options include showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, such as wildlife watching, snow sports, and horseback riding. Start planning your waterfall camping adventure in South Carolina today!

97% (585)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping experience near waterfalls in South Carolina? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 60 options specifically tailored to your preference, you'll have plenty of choices. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler or looking for a luxurious escape, the average price per night is $30, with options as low as $20. Need some recommendations? Check out some of our top campsites like Private Oasis In The Forest (105 reviews), Camp Clatworthy (95 reviews), and 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve (88 reviews). And don't worry about amenities - popular options include showers, trash facilities, and cooking equipment. Plus, you'll have plenty of activities to choose from, such as wildlife watching, snow sports, and horseback riding. Start planning your waterfall camping adventure in South Carolina today!

97% (585)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Private Oasis In The Forest

96%

(222)

3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Irwin, SC

Quite undisturbed forest for 1/2 a century, used for duck hunting in the previous owners family for decades. I’ve started building a small cabin that’s unfinished hopefully completing in the coming years. Fishing pond and small seasonal creek flows after lots of rain. Excited to share it with others! Note: Daylight arrival at least an hour before sunset recommended!

2. 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve

96%

(249)

14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Anderson, SC

This Property was purchased by Grandfather in the 70s and then was passed to my Mother. In 2013 I decided to live life differently and start from the ground up building with natural materials and found materials. At that time I was fortunate enough to have the land passed to me and I started building a home for myself and to be close to my mothers home nearby. After achieving the basics I decided that the best use of this beautiful land was to create a place for people to relax and enjoy, a park like environment dedicated to preserving natural beauty and amplifying it through a permaculture lifestyle. 8 years later I am blown away at how far the dream has become a reality and love sharing my space with people from all over the country.

3. Wildcat Outpost

99%

(92)

1 site · Tent, RV · Central, SC

FREE FIREWOOD FOR LIMITED TIME: I have more split oak firewood than I know what to do with. While it lasts, campers can take as much as they need for free. The wood is piled at the site. Our homestead is home to our family, chickens, and a livestock guardian dog. We also have a small orchard and a garden. Most of our 12+ acres are wooded and our property backs up to thousands of acres of public forest land owned by Clemson University. A trail connects our backyard to the main network of hiking/mountain biking trails in Clemson Forest. For those familiar with the forest, our property is in the vicinity of Wildcat Technical, Wounded Road, and Chainbreaker trails. As private and wooded as our property is, we are only 10-15 minutes from downtown Clemson and less than 10 minutes from the small towns of Central and Six Mile. Lakes Hartwell and Keowee are also short drives. We currently offer a single campsite, which can accommodate several tents or a camper van. Our campsite features a composting toilet outhouse, and water is available from spigots at our house. Though fairly close to our house, the campsite has a very private feel due to being completely surrounded by a hardwood forest.

4. Camp Clatworthy

95%

(258)

7 sites · Tents, RVs · Honea Path, SC

Free use of kayaks and a canoe on an undeveloped 18 acre lake is included when you camp here. Several miles of trails, dirt roads and streams wind through hundreds of acres which you are free to explore. The property has been owned by members of our family for 75 years or more with areas of it family-owned since the 1800's. A large portion of the property is dedicated to sustainable loblolly pine forests dating back to the 1980's. A significant area of the property is dedicated to native hardwood forest and has some of the oldest and largest white oak, poplar, elm and shortleaf pines in the upstate. The remainder of the property is pasture; home to Black Angus cattle. We look forward to sharing this unique property with you!

5. Slice of Walhalla (Heaven)

100%

(7)

4 sites · Tents · Walhalla, SC

Quiet, tranquil and convenient... Located between Walhalla and Seneca SC. We are at the gateway to the mountains. Outdoor activities nearby include waterfalls, hiking, twisty mountain roads for motorcycling, mountain bike parks, and whitewater rafting. Break in your hiking boots on the trails on the property. We hope to provide a nice, safe place for you to basecamp.

Public campgrounds in South Carolina

100%

(14)

Table Rock Campground

113 sites · Tents, RVs · in Table Rock State Park

100%

(2)

Big Bend Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumter National Forest

100%

(1)

Woodall Shoals

1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumter National Forest

100%

(1)

Brick House Campground

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

100%

(1)

Sedalia Campground

10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

100%

(1)

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

9 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

100%

(1)

Parsons Mountain Recreation Area

23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

Stumbled upon this grassy field all to ourselves with plenty of room to stretch out and play some catch.

100%

(1)

Elmwood Recreation Area

2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Francis Marion National Forest

100%

(1)

Cherry Hill Campground

29 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

Intracoastal Waterway at Buck Hall Recreation Area

92%

(6)

Buck Hall Recreation Area and Campground

19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Francis Marion National Forest

King Creek Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Sumter National Forest

Collins Creek Seasonal Camp

43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sumter National Forest

Stories from the community

S

Sam

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Outpost

For the limited amount of time I was there it was great. The host was very polite and my night was peaceful and relaxing. It felt like I had the place to myself, and it allowed me to enjoy some much-needed alone time in the forest.

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Private Oasis In The Forest

We had a lot of fun camping here! The water was perfect and loved having the row boat to use. I would highly recommend this spot to anyone!

C

Christoher

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve

Great campground to pitch a tent or hammock for the night, also some cabins if you can’t camp. fairly priced and lots of bathrooms nearby. cats will come see you at your campsite and are sweet but will go away if you shop them

A

Allison

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Outpost

Lovely little spot tucked in close to Isaqueena. Perfect for a quiet getaway! We will be back!

B

Brandon

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Camp Clatworthy

Loved this campsite! It’s right by the lake with a beautiful view especially at sunrise and sunset. The spot was clean, quiet and perfect for a relaxing weekend. Great place to unwind, fish or just sit by the water. Alex has firewood at the entrance to the right under an open shed. I recommend grabbing some before you set up camp because it’s a good distance from the camp site. I thought that was a really nice bonus. Thank you Alex! Definitely coming back!

R

Rick

October 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Private Oasis In The Forest

The property was really a great location for our group that were overall new to camping with amenities nearby to pickup groceries or go to a diner when needed! We really enjoyed taking turns on the row boat, and playing card games and monopoly in the cabin area at night. The campsite felt really private, but there was some barking from dogs nearby at night, and sometimes gunshots. Alex, the owner, was very responsive and helpful in finding local activities and resolving any issues we had during the stay!

S

Sebastian

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Outpost

It was awesome!! We hiked the trail and it was stunning. We cooked on the grill. We made some s’mores and took a break from everyday life. Their pup came by to play with us for a little bit but boy was it a relaxing time to have some firewood stacked up for us when we got there and a grill for us to cook on. They were gracious host, that allowed us to have a nice slice of scenery, serenity, and relaxation for 24 hour in the woods. You are close to their house but you don’t really notice it. I had 8 people including myself in the group and there was room for all of us. Great spot for hammocks as well as tents. So many cool little trails in the woods you can follow for nice nature walks. Overall 5/5. Great experience and great hospitality from Hudson and his family!! Will be recommending this location!

Bryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Camp Clatworthy

Alex's lake site was a great place to bring our rigs for a fishing weekend. Other than a few fallen trees the site was clean and quite open. The lake had fish jumping the entire time we were there and was smooth as glass. We managed to actually catch a few. Only a few things to note: -It's on / near a farm. So you better be used to farm sounds (cows, roosters, dog pens, gun shots). And seeing an occasional side by side or 4 wheeler isn't unheard of. -While our overland rigs were more than capable of making it to the campsite I would NOT recommend a passenger car. The farm road isnt well suited to low-slung vehicles and even the entrance near the paved road might be a bit of a challenge to a car to navigate - There is a metric ton of firewood right after you get on the path to the campsite. Even though we brought our own we ended up using and splitting a few cords from the pile (Thanks Alex!) -Site 1 is at a ~3 degree slant so you may need to plan to level out a rig or sleep with your feet pointing downhill. Overall the site was great. Perfect spot to get away for a bit and fish. We had 5 campers total and had AMPLE room to spare. I can see at least 10-15 fitting there comfortably. I would absolutely camp here again

Chad

September 2025

Tent

6 nights at Wildcat Outpost

Nice forested piece of land. Great tent camping complete with picnic table and fire pit. Quiet and peaceful.

M

Michael

September 2025

1 night at Private Oasis In The Forest

Second time. Even better than the first. I’ll be back soon.

J

Jen

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve

Beautiful property with the creeks running through it. Peaceful and would stay here again

Cole

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Outpost

Had a great time! Easy to find and was an amazing set up. Was able to easily access a bunch of hiking trails and fishing areas.

M

Michael

August 2025

With pets

1 night at Private Oasis In The Forest

Absolutely loved it. Perfect place to get away. Awesome creepy “Cabin in the Woods” vibes. When the sun went down the night came alive. We watched Evil Dead 2 in the cabin. This was an amazing trip. I will be booking this exact spot again. Love it!!!

J

James

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Oasis In The Forest

Great spot. Spectacular view. Quiet and tucked away. It was a nice getaway for the weekend.

K

Kim

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Private Oasis In The Forest

Loved every peaceful and relaxing moment of our trip to Alex"s place. That front porch was exactly what I needed to unwind.

S

Stephanie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at 3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve

I enjoyed Damon’s little piece of heaven he was very accommodating and friendly

Jason

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Private Oasis In The Forest

My sons ans I had an amazing time. I was concerned about the possibility of thunderstorms so Alex told us to feel free to use the cabin and we did. We caught lots of blue gill. The cooking area is well equipped. I would highly recommend checking out Alex's property. We cant wait to go back.

M

Madeline

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Wildcat Outpost

Incredible set-up, friendly host, and cute dog! We would come here again.

Willow

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Private Oasis In The Forest

Really pretty and quiet! We had a really good time even though it was the hottest it’s been this year so far. It was over 90° the whole time we were there so it was HOT but we still had an awesome time! Definitely recommend having a thermacell and bug spray as you ARE in the woods. There were a ton of flies but having chargeable fans definitely helped deter them away from us! We cooked over the fires had tons of laughs and such an awesome time! The road in is bumpy but we didn’t have any trouble getting in or out! The ground is full of quartz which is so pretty to look at but if you’re sleeping on the ground I would recommend a thick sleeping pad or cots! We had cots so it didn’t bother us at all!

T

Troy

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Clatworthy

What a beautiful and amazing place! The campsite is peaceful, clean, and surrounded by nature — the perfect escape from the busy world. Everything was well-maintained, and the atmosphere was incredibly relaxing. The owner was super helpful and welcoming, providing clear directions and support whenever we needed it. You can really feel the care that goes into this place. We had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a quiet, scenic, and well-organized camping experience. We’re already looking forward to coming back!