The best waterside campgrounds in South Carolina

South Carolina’s waterside campsites cover everything from tidal creeks to quiet lakes, with over 4,600 places to pitch a tent or park up by the water. Expect average nightly prices around $45, though you’ll spot options down to $12 if you move quick. Top picks by fellow campers include Hanscombe Point Plantation (449 reviews), Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside (374 reviews), and Friendly Fowl Farm (257 reviews). You’ll find sites where campfires are allowed, pets can tag along, and showers are on tap. Hiking trails hug riverbanks, wildlife-watching is a given, and horseback riding pops up at more than a few spots. Local tip: Bring bug spray and a good torch—nights get dark and the frogs don’t quit singing.

97% (4.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

This is campsite 2 at 412 Hattons Ford Road, Townville, SC

South Carolina’s waterside campsites cover everything from tidal creeks to quiet lakes, with over 4,600 places to pitch a tent or park up by the water. Expect average nightly prices around $45, though you’ll spot options down to $12 if you move quick. Top picks by fellow campers include Hanscombe Point Plantation (449 reviews), Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside (374 reviews), and Friendly Fowl Farm (257 reviews). You’ll find sites where campfires are allowed, pets can tag along, and showers are on tap. Hiking trails hug riverbanks, wildlife-watching is a given, and horseback riding pops up at more than a few spots. Local tip: Bring bug spray and a good torch—nights get dark and the frogs don’t quit singing.

97% (4.5K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp@Castaway/Lake Hartwell 410&412

100%

(10)

3 sites · Tents, RVs · Townville, SC

Camp at Castaway! Very nice and level pull through campsites to enjoy while visiting Lake Hartwell. The sites are only 1/4 mile to Broyle's Landing and Recreation Area where you will find 3 boat landing strips, a very nice beach area, children's playground and fishing pier. It's only 15 miles to Clemson, SC and Anderson, SC. Full hookups. Fire pit. Small creek on property behind campsite within walking distance. Site 1 is located at 410 Hattons Ford Road and Site 2 is located at 412 Hattons Ford Road in Townville, SC

2. Table Rock State Park

100%

(14)

113 sites · Pickens, South Carolina

Towering mountains, creeks and lakes, and miles of trails delight at this historic upcountry park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

3. Calhoun Falls State Park

100%

(3)

94 sites · Calhoun Falls, South Carolina

Discover the serene beauty of Calhoun Falls State Park and its lakeside allure.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

4. Croft State Park

100%

(2)

94 sites · Glendale, South Carolina

Discover the natural splendor of Croft State Park's trails and lakes.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

104 sites · Clarks Hill, South Carolina

Discover the scenic J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Aiken State Park

100%

(1)

20 sites · Windsor, South Carolina

Aiken State Park: A serene escape with trails, fishing, and canoeing.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

7. Baker Creek State Park

100%

(1)

93 sites · Mc Cormick, South Carolina

Discover the serene beauty of Baker Creek State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

8. Sesquicentennial State Park

88%

(4)

74 sites · Dentsville, South Carolina

Discover the natural charm of Sesquicentennial State Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

9. Hickory Knob State Resort Park

135 sites · Willington, South Carolina

Discover the serene beauty of Hickory Knob State Resort Park.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds in South Carolina

100%

(14)

Table Rock Campground

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

100%

(3)

Calhoun Falls Campground

94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Calhoun Falls State Park

100%

(2)

Croft Campground

94 sites · Tents, RVs · in Croft State Park

100%

(1)

Aiken Campground

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Aiken State Park

100%

(1)

Baker Creek Campground

93 sites · Tents, RVs · in Baker Creek State Park

100%

(1)

Hawe Creek Campground

34 sites · Tents, RVs · in J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Modoc Campground

70 sites · Tents, RVs · in J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

All sorts of canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, pedal boats

88%

(4)

Sequicentennial Campground

74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Sesquicentennial State Park

Hickory Knob Campground

135 sites · Tents, RVs · in Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Stories from the community

Campsite 1 - 410 Hattons Ford Road, Townville, SC 29689

C

Coleman

June 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp@Castaway/Lake Hartwell 410&412

Great camping spot close to the lake! The campground was clean, great conditions, and had picnic tables and fire pits for use. There was plenty of room for setup and parking.

This is campsite 2 - located at 412 Hattons Ford Road, Townville SC 29689

Jennifer

May 2025

36 ft Class A

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp@Castaway/Lake Hartwell 410&412

We just needed a place to park our camper and sleep for a couple of nights and this was perfect for our needs! We arrived after dark and there weren’t any numbers marking the campsites but we quickly figured it out. Would definitely stay again!

kathy

March 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp@Castaway/Lake Hartwell 410&412

Great Location and close to highway. Easy set-up with electric. Pretty view of woods. Some nearby neighbors are visable but not an issue. We would book again.

R

Rachel

February 2025

36 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Camp@Castaway/Lake Hartwell 410&412

The property was very easy to find and access. The site was really nice. Don and Deanna were very welcoming and helpful.