Discover the best camping near Clemson, South Carolina

This college town on Lake Hartwell brings youthful spirit to the great outdoors. Home to Clemson University, the town has a small but busy downtown, parks, and waterfall hikes. The Chattahoochee National Forest is nearby, just over the South Carolina border. Campgrounds dot this eastern section of the lake, including in the nearby towns of Pendleton and Anderson. The US Corps of Engineers maintains several camps, including Twin Lakes and Springfield, plus Oconee Point and Coneross Campground across the lake. All offer RV sites and tent camping. Saddlers Creek State Park is the most popular lakeside camping area, with a fishing pier and waterfront sites. Clemson also has private campgrounds and RV parks, including options for cabins. Lake Hartwell is excellent for fishing striped bass. Rent a boat at the Clemson Marina, or launch your own at Twelve Mile Recreation Area, which has a boat ramp and picnic area. Many locals prefer Lake Jocassee for a swim. The lake is located about an hour north and has clear waters that stay cool year-round.