The best camping near Clemson with horseback riding

·
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.
96% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clemson

8. Mountaintop Fantasy

98%
(236)
40mi from Clemson · 4 sites · Lodging
FALL/WINTER SPCIAL: 40% off weeknights. NEW FOR 2025: Glenville High Treehouse and landscaped Overlook Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best Treehouse 2023, the Glenville High Treehouse ( the "Treehouse" ) and the Overlook await you in 4 acres. The two sites are directly across our driveway from each other. The Treehouse affords covered interior sleeping for 6 ( combination adults an kids ), a W/C and shower, WiFi, TV, all necessary cooking and dining equipment, water equipment and room to pitch a tent if desired. The Overlook site is landscaped,shared and offers a covered overlook, various out door dining and lounging tables, large outdoor stone fireplace and water and fishing equipment shared only with us. PLUS free access to the community dock and our canoes and kayak. Playground for the kids including trampoline. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; swim, canoe, kayak and fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; enjoy the numerous nearby waterfalls; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just hang out. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite far from the madding world.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$105
 / night

14. Nero Coffee Camping Spot

97%
(157)
41mi from Clemson · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$36
 / night

15. Mountain Fortress Miracle Farms

91%
(29)
28mi from Clemson · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been in a local family for over 100 years when we purchased it in 2020. It is a peace filled place! We enjoy caring for our animals as well as sharing this land with others. We feel we are just God’s caretakers! Learn more about this land: For tent and shorter vehicles, site #1 has own drive and clearing under a large tree, site #2 is a hike in site back in the woods near a small creek not visible from the drive. For larger RV, site #3 has flat side yard and parks on paved driveway near main house, site #4 is a short hike back with tent space and fire pit near a small creek right next to the National Forest. Fire pit made ready upon request. Horses, goats, and chickens on property but away from your site. Stars are amazing here. Property backs up to 880,000 acres of National Forest. Your site is next to forest access road. Take it back to hunt, tent, hike, run, off-road bike or ATV if licensed plates on vehicle. Several small creeks on property to splash in or creek hike. Horse lesson available on property. Bottle hunting, farm fresh eggs, cut firewood, and farm tours available as added features. Two toilet bags and a bucket provided per night at camping sites, RV site is a dry site. Guide available to take you on nearby river kayak and waterfall hiking excursions upon request.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night

17. Pisgah Riverbend

98%
(131)
39mi from Clemson · 34 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is situated on 50 acres, surrounded by private property with views of the nearby Pisgah National Forest and a 10 minute drive to DuPont State Forest. Campsites are adjacent to the French Broad River. Excellent fishing and boating. It is heavily populated by deer and other wildlife. For this reason, dogs must be kept on a leash. Please note that due to the campground being in low-lying land, the drive in is subject to being slick and muddy, 4WD is required. Message us with any questions. Due to the property proximity to the river and situated in floodway, the sites are subject to flooding during heavy rain events. Voluntary and/or mandatory evacuation may be necessary during any reservation due to high waters or forecast for high water events. If evacuation is necessary, unused portions of reservation will be refunded. Campers are advised to be self-sufficient with water and shower facilities. We do provide a port a potty and firewood is for sale on site (Venmo, PayPal or cash). IF YOU ARE CAMPING WITH A RV OR TRAILER, PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS A SITE. All sites can accommodate smaller RV camper units. However, larger RV's have limited site availability. Campsites are situated along the river edge. Embankments are steep and near deep water. Although not prohibited, constant supervision for children is a must to avoid serious injury due to natural hazards. If you are floating in from the French Broad River the recommended take out is located at 35.24007° N, -82.69972° W. See images in our photos for the posted Riverbend sign for where to take out.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$42
 / night

19. Oolenoy Valley

100%
(118)
23mi from Clemson · 1 site · RV
This RV site is on our property where we first lived in a mobile home. We love camping and thought what a great place for a quite retreat. So we made the site into a full hook up RV camp site. Beautiful location with a view of Table Rock located in the Historic Oolenoy Valley. Our property is located in Northern Pickens Co. of South Carolina. Plenty of trails, boating, biking in the area or just sit under your awning and enjoy the wildlife. Important please read! There is not evening shade in July and August, However, there are shady spots very close to the camp site that you can enjoy. Where your camper sits the Sun goes down at the front of the camper. It is typically not an issue until mid-July and August. If you need additional details, please contact me. There are two homes near the camp site. The one behind the site is our home. Just me and my wife, currently no pets. The other home is a small white farmhouse that I currently rent to close friends. Chris and his wife and two well behaved kids. The kind of neighbors' people dream of! In five years of renting this site I have only had one couple that felt uncomfortable with the homes on our driveway. They chose not to stay, and I refunded them. It is very safe here and secluded from the main road. Look at all of the pictures to make sure this is the spot for you. Thanks Sincerely SteveG
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$56
 / night
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.
96% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Clemson

8. Mountaintop Fantasy

98%
(236)
40mi from Clemson · 4 sites · Lodging
FALL/WINTER SPCIAL: 40% off weeknights. NEW FOR 2025: Glenville High Treehouse and landscaped Overlook Selected by Outside Magazine as their Favorite Hipcamp in North Carolina and a Hipcamp Finalist in N.C. 2020, 2021, and 2022 and runner up best Treehouse 2023, the Glenville High Treehouse ( the "Treehouse" ) and the Overlook await you in 4 acres. The two sites are directly across our driveway from each other. The Treehouse affords covered interior sleeping for 6 ( combination adults an kids ), a W/C and shower, WiFi, TV, all necessary cooking and dining equipment, water equipment and room to pitch a tent if desired. The Overlook site is landscaped,shared and offers a covered overlook, various out door dining and lounging tables, large outdoor stone fireplace and water and fishing equipment shared only with us. PLUS free access to the community dock and our canoes and kayak. Playground for the kids including trampoline. Explore the innumerable trails and waterfalls of the Smokies; swim, canoe, kayak and fish in the Lake or numerous rivers and streams; swim at the sand beach down the road; rent a pontoon boat; enjoy the numerous nearby waterfalls; travel the Blue Ridge Parkway; enjoy the shopping and restaurants of nearby Cashiers and Highlands. Or just hang out. This area is truly one of a kind spiritual respite far from the madding world.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$105
 / night

14. Nero Coffee Camping Spot

97%
(157)
41mi from Clemson · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nero Coffee is a coffee brand based in the mountains on Western North Carolina, so when you camp at Nero Coffee + Camp you can enjoy a great cup of coffee (free coffee in my "coffee shed" on property!) and enjoy a relaxing spot in the mountains. Nero Coffee's mission is to create connection between people through sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. I started Nero Coffee in 2019 and purchased 6 acres near DuPont State Forest to share my land and create my own coffee campground to continue growing the mission. Update for 2024! Nero Coffee's Camping Spot has three ways to camp. Site 1: Glamping in my custom built (and way too adorable) mini A frame cabin. This cabin is tucked in the rhododendrons for complete privacy. Enjoy the super comfy bed and unique lifting side door to let the outdoors in :) or Site 2: Camping with room for up to 8 guests. There are multiple sites and so much room to spread out for groups up to 8 people. This year I am only opening tent camping for one group at a time so you can experience the mountains in the most peaceful setting. The upper camping area has plenty of flat areas for vans, cars, trucks and tents, and if you don't mind carrying our tent down the hill, the lower creekside camping area is THE PERFECT stargazing spot. There's plenty of room to set up any size tent down there, too. basically, You have the campground to make yourself totally at home. Site 3: Simple Car Camping Spot - Just want a spot to pull over camp for the night close toDuPont State Forest? We can make that happen. No tents allowed here, but it's a peaceful alternative to a cracker barrel parking lot. ----- Once you set up camp feel free to visit the Coffee Shed - It's a small shed on the property by the house that has everything you need to make a great cup of coffee. Coffee is always free. :) I have fire pits, tables an, if I am home, I have a super cute corgi that roams around the property throughout the day. If you spot me outside feel free to say hi or ask any questions about the area. I love helping guests find new places to explore. You will be about 8 minutes to DuPont State Forest (my favorite hiking and biking area) which has miles and miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. The entrance to Pisgah National Forest is about 15 minutes away as well so it's a convenient drive to visit the forest and drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I also own a company that guides "coffee hikes" to local waterfalls in DuPont State forest. You can find more about that in the photo descriptions. :) Please note!! My road up to my driveway is steep and bumpy. It’s only 0.3 miles up but bumpy. You don't need four wheel drive but higher ground clearance is recommended. (I have had small cars make it up but it is a bit intimidating if you are not used to driving in the mountains). if you have a small car just go slow. :) ------- Larger group? Want an indoor bath and shower?? If you are planning a larger group camping retreat and want to book the entire campground (including the main house with indoor shower, restrooms, and full kitchen and spare bedroom) I can make that happen for $500 a night. It's honestly the perfect spot for private, group camping and glamping up to 15 people. Just send me your date request and I will share a link to book if your dates are available. (2 night minimum for all full campground requests)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$36
 / night

15. Mountain Fortress Miracle Farms

91%
(29)
28mi from Clemson · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been in a local family for over 100 years when we purchased it in 2020. It is a peace filled place! We enjoy caring for our animals as well as sharing this land with others. We feel we are just God’s caretakers! Learn more about this land: For tent and shorter vehicles, site #1 has own drive and clearing under a large tree, site #2 is a hike in site back in the woods near a small creek not visible from the drive. For larger RV, site #3 has flat side yard and parks on paved driveway near main house, site #4 is a short hike back with tent space and fire pit near a small creek right next to the National Forest. Fire pit made ready upon request. Horses, goats, and chickens on property but away from your site. Stars are amazing here. Property backs up to 880,000 acres of National Forest. Your site is next to forest access road. Take it back to hunt, tent, hike, run, off-road bike or ATV if licensed plates on vehicle. Several small creeks on property to splash in or creek hike. Horse lesson available on property. Bottle hunting, farm fresh eggs, cut firewood, and farm tours available as added features. Two toilet bags and a bucket provided per night at camping sites, RV site is a dry site. Guide available to take you on nearby river kayak and waterfall hiking excursions upon request.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night

17. Pisgah Riverbend

98%
(131)
39mi from Clemson · 34 sites · Tents, RVs
This property is situated on 50 acres, surrounded by private property with views of the nearby Pisgah National Forest and a 10 minute drive to DuPont State Forest. Campsites are adjacent to the French Broad River. Excellent fishing and boating. It is heavily populated by deer and other wildlife. For this reason, dogs must be kept on a leash. Please note that due to the campground being in low-lying land, the drive in is subject to being slick and muddy, 4WD is required. Message us with any questions. Due to the property proximity to the river and situated in floodway, the sites are subject to flooding during heavy rain events. Voluntary and/or mandatory evacuation may be necessary during any reservation due to high waters or forecast for high water events. If evacuation is necessary, unused portions of reservation will be refunded. Campers are advised to be self-sufficient with water and shower facilities. We do provide a port a potty and firewood is for sale on site (Venmo, PayPal or cash). IF YOU ARE CAMPING WITH A RV OR TRAILER, PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS A SITE. All sites can accommodate smaller RV camper units. However, larger RV's have limited site availability. Campsites are situated along the river edge. Embankments are steep and near deep water. Although not prohibited, constant supervision for children is a must to avoid serious injury due to natural hazards. If you are floating in from the French Broad River the recommended take out is located at 35.24007° N, -82.69972° W. See images in our photos for the posted Riverbend sign for where to take out.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$42
 / night

19. Oolenoy Valley

100%
(118)
23mi from Clemson · 1 site · RV
This RV site is on our property where we first lived in a mobile home. We love camping and thought what a great place for a quite retreat. So we made the site into a full hook up RV camp site. Beautiful location with a view of Table Rock located in the Historic Oolenoy Valley. Our property is located in Northern Pickens Co. of South Carolina. Plenty of trails, boating, biking in the area or just sit under your awning and enjoy the wildlife. Important please read! There is not evening shade in July and August, However, there are shady spots very close to the camp site that you can enjoy. Where your camper sits the Sun goes down at the front of the camper. It is typically not an issue until mid-July and August. If you need additional details, please contact me. There are two homes near the camp site. The one behind the site is our home. Just me and my wife, currently no pets. The other home is a small white farmhouse that I currently rent to close friends. Chris and his wife and two well behaved kids. The kind of neighbors' people dream of! In five years of renting this site I have only had one couple that felt uncomfortable with the homes on our driveway. They chose not to stay, and I refunded them. It is very safe here and secluded from the main road. Look at all of the pictures to make sure this is the spot for you. Thanks Sincerely SteveG
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$56
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field