Discover the best mountainous campgrounds in South Carolina

United States
—
South Carolina

98% (858 reviews)

Popular camping styles for South Carolina

Community favorites in South Carolina

Available this weekend

ROA OFFROAD

1 site · RV2 acres · Reidville, SC

We are ROA OFFROAD. We are an offgrid OFF-ROAD camper company. We created a camping spot on our property with an open area with a gravel pad for a RV, Travel Trailer up on the hill with 30amp service.

Private Park

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Landrum, SC

Hello :) Well … Here it is … The Paradise I call Home … For others to Enjoy Also … :) Located within 45 Minutes of a Plethora of Waterfalls, Hicking Trails and Country Things … The Camping area has 100% Privacy … There is a Docile River about a Foot Deep on average with a Silty Bottom … There are Multiple Private Beaches into the River … There is a Hot Shower and Bathroom … There is also a Hot Outdoor Shower … Place to Build a Campfire, Throw a Frisbee/Football, Kick a Ball or Kick Back and Enjoy Nature … Set Your Spot on Sand, Grass or Dirt … :)

Agape Farm South

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Little Rock, SC

Agape Farm South is a lavender farm in Dillon, SC, just across the NC border. This is our second year and have a total of 600 plants growing. The property is 15+ total acre with a cleared 2.8 acre field of which approx 1/4 of that has the lavender. We will be adding more lavender each spring and fall. There are two orchards framing the field and property lines. This is an undeveloped rural property, there are currently to amenities. We have cut out a camping (RV or tent) in the woods on the edge of the field. The shaded spot is enclosed with dog fencing and gated with two rear exits into the woods. This means that you can pull in your camper, or car with tent equipment, close the gate and lets your dogs out. They two can experience some nature in a safe manner. This is something you cannot get in many places. There is a fire ring and firewood, table and 2 chairs. Lavender blooms in spring and summer and attracts many butterflies. The fruiting orchards will start producing fruit in 2024. Please know that this is our home away from home and our future retirement income. Please respect it and leave no trace of your presence. We are happy to share it with you. If you are in a RV/Travel Trailer, there is Bass Lake Campground right on the I95 exit for Dillon that offer water, dump station and propane for your needs. The wildlife is abundant, and although the deer ruin our row covering, we still like having them around and are creating food plots for them at the rear of the property to draw them away from the field (fingers crossed). Follow our journey on FB at Agape Farms North & South.

The Hesse Bottoms

2 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Walhalla, SC

Lush bottomland With forests, a creek, And lots of space to run around. The campground has one fire pit and room for parking, There’s ample room for tents and plenty of parking, although with many vehicles, one should account for muddy ground. There is also a little enchanted forest for hammocks. Very secluded and private.

12 top mountainous campgrounds in South Carolina

98%

(538)

Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside

18 sites · RVs, Tents198 acres · Long Creek, SC

Chattooga Belle Farm – They Built It! By Tracy McCoy I wonder if when standing on the sprawling in upstate South Carolina, just a short hour trip from Greenville, Ed and Kitty Land heard a small still voice say, “if you build it, they will come.” While there isn't a baseball field on the property, that's about all that is lacking. Chattooga Belle Farm began as an event building set on 138 acres with a small seasonal retail store. Soon people found their way to the soon-to-be full-fledged farm and they felt it; that feeling that you've found a very special place. Peaceful, majestic and unlike any other, Chattooga Belle Farm is quite possibly the perfect place for any event and most certainly an ideal place to pledge your heart and life to another. Since the Lands opened their doors in 2010 they have come. There have been families, couples, groups, the media and fruit pickers who have all visited the farm; and they return year after year. Having been written up countless times across the southeast, US and more recently featured on The Today Show, the farm just keeps growing and getting better. With a history of growing sweet juicy apples, the soil in this part of the world has proven to be excellent for peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. The farm also grows exotic fruits like persimmons, paw paws, Asian pears, figs, and more! Today, the farm offers tours for visitors which offer incredible views and a visit to their horseshoe lake. Educational in nature, the tours leave guests more in love with the land than when they arrived. The landscape is picturesque and the mountain views are truly breathtaking in every direction. The farm hosts farm to table dinners that sell out year after year. Their U-Pick fruit opportunities evolve throughout the season with something always coming in from early summer through fall. A list of available fruit is updated often on their website as is farm tour info, upcoming events and information about cabin rentals on Horseshoe Lake. The recent addition of a distillery on the farm means the fruit is grown, fermented, distilled and bottled on the farm. The distillery is open year round Monday – Saturday. Brandies, Bourbons and Whiskeys are aged in oak barrels and aged to produce some of the finest liquors made in these mountains. The farm also boasts a challenging 18-hole Disc Golf course. The course is open to the public and the cost is $3 per game or an annual pass offering unlimited games is available for only $25. The holes are placed throughout the farm enabling play even when private events are taking place on the property. The farm store is complete with fresh produce (in season), canned jams, jellies and bottled ciders. Grass-fed, natural, antibiotic-free Black Angus beef is sold in the store. The cattle are raised on pasture which produces some of the healthiest beef you can buy. Using only natural, humane and environmentally sustainable practices, the Lands and their staff raise beef as nature intended. Bringing the best to your family has never been easier. Beef is offered in a variety of cuts boxed ahead for you when you call to order. A complete list of options is offered on their website with ordering instructions. Belle's Bistro at Chattooga Belle Farm serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups made with the freshest ingredients possible. The bistro is open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday from April – October. Their menu includes Certified South Carolina Grown food which makes for an outstanding menu, also which can be viewed on chattoogabellefarm.com. When it comes to weddings, Chattooga Belle Farm has it all! With all-inclusive packages that offer rental items, catering, a wedding coordinator, the minister or officiant, photographer, flowers, music, bar service and even the wedding cake. The couple can customize a package or choose from their Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages. Getting married has never been this easy, you bring the dress and your partner and you enjoy the day! Some of the area's loveliest weddings have happened in this remarkable place! The 2017 Eclipse Festival event planned on the farm August 21 will include music, camping, great food, distillery and farm tours, craft vendors and astrology talks and it will be unforgettable. Get your tickets today at SolarEclipseFest2017.com. Ed and Kitty and the outstanding farm team welcome you and we guarantee that if you come, you'll find that you want to stay forever! Plan your visit: Chattooga Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, South Carolina 29658. Information is abundant online.

99%

(80)

Serenity on the Saluda

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Honea Path, SC

This property has two river campsites and two campsites in the woods. The river sites are separated by a small patch of woods, so if you are looking for complete privacy, Hill Top or Hill Side is the place to go. Please follow the "arrival instructions" as most GPS directions are not accurate. I drive a 2009 Honda Civic with 6" clearance daily up and down the road to the camp sites and have never had an issue.

97%

(34)

Black Bear Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Travelers Rest, SC

Welcome to our beautiful 8-acre property, conveniently located near the NC/SC border and surrounded by hundreds of hiking and biking trails. Situated just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and close to many state parks, our location is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Our property is also near the Greenville and Asheville airports, providing easy access for travelers. For biking enthusiasts, you can leave straight from our property and hop onto the Swamp Rabbit biking Trail, which offers miles of scenic routes all the way to downtown Greenville! We offer two 50/30 amp hookups and large parking areas designed to accommodate class "A" motorhomes with ease. Additionally, a dump station is available for your convenience.

99%

(154)

Dennis & Melissa's Hidden Creek

12 sites · RVs, Tents230 acres · Hartsville, SC

Our 400 acre family cow and pine tree farm most of which was purchased 60 years ago by my father and mother. My two siblings and me were raised here and later bought joining land that now makes up the 400 acres. We all still live on the farm with our families 1.4 mile down a dirt and gravel road. We all enjoy the peace and quiet that you will find here. Sounds of our cows, wildlife and the occasional rumble of a distant train is all you will hear on our farm. Our Hidden Creek is a short fun hike to cool your tired feet. Wide hiking paths all the way around our property if you would like a long hike. Learn more about this land: Enjoy your privacy on our 400 acres of farm and forest trails. 10 minutes from groceries and gas, 15 minutes from a small town. We are surrounded by farmland and forest. There are a few different attractions 5 - 10 minutes away (lake Robinson) it has a boat landing and plenty of fish, (Carolina Sandhills national wildlife refuge)it has plenty of hiking trails and roads perfect for bicycling, small mountain called (Sugarloaf Mountain)perfect for hiking. Local peach/strawberry farm (McLeod farm) with produce/gift shop/free museum/restaurant called (Big's), they have pick your own strawberries in the spring and early summer. In nearby Hartsville and Cheraw there are several golf courses and places for Kayak rentals. Neptune Island waterpark in Hartsville. We have a hidden Creek that is fun to hike to by way of a trail. Small pond for fishing, plenty of room for hiking and bike riding ( grassy, sandy, rolling hills). Beautiful hills to camp on and watch an unobstructed view of the Carolina sunset and sunrise that peak through wooded acreage. Choose a tent camp location or pull/drive your RV/camper right near our cow pasture and watch the cows graze. Fresh drinking water at campsites. Bathroom and heated shower. Pick wild blackberries in early summer and wild grapes in late summer early fall, and we may share some of our home made jellies with you. We welcome family groups year round. At night enjoy the sounds of wildlife while watching the highly visible twinkling stars and tracing the many constellations and if lucky see a shooting star or two.

96%

(25)

Broken Oak Riverside Getaway

3 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Marietta, SC

Located in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Broken Oak Organics is a fully operational produce and flower farm. Full access to the campsite by vehicle. The North saluda River is just a few short steps away from the front door of your tent. Enjoy a fire pit and white sandy beaches on the edge of the river, then retreat to a 20 foot level tent site, with a picnic table. A brand new full (shared with other campers) bathroom with a shower, is a short walk away. Catch Brown and Rainbow trout, play Cornhole, or hit golf balls when you're not swimming in the river!

100%

(103)

Oolenoy Valley

1 site · RV44 acres · Pickens, SC

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

95%

(246)

Camp Clatworthy

7 sites · RVs, Tents1000 acres · 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!

100%

(1)

Persimmon Farm

4 sites · Lodging2 acres · Campobello, SC

Enjoy this private place in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore almost 2 acres with many persimmon trees and also pear, and pecan trees. Soak in your private hot tub or go for a hike on a senic mountain trail and view the area’s breathtaking waterfalls. Listen to the birds, smell the clean fresh air or enjoy the company of friends by a crackling fire. Couples and families can come to this special place to reconnect with each other and build memories to share for a lifetime. The space Rustic and spaciuos home with pine walls and ceiling. A full kitchen for family meals. The 3 bedrooms are upstairs and each one has a beautiful view. The full master bath has a walkout balcony. There is also a full bath on the main floor. Enjoy the working wood burning stove, play a game, or read a book. Have a bonfire or soak in the large hot tub. This is an all electric home with the energy provided by 21 solar panels. Guest access There is a digital lock with an entry code. Other things to note Note from a Guest: Great property for family, couple, or small group This unique farmhouse style home is a great choice for travelers and an excellent venue for gatherings by local residents. It has easy access but the property has abundant trees and is secluded from nearby roads and homes for privacy. The interior, baths, and kitchen are updated but maintain a pleasant farmhouse feel. The host had it perfectly clean and well stocked. It has a bonfire pit and a smaller fire pit for outside gatherings and the hot tub was immaculately clean, heated, and ready for use when we arrived. Kids can enjoy swings and slides. We used it for a small gathering where about a dozen guests gathered during the day and six spent the night. Could not have been happier with property or hosts. Fireworks are legal and permitted within reasonable hours. Horses are welcome.

90%

(5)

The Briar Patch

5 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Westminster, SC

The Briar Patch is located on a fourth generation cattle farm in Westminster, SC an area National Geographic once included in their "50 of the world's last great places" The Briar Patch seeks to get people seeks to connect people of all ages to the outdoors in a special way through both adventure and education.

95%

(11)

GlennCove Farm Country Living

3 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Pickens, SC

This single lot offers a tranquil retreat on an acre of land, surrounded by the picturesque beauty of nature. Situated approximately 4 miles outside of Pickens, SC, this countryside oasis provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With full hookups including water, power, and septic connections, along with a convenient gravel driveway already in place, setting up your RV or camper for a comfortable stay is a breeze. There is a Cellular Tower within a 2-3 mile radius of the property in which cellular service is generally fairly strong with maximal strength. The property is nestled amidst a hayfield, offering expansive views. Despite its secluded location, the property remains easily accessible from the country road, ensuring a serene and private camping experience. Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife that frequently roam the area, adding to the enchanting rural ambiance. Conveniently located just 8 minutes from Lake Keowee and 22 minutes from Clemson, this countryside gem offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature while still being within reach of nearby attractions. Whether you're seeking a peaceful weekend getaway or a longer retreat into the country, this idyllic spot promises a memorable stay immersed in the charm of rural living. We offer long term rental through Hipcamp, month by month. Which means that you would need to be willing to rent what you need up front to cover what you need for the duration of your stay. If you need long term, please rent out what you need in order to insure that you have the lot for the time that you desire. There is always that possibility that if you do not secure your spot, that another Hipcamper may rent your spot, if it is not rented by yourself. Please be sure to do your due diligence, check the calendar, and rent the lot for your needs.

100%

(7)

The Cove at Paris Mountian

1 site · RV1 acre · Greenville, SC

Located minutes from Paris Mountain state park and 20 minutes from downtown Greenville, our space offer a gravel pad for parking your rig. We have electrical and water hook at the site. No close sewer hookup however if you have a macerator pump, your welcome to pump into our septic. Paris mountain state park is a mile away and offers over 15 miles of trails as well as low cost kayak and paddle board rentals.

Keowee Lake - Campsite for RVs

1 site · RV3 acres · Seneca, SC

𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦 Keowee!! 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 🏞️🏞️🏞️ 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘢, 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘖𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘕𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴, 𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘙𝘝 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬. 𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘙𝘝 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘓𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘒𝘦𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘦. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘥𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 10 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦. 🚣🚤 𝘔𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘪𝘱𝘦𝘴. 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦, 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴, 𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘢. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 (𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰es𝘯'𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬).

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping in South Carolina guide

Overview

Rich in Southern heritage and hospitality, South Carolina boasts the good looks to match its personality. Golden beaches and sandy barrier islands dot the Atlantic shore, the forested peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains rise in the north, and lush marshlands fringe the Lowcountry. Outdoor adventurers can explore SC’s seven national parks and 47 state parks all year-round, and camping options are plentiful, whether you choose a drive-in, hike-in, boat-in, or equestrian campsite, or book a camper cabin. Summers in the Palmetto State averages a balmy 90°F, but it’s best to avoid the fall hurricane season if camping on the coast.

Where to go

Pee Dee and the Grand Strand

The Pee Dee River runs all the way from the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina to Georgetown on the Atlantic Coast. This northeastern slice of South Carolina is best known for its Grand Strand beaches, whether camping at the hugely popular Myrtle Beach resorts, bird-watching at Huntington Beach State Park, or teeing off at one of the many coastal golf courses.

Lowcountry

Hemmed in by the Savannah River and the Atlantic Coast, the southwestern lowlands are an idyllic stretch of marshlands, barrier islands, and coastal towns. Hunting Island State Park is the state’s most visited park, and a paradise for bird-watchers and campers, while RV parks dot the beaches of Hilton Head Island. The palmetto-fringed beaches of Edisto Beach State Park are a favorite for summer campers, and James Island County Park, just outside Charleston, is a crabbing hotspot.

Midlands

The state capital Columbia dominates the rolling hills of South Carolina’s Midlands, and the region’s highlights all lie within easy reach. Family campgrounds dot the shores of nearby Lake Murray, Sesquicentennial State Park has a woodland campsite and boating lake, and part of the 500-mile Palmetto Trail passes through Poinsett State Park. Nearby, Congaree National Park has hiking and kayaking trails, two campgrounds, and backcountry camping.

Upcountry

The Blue Ridge Mountains tumble down over the border from North Carolina, and South Carolina’s mountainous north is a natural playground of forested valleys, lakes, and waterfalls. Greenville is the starting point for exploring the north, from where you can hike the 3,533-foot summit of Sassafras Mountain, the state’s highest peak; camp amid the mountains in Table Rock State Park; or explore the multi-use trails at Paris Mountain State Park. For backcountry camping, it doesn’t get much better than the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which links the Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks.