The best camping near Sumter National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Sumter National Forest adventure.

75% (8 reviews)

Explore the vast South Carolina wilderness on foot, by bike, or by boat

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Sumter National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Sumter National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Sumter National Forest

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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.

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(81)

Lucky Farms Under the Stars

16 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Edgemoor, SC

Learn more about this land: Pitch a tent in our private woods with your own fire pit or set up your camper alongside our trees. 6acres of wooded area with walking trails to forage and explore and 7acre field for playing. My husband and I both love to cook/bake so if you're up for dinner by the fire getting to know new people, we highly recommend our Saturday Dinner in the lobby. We also have private fire pits set up at most of the sites if you'd prefer to keep to yourself. -grills, charcoal or gas, are available upon request. We're more than happy to customize your experience if you have something special in mind. If you want to hang out and have a good time getting to know new people, we can make that happen. Or if you'd rather be left alone for some peace, were good with that too. Instagram: LuckyFarms.LiveHappy

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Camp Moondog

4 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Greenville, SC

Camp Moondog is a 36-acre forested property hosting 3 campsites in beautiful Greenville, South Carolina. Flanked on either side by the Saluda River (almost half a mile of river frontage!), this property is a must-book for nature lovers visiting the area or Greenvillians just looking for a getaway for some woods and river merriment. This property is located right across the river, or a short 5-minute drive to Dolly Cooper State Park that draws in disc-golf enthusiasts and park explorers alike. Camp moondog is only a 10-minute drive from the world-renowned Downtown Greenville, a destination known for its excellent restaurants, festivals, shopping, and social scene. Being situated so close to the city-center means that food delivery is just a click away, and running out for that last-minute necessity is a breeze. This is a unique opportunity to get “off the grid” without having to make those ‘off the grid’ sacrifices. At Camp Moondog, our philosophy is to offer a carefree, clean, natural environment for a relaxing camping vacation experience. We will be happy to use our ATV's to assist with getting your supplies to any of the campsites--just shoot us a message on the app if you need help! Because there is always ample deadfall all over the property for firewood collection, pre-packaged firewood bundles are not supplied or available for sale. Please take this into consideration if there has been recent rainfall. We look forward to hosting you here at Camp Moondog. Happy Trails! ~Mike and Kelly

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3 Creeks Camp and Nature Preserve

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · 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.

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Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC

12 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Saluda, SC

Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC is a private lodging establishment offering short term sites to campers, transient guest and outdoor enthusiast who desire rest, relaxation and recreation. The fringe land is old farm land now being repurposed for outdoor activities. The RV Park is the developed part of an old Farm planted in pines bordering Big Creek/Lake Murray.

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Prices Bridge Inn & Campgrounds

7 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Leesville, SC

We have an absolutely gorgeous 12 acres of mostly wooded and/or lakefront land on the West end of Lake Murray (Saluda River). Me, my wife, and three kids live and work on a 20 acre forest nestled in the backwaters of Lake Murray. Behind Prices Bridge, we have what nature lovers refer to "OH MY GAWD"... Our land forms a peninsula, which is very private, secluded, and SAFE. If you want to refresh, recharge or spend quality time with family or friends, we'd love to host you. *Prices Bridge being a low bridge also means if you bring a large boat you may need to use the marina or any of the free boat launches within a mile of our site... kayaks, canoes, john boats all fit under. :-)

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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!

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Primitive riverside camping

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Ware Place, SC

Learn more about this land:One can expect a wonderful wilderness experience at Earthganic Farm’s riverside camping. The path down to the sites is drivable in a truck, SUV, or van. There’s always the option to park up at the house and walk down (it’s a ten minute walk from the house to the river) and if you let us know ahead of time, we can bring your camping stuff down for you. We have two single kayaks that we rent for $15/day and you can put them in right on property and kayak up and down the river. There are walking/dirt biking trails through pine forest and nice hardwoods down by the river. The brave can take dips in the river. Just down the street there is a boat access ramp for canoes, kayaks, and flat bottom boats.

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Norman Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Richburg, SC

Come visit our homestead and experience the beauty of nature. Our property is home to many fruit trees, including peach, fig, persimmon, and mulberry. We also have blueberry bushes and other fruit trees such as apples and plums. Our farm is home to sheep and chickens, so you can experience the joy of interacting with these animals. We have a spot for one RV and multiple spots for dry camping, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside. Come pick mulberries in our orchard or learn about the variety of plants in our greenhouse. We are located in Richburg, SC, which is a beautiful rural setting that you won't want to miss. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and experience the beauty of our homestead.

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Deckle Edge Farm

2 sites · Tents22 acres · Blythewood, SC

We are a small family farm on 22 acres with hardwood forest, blackberries, chickens, and goats. We are only 30 minutes from downtown Columbia, SC, and 20 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Monticello. Enjoy forest bathing in our woods, laughing at chickens, or helping out around the farm. We have primitive camp spots and lots of firewood!

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Utopia Farm Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Leesville, SC

My husband Ray and I purchased this property in 1982 when we made this our home. We raised two wonderful children who have moved on to pursue their own careers. Now we are retired and enjoy farming and ranching. We are a couple of miles away from Lake Murray, built in 1920's, and displaced thousands of families, farms, towns, churches, and schools. There are still homes, graveyards, Wise Ferry Bridge still underwater. A B-25 Mitchell plane crashed into the Lake during WWII. Our traffic circle was accidentally bombed one Oct. night in 1944. Learn more about this land: We are a working farm of grass-fed beef, free-range laying hens and ducks, seasonal vegetables; fruits, honey hives, goats, donkeys and horses. We are surrounded by families who have lived on their land for many generations. No subdivisions. Great place to star gaze without street lights. We have 2 sites with water and electricity for camping. Our large barn has a full kitchen, full bath and den area for campers to share. Yet, we are just a few miles from 2 boat ramps on Lake Murray which offers fishing and boating. Also, we are just 30 miles from metropolitan Columbia, historic Newberry, and 15 miles from the town of Lexington, SC. The Capital City of Columbia, just 30 miles east, offers Riverbanks Zoo, Richland County’s Congaree National Park, Saluda Shoals Park, EdVenture Children’s Museum. The Newberry Opera House is 36 miles away and The Big Mo Drive-in Theatre is in Monetta, 13 miles. Indian Trail Public Golf Course is 15 miles in Leesville. Or just hang out at the farm, view the animals, or fish in our pond. We have stalls available for equestrian travelers and a trail around the property to walk or ride your horse. Pets must be on lease or voice control and poop scooping is not an option. No WiFi yet.

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We are a brewery located on a farm.

4 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Pelzer, SC

Learn more about this land:We have 20 taps at the brewery and a full kitchen. We smoke wings and BBQ as well as do pizza, salad, and Mac n cheese. We have an 18 hole disc golf course, fishing pond, outdoor stage, and garden.

The best camping near Sumter National Forest guide

Overview

About

Indulge your inner adventurer at this wild and scenic national forest. With activities including whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, and hunting, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Plus, thanks to South Carolina’s mild weather, you can get out year-round.

An extensive trail system makes it a breeze to get out into the wilderness. Mountain bike down steep hills, or enjoy well-maintained hiking trails through the trees. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness and the Hellhole Bay Wilderness are particularly interesting for hiking. For rafting, head straight for the Chattooga River.

Throughout the year, you’ll find organized events around the forest lands. The fantastic Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center keeps kids entertained. Other events include fishing rodeos and hunting events.

With both dispersed and developed camping options, there are plenty of places to sleep. Bringing an RV? The campgrounds in Cherry Hill Recreation Area and Whetstone Horse Camp are your best bet.