Chris V.
Scout
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Nice basic state park
Nice campground. Bathhouse is basic but very clean. Sites are on the small side with lots of tent campers.
Best Campgrounds near Westminster, SC
Westminster, South Carolina provides access to several mixed-use campgrounds along Lake Keowee and the Chauga River. The area includes established campgrounds like Chau Ram County Park with tent and RV sites, plus rustic options at Riley Moore Falls for primitive camping. South Cove County Park offers lakeside camping with nearly all sites featuring water views, while several other parks in Oconee County provide cabins and glamping alternatives. Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though Chau Ram County Park specifically operates seasonally from May through November.
The terrain around Westminster features significant hills and elevation changes that affect campground layout and accessibility. "Campground is on a steep hill so walking to bathhouse is a good workout every time," noted one camper about Chau Ram County Park. Several campgrounds require careful navigation due to angled approaches and limited turning radius for larger RVs. Only a few sites at Chau Ram can accommodate vehicles longer than 35 feet. Water features prominently in the camping experience, with access to Lake Keowee, Lake Hartwell, and the Chauga River. Weather conditions remain mild enough for year-round camping at most locations, though summer brings higher demand for waterfront sites and swimming areas.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Westminster area. South Cove County Park's peninsula location provides water views from nearly every site, with direct lake access from most campsites. A camper mentioned, "Almost every site is on the water, and those that aren't, have a water view." For those seeking more natural settings, dispersed camping at Riley Moore Falls offers riverside spots accessible via a steep one-mile trail that requires four-wheel drive to reach the trailhead. Families appreciate the multiple playgrounds at South Cove and Chau Ram's waterfall and swimming area. Reviews consistently mention clean facilities, though tent campers should note that many sites feature gravel surfaces that can be challenging for tent stakes. Most campgrounds maintain modern amenities including electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities.
Best Camping Sites Near Westminster, South Carolina (370)
1. Tugaloo State Park Campground
42 ReviewsFair Play, SC12 milesWebsite+1 (706) 356-4362$27 - $230 / night
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
"On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line. "
2. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
69 ReviewsTallulah Falls, GA18 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-7981$36 - $45 / night
"And the steps back up will challenge the most fit among us. But the views and experience is well worth the pain."
"Easy access to the North and south trail that leads you around/and down the gorge. Only complaint was campsites were not wide enough."
3. Oconee State Park Campground
43 ReviewsTamassee, SC14 milesWebsite+1 (864) 638-5353"This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."
"We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."
4. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell
29 ReviewsClemson, SC13 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$36 - $76 / night
"Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58). "
"Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."
5. Devils Fork State Park Campground
52 ReviewsTamassee, SC21 milesWebsite+1 (864) 944-2639"The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."
"There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"
6. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
19 ReviewsFair Play, SC12 milesWebsite+1 (864) 972-3352"We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 98 which was a lovely lakeside site. The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access. "
"We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable."
7. South Cove County Park
12 ReviewsSeneca, SC8 milesWebsite+1 (864) 882-5250$20 - $50 / night
"There are several large play areas in walking distance. There appeared to be beautiful lake views from almost every site. We very much enjoyed our stay and plan to return for a longer visit."
"Perfect for kids, right on the lake. Loved the playground 😊 warning! Don’t feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything!"
8. Chau Ram County Park
10 ReviewsWestminster, SC3 milesWebsite+1 (864) 647-9286$20 / night
"Chau-Ram is a small 25-site campground in the SC mountains near the Georgia border. It is suitable for tents, pop-ups, and smaller RV."
"The spots are large, there are gorgeous hiking trails, waterfalls and rapids, and an area you can swim/tube in the river at your own risk of course."
9. Mile Creek County Park
27 ReviewsTamassee, SC18 milesWebsite+1 (864) 868-2196$15 - $116 / night
"Having lived in South Carolina most my life, I haven't seen it all.. but have seen a lot of it. Mile Creek Campground is a string of 3 islands connect by narrow straights and surrounded by water."
"We mainly confined our time to our site and Lake Keowee, so this review is only commenting on those observations and not other areas or accommodations within the park."
10. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground
59 ReviewsRabun Gap, GA24 milesWebsite+1 (706) 746-2141$20 - $255 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "
Recent Camping Photos near Westminster, SC
792 Photos of 370 Westminster Campgrounds
Katie E.
Chau Ram County Park
Robbie B.
Riley Moore Falls Campsite
Mike K.
South Cove County Park
Myron C.
Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
steve S.
Pap's Glamp on Lake Hartwell
Kevin A.
Tugaloo State Park Campground
Arleen T.
Coneross Park Campground
Jacilyn B.
Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
Ethan B.
Blackwell Bridge
Myron C.
Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping
James R.
Tiger Mountain RV Park & Campground
Mike B.
Brasstown Falls - OVERNIGHT CAMPING NO LONGER PERMITTED
Recent Reviews near Westminster, SC
1800 Reviews of 370 Westminster Campgrounds
Colin R.
GuideDesoto Falls Recreation Area
Very clean campsite but you do need to know a few things.
This is a very clean and well maintained camp site open all year, but there are a few things to consider.
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During off peak (November 1st to April 1st) there's no water and the rest rooms and showers are closed.
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This campsite is right next to the busy highway 19, so there's a lot of road noise especially at night.
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No cell service! Take your satellite communicator or Starlink with you in case of emergency.
If you are okay with these things, then this is the camp site for you.
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- Larry A.Guide
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Great place to camp.
This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
- Mac W.
TravelerSarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Great alternative to the state parks
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
Pam R.GuideParis Mountain State Park Campground
Needs renovation
The park is in a great location near Greenville and it's beautiful, but there are things to consider. It's a small campground with just a few sites. Many of which are not even close to level and they're all fairly small. In addition, the road is narrow and winding, so overall it's not the best choice for .medium to large rvs. The bathroom/ shower was clean but the stall door locks are both broken so the doors don't close. The staff is very nice and it's very peaceful. It's a great park for tent camping or small rvs like teardrops. There aren't many camping options near Greenville. I hope the state invests in upgrades for this valuable park.
- FFrances B.Scout
Vogel State Park Campground
Site 54
I was in a tent, not an RV. This spot is roomy and isn’t right on top of any other campers. Since no sites were to the east, I walked down to the creek with my chair to get away from people. It’s a very crowded campground, but quieter than expected, probably because the road to this site leads to a dead end. There’s a lot of road noise from Gainesville Hwy until dusk. The bathrooms are nearby and very clean.
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Camp With Me
LegendAndrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Small National Forest Campground
Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. With only 10 sites, it offers a quiet mountain setting that’s perfect for tent campers looking to get away from the crowds. The campground is open from mid-March through late December and sits alongside a beautiful mountain stream that adds a relaxing natural sound throughout the area.
Facilities are simple, with vault toilets available, but campers should plan ahead and bring their own potable water since none is provided on site. One of the highlights of the campground is the nearby Andrews Cove Trail, a scenic 2-mile hike that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Overall, Andrews Cove Campground is a great spot for those looking for a rustic camping experience in the North Georgia mountains.
See all the sites and get a real feel for the place in our 360° video of the
https://youtu.be/chEtEX8cvfE
Jonathan G.ScoutBlack Rock Mountain State Park Campground
A Quiet Mountain Escape at Black Rock Mountain State Park
Our tent camping trip at Black Rock Mountain State Park was absolutely beautiful. The park sits high in the mountains and offers incredible views, peaceful surroundings, and the kind of quiet that makes you slow down and really enjoy nature.
The campground itself was well kept, and everything felt organized and welcoming. One thing that really stood out was how friendly and helpful the staff were. Everyone we interacted with was kind and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The bathrooms were very clean, which always makes a big difference when you’re tent camping. It’s clear the park staff takes pride in maintaining the facilities.
Between the fresh mountain air, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. We would absolutely come back again and recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing mountain camping experience. 🏕️🌄
Guide to Westminster
Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell dominate the camping landscape near Westminster, South Carolina, with elevation changes ranging from 700-1,200 feet that create varied shoreline camping experiences. The region's climate allows for camping nearly year-round, with average summer highs in the upper 80s and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing. Fall brings comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage, making September through early November particularly popular for tent campers seeking lakeside spots.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 1-mile hike at Chau Ram County Park provides access to a scenic waterfall within the park grounds. "We loved bed it here and plan to go back soon! There are gorgeous hiking trails, waterfalls and rapids, and an area you can swim/tube in the river at your own risk of course," notes camper Noel P.
Kayaking: Rental options available at several lake campgrounds for exploring protected coves. "If you don't have access from your site, there is a really nice sandy beach area for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals," explains Amanda W. about South Cove County Park.
Mountain biking: 25-minute drive to Isaqueena Trail system offers varied terrain. "We also learned this is some really amazing mountain biking 25 minutes away in the Clemson Experimental Forest... the Isaqueena Trail system. Ranges from easy/intermediate to advanced when you get to the lower waterfall area," writes Adam V. about staying at Mile Creek County Park.
Fishing: Free gear available for visitors at some parks. "Beautiful kid and pet friendly campground. Waterfalls, hikes and free fishing gear available," mentions Katie E. about her experience at Chau Ram County Park.
What campers like
Lake swimming access: Most lakefront sites feature gentle slopes to water. "This spot is the highest on the third 'island' out from the mainland. It has epic 360 views," explains Adam V. about site #49 at Mile Creek County Park.
Private waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer direct water access from individual sites. "I had such a great experience for my first time visiting this campground. We loved the beached areas that we could easily access the water and hop on our kayak," says Maria L. about Coneross Park Campground.
Multiple beach areas: Several parks maintain dedicated swimming beaches with playgrounds. "There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding. The heavy foliage makes everything private," notes Catherine O. about Coneross Park.
Cell service for remote work: 5G access available in some campgrounds. "Had 5G access entire time and easy to do business as digital nomads," reports Adam V. about Mile Creek County Park, making it suitable for extended stays while working remotely.
What you should know
Campsite leveling challenges: Many sites require careful placement due to terrain. "Campgrounds is on a steep hill so walking to bathhouse is a good workout every time," warns Kristin S. about Chau Ram County Park.
Limited large RV sites: Few campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "We stayed for 10 days with our 37 ft travel trailer. There's only 3 sites that could realistically handle this size or larger," notes Ashley W. about Chau Ram County Park.
Gate closure times: Most parks secure entrance gates after hours. "The campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked," explains Amanda W. about South Cove County Park.
Hard ground for tent stakes: Gravel pads can make tent setup difficult. "Neat area, but too much gravel on the sites for tent camping," reports Kristen B. about Chau Ram County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for easier supervision. "We booked our trip in February so we got all the spots we wanted. We had 5 spots in a culdesac surrounded by the lake on all sides," advises Kirsten J. about staying at Mile Creek County Park with children ages 5-14.
Water shoes required: Rocky lake bottoms necessitate foot protection. "You need water shoes for swimming in the lake as it is rocky, but it has a perfect shallow end for little ones and very deep for kayaking and stuff like that," continues Kirsten J. about Lake Hartwell State Park Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Local wildlife includes geese that can be problematic. "Warning! Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything! Including the picnic table!" cautions Roxy M. about South Cove County Park.
Multiple bathhouse locations: Check proximity before selecting sites with children. "Bathhouses were conveniently located. Lots of hills so it was a little hard for the little kids to get around on bikes," notes Kirsten J. about Mile Creek County Park.
Tips from RVers
Steep approach angles: Many sites require careful navigation for larger rigs. "Getting into site was very difficult due to angle. Once in we loved the park," explains Swain K. about Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Limited turning radius: Interior roads often narrow with tight corners. "The roads are wide and easily navigable for the most part, but in a couple areas very tight turns are necessary (sites 39-52)," warns Windell S. about Coneross Park Campground.
Full hookups limited: Most parks offer electric and water only. "No sewer hook ups, but thats not an issue for us. The rangers kept the bathhouse immaculate," mentions Ashley W. about Chau Ram County Park.
Arrival timing considerations: Setup can be more challenging after dark due to uneven terrain. "Nice state park. If you are into water sports (kayaking, Paddle boarding, boating or fishing) this is a perfect park. No sewer hookups but each loop has a dump station," notes Richard F. about Lake Hartwell State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Westminster, SC?
What camping is available near Westminster, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, Westminster, SC offers a wide range of camping options, with 370 campgrounds and RV parks near Westminster, SC and 45 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Westminster, SC?
Which is the most popular campground near Westminster, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Westminster, SC is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Westminster, SC?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Westminster, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 45 free dispersed camping spots near Westminster, SC.
What parks are near Westminster, SC?
What parks are near Westminster, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Westminster, SC that allow camping, notably Hartwell Lake and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.
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