The Upcountry is a camping paradise. Mountains, streams, tremendous fall color, lakes, and hiking trails await you. Here is a sampling of what we have to offer, from gorgeous lakeside villas at our State Parks to tent camping on US Forest Service Land to all the amenities at our RV parks. You’re sure to find “the perfect spot!”
State Parks offer a wide range of activities and everything from a place for your tent to full hooks for your RV. As there are 13 state parks in the Upcountry, you’re sure to find one you’ll love, maybe two! Whether you want to ride your horse, chase waterfalls, drop a line, or get out on a stand-up paddleboard, you’ve got options. To make a camping reservation or view current rates, call toll-free 1-866-345-PARK or visit the reservations page.
Kings Mountain State Park
Built originally by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, Kings Mountain State Park has miles of trails, equestrian facilities, group camping barracks, campgrounds, two fishing lakes with boat rentals, and the popular Living History Farm.
Special features:
- This state park sits adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, a Revolutionary War battle site.
- Equestrian Camping: The equestrian camping area includes 15 equestrian campsites, and the park offers 30+ miles of equestrian trails that connect to the national park’s equestrian trails.
Table Rock State Park
The towering mountain, which gives the park its name, serves as a backdrop for the 3,000-acre park. Table Rock State Park provides a 69-site camping area near the park entrance and a 25-site camping area near the White Oaks picnic area. Each site has individual water and electrical hookups and a picnic table. Some sites accommodate RV’s up to 40 feet. There are also 14 rustic cabins, fully furnished including linens, cooking/eating utensils, microwave, coffee maker, central heat/air, and fireplaces that accommodate 4 to 12 people.
Special features:
- The park’s hiking trails serve as an access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail.
- A historic Civilian Conservation Corps built lodge is available for weddings, receptions, meetings, and other special occasions.
Devils Fork State Park
Devils Fork State Park provides the only public access to Lake Jocassee, a largely undeveloped 7,500-acre reservoir tucked deep into the Blue Ridge. Enjoy Jocassee’s uncrowded setting and spectacular scenery, such as waterfalls cascading into the lake off steep, wooded slopes.
Special features:
- Boat In Camping: Boat-in backcountry campsites are located on the northern shore of Lake Jocassee.
- There are 25 boat-in backcountry campsites, all of which are in the same general area and require a short moderate hike.
- Glamping at its best. Don’t like to rough it? Then book one of the 20 fully furnished lakeside villas (shown below.) There are 2 and 3 bedroom units.
County Parks are a great place to get away from the crowds. They don’t have as many campsites as the state parks but still offer a nature-based experience.
Chau Ram Park
Chau Ram Park is located at the confluence of Ramsey Creek and the Chauga River and has 26 campsites with water and electricity, over three miles of hiking trails, and a mile of the Chauga River runs through the park complete with rapids.
Special features:
- The handicap-accessible 40-foot waterfall, which cascades over large boulders as the Ramsey Creek flows into the Chauga River.
- Be brave and cross the Chauga River on the 160-foot suspension bridge.
Mile Creek Park
Mile Creek Park has a total of 69 campsites, all with water and power hookups, and more than two-thirds of those campsites have direct access to the shoreline of the 12,500-acre Lake Keowee. All campsites have fire rings and lantern posts, plus there are three heated bathrooms with hot-water showers.
Special features:
10 new cabins have been built along the shore. These, along with a 150-foot dock and boat ramps, make it easy to bring your boat or rent a pedal boat or kayak to get out and enjoy the lake.
Army Corps/US Forest Service areas are for when you really want to get off the beaten path.
Offering 28 miles of nearby horse trails, Whetstone Horse Camp is a great getaway for horseback riders who like to ride and camp. It serves as a base camp for riders on both the Rocky Gap (South Carolina) and the Willis Knob (Georgia) horse trails. Whetstone Camp has 18 sites, is open year-round, and is operated by the US Forest Service.
Special Feature: You can camp with your horse.
Crescent Group Campground is located just north of the SC/ GA line on Lake Hartwell near the Hartwell Dam and is designed for group camping. There are 2 loops, one with 22 campsites and the other with 10. These 2 loops can be reserved separately or together. If you have a large group, you can have the whole campground to yourself. All campsites are lakefront and include electrical hookups and water. There are group shelters and a bathhouse. The US Army Corps of Engineers run the campground.
Special Feature: You can rent the whole campground.
Private campgrounds are wonderful options. They offer plenty of amenities (even wi-fi!) and lots for the kids to do.
At Pine Ridge Campground you can enjoy swimming, fishing, indoor and outdoor games, or visit nearby historical points of interest, retail outlets, and other attractions. They have paved roads, wooded sites, clean restrooms, and hot showers. You’ll find free Wi-Fi, onsite laundry facilities, LP gas, playground and game room, dump station with easy access, full hookups, 30 & 50 amp service, and paved pull-thru with full hookups.
Special Feature: A 1-acre catch and release fishing pond with Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Sunfish, Crappie, and Catfish.
Travelers Rest/North Greenville KOA Campground is a great base for exploring the majestic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit one of the many state parks close by. Enjoy biking? Take a ride on the nearby Swamp Rabbit Trail that runs from Travelers Rest through Greenville. No RV? No problem. They have tent sites and Deluxe Cabins that come with kitchenettes, full baths, dishes, linens, and a fun sleeping loft for the kids.
Special Features:
- Enjoy the babbling Johnson Creek from the cabin porches and nearly every RV site in the campground.
- Tall mature trees surround the campground.
So Many Great Options
We’ve only just touched on the many places you can stay in the Upcountry. For a complete list of places to camp, plus Bed & Breakfast, cabin rental, hotels, and more, visit upcountrysc.com/stay to find the perfect place to lay your head.
If you are considering a visit to the Upcountry, check out the UpcountrySC website to find many options for places to stay, dine, shop, and explore.
Contact us when you’re ready to plan your visit or subscribe to our informative newsletter.