Whether you’re basically Bear Grylls or looking for a glamping experience, there’s something nearby for every kind of camper. But first, some FAQs + pro tips from our readers:
Where should I buy my gear in Greenville?
One reader said, “Pack light but smart. REI is a great place to stock up and get all the tips you need!” Here’s REI’s essential packing checklist. Other local options for outdoor gear: Appalachian Outfitters, Half-Moon Outfitters, Mast General Store, Sunrift Adventures + Cabela’s.
My friends hate camping – are there any local groups I can go with?
“REI and Girls Who Hike SC (Facebook) organize group hikes/camps,” one reader told us. The Greenville Outdoor Club South + Upstate Hiking and Outdoor Adventures Meetup groups also organize outdoor events including camping.
Any tips for a beginner?
Here’s what our readers on Instagram had to say:
“Bring a pair of hiking shoes and a pair of shoes that can get wet. Never know when you need to cross water.”
“Tip: Always plan hot, tasty meals. A warm meal in nature will make any skeptic a convert.” (We saw a post recently from @thehippiebiscuit that definitely inspired us to toast up some Greenfield’s bagels on our next camping trip.)
“Use a previously used tent site when pitching your tent! Follow Leave No Trace Rules!”
Are pets generally allowed?
If you’re staying in a cabin or villa, pets are probably a no-go. But most outdoor campsites do allow pets on leashes, although you might be asked to take your pet home if it’s too noisy or threatens wildlife.
Now that you’re ready to kick it forest-style, find the perfect campsite below.🌲
⛺For the camper who loves comfort:
Location: Asheville, N.C. (~1h 15min from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: You can browse the glamping sites on their 15-acre property, ranging from a giant dome with a slide inside (from $295/night) to a hike-in bell tent (from $70/night). They’re all pretty swanky + require no set-up on your part.
WiFi?: Mostly no. Only two of the sites have WiFi: Deluxe bell tent #1 and The Silver Bettie (a trailer with a four-person hot tub).
Capacity: Most sites are suited for 2 or 4 people, with a few ranging up to 8 + a minimum stay of 2 nights for most sites.
Reservations: Book online here.
Black Forest Family Camping Resort
Location: Cedar Mountain, N.C. (~1h from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: The 60-acre private property near Caesars Head has everything from tent sites ($35/day) to queen bed cabins ($59/day) to travel trailer rentals that come with HBO ($96/day). There’s a heated pool, camp store, and events like ice cream socials. See the rates + options here (with cash discounts).
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: Prices are based on 2 adults + children under 3, with a 2 night minimum for all camping cabin & travel trailer rentals for weekend reservations.
Reservations: Online reservations aren’t available; call 828-884-2267 between 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. + 3 – 10 p.m.
Location: Salem, S.C. (~1h from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: Walk-in rustic tent camping includes a picnic table + fire ring ($19-$36/site/night), some of the drive-in lakeside campgrounds also have electric, water, and RV accommodation ($23-$42/site/night), and there are boat-in only tent campsites ($25-$85/site/night) and furnished villas with linens, kitchen supplies, A/C and TV ($100-$350). There’s bathroom/shower access for the tent sites + campgrounds (not boat-in sites).
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: No capacity is specified, but the minimum stay is 2 nights and two vehicles are permitted per campsite + additional vehicles will be charged $10/vehicle/day to park in the overflow parking area.
Reservations: Call 1-866-345-7275 or reserve online here.
Location: Travelers Rest, S.C.
Where you’ll stay: A 1969 vintage camper that just launched this Semptember, refurbished by @treehuggercustoms with a full kitchen and bathroom with shower, queen size bed and full size bed that folds down from the kitchen table (and it’s in walking distance from TR’s restaurants, breweries, and outdoor activities). Has a fire pit, outdoor grill, and private patio with picnic table and tiki torches.
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: Not specified.
Reservations: Book online at http://www.swamprabbitinn.com.
⛺For those who want to rough it:
Location: Marietta, S.C. (30 min. from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: Walk-in only camping means you’ll need to take a short hike to the 18 primitive trailside campsites ($8-20/site/night), 4 of which don’t allow fires. There’s no water or electric services provided and no bathrooms.
WiFi?: Nope.
Capacity: Capacity and minimum stays aren’t specified for designated trailside camping areas, but the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite for 10-20 people ($4.40-5.50/person/night).
Reservations: To make a trailside camping reservation, call 1-866-345-7275 or make it online here. Call the park directly for the group campsite.
Location: Cleveland, S.C. (30 min. from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: Designated campsites are hike-in only, with no water or electric provided. The 18 primitive trailside sites (4 don’t allow fires) require check-in two hours before dark in order to safely reach campsite. Both are ($8-20/site/night).
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: Capacity and minimum stays aren’t specified for designated trailside camping areas, but the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers one backcountry group campsite for 10-20 people ($4.40-5.50/person/night).
Reservations: To make a backcountry camping reservation, call 1-866-345-7275 or book online by clicking here.
⛺For the traveler:
Location: Canton, N.C. (~1h 30min from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: There are 52 campsites available for reservation + 74 that are first-come-first-serve, none with electric but with plenty of space and flushing toilets, drinking water, and a country store. Standard campsites have picnic tables + fire rings. RV camping and cabins are also available.
WiFi?: Nope.
Capacity: 6 person limit per campsite, and minimum stays aren’t specified.
Reservations: Book an arrival date online here or take your chances with the first-come-first-serve sites – you can filter online by water hookup, sewer hookup, waterfront, accessibility, etc.
Location: Mountain Rest, S.C. (~1h 15min from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: Campsites on the Chattooga River are available for no charge, with a pit toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts (no water or electric services). Sites are accessible by a .25-mile hike (reviews advise to pack light so you’re not exhausted when you arrive).
WiFi?: Nope.
Capacity: Capacity and minimum stays aren’t specified.
Reservations: No reservations needed, but should you need to contact someone, reach out to Sumter National Forest, Andrew Pickens Ranger District at 864-638-9568
⛺For a trip close to home:
Location: Greenville, S.C.
Where you’ll stay: Trailside camping sites have enough space for two tents off the North Lake Trail ($11– $13/site/night), standard tent sites have electric, water, and accessible bathrooms/hot showers ($25 – $28/site/night), and primitive cabins + group lodging rates vary. RV camping is also available.
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: Maximum of 6 people per campsite, with a minimum stay of 2 nights + maximum stay of 14 nights (the minimum length might be higher during peak season). Primitive, single trailside sites have a 1 night minimum.
Reservations: Call 1-866-345-7275 for standard sites or make a reservation online here, call 864-244-5565 for trailside camping.
Location: Pickens, S.C. (30min from Greenville)
Where you’ll stay: There’s a 69-site camping area near the part entrance + a 25-site camping area near White Oaks picnic area, both with water + electric hookups, a picnic table, and proximity to restrooms/showers ($25+/site/night). Some sites can accommodate up to 40-ft. RVs. There’s a primitive walk-in camping area ($17/site, no flush toilets or power) with central water near Lake Oolenoy, and a primitive hike-in area for groups.
WiFi?: Yes.
Capacity: No capacity is specified, but the minimum stay is 2 nights.
Reservations: Call 1-866-345-7275 or reserve online here.
To make things even easier, here’s a handy Google Map of the camping spots we’d suggest trying. (And even more options here.) ⛺
Let us know your camping pro tips + your favorite places for a weekend escape in the comments below. Happy trails.
– Kendall
