Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina

Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across South Carolina. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

13+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Longleaf Campground
Star
4.3
(183)
Longleaf Campground
Hopkins
Congaree National Park

Twenty-seven miles of trails wind directly from your tent site through ancient bald cypress groves and bottomland hardwoods, offering everything from easy boardwalk strolls to challenging backcountry routes.

Tents
2
Cherry Hill Campground
Star
4.2
(309)
Cherry Hill Campground
Mountain Rest, SC
Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Multiple trails launch directly from your campsite, ranging from gentle forest walks to challenging mountain ascents through ancient Appalachian terrain.

Tents
3
Bluff Hike In Camping
Star
4.5
(40)
Bluff Hike In Camping
Hopkins
Congaree National Park

Twenty-seven miles of interconnected trails wind through ancient old-growth forest, with the Bluff and Firefly paths delivering direct trailhead access to Congaree's towering cypress cathedrals and primeval bottomland hardwoods.

Tents

About Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina

Hiking camping in South Carolina offers an extraordinary diversity of trail experiences, from ancient old-growth forests to mountain waterfalls and coastal marshlands. The Palmetto State's hiking destinations span dramatically different ecosystems across five distinct geographic regions: the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills in the northwest, the rolling Piedmont, the unique Midlands floodplain forests, the coastal plain's maritime forests, and the Lowcountry's tidal marshes.

Best Time

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking camping conditions in South Carolina, with March through May and September through November providing moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and reduced insect pressure. Spring brings spectacular wildflower displays in mountain regions and the Piedmont, while fall delivers stunning foliage in the upstate and comfortable temperatures statewide.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 13 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina
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Map Key
1
Longleaf Campground
2
Cherry Hill Campground
3
Bluff Hike In Camping
4
The Campground At James Island County Park
5
Whetstone Horse Camp
6
Sedalia Campground (Sc)
7
Hawe Creek
8
Bussey Point Campground
9
Honey Hill Recreation Area
10
Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp
11
Below Dam South Carolina
12
Rocky Branch Seasonal Camp
13
Modoc
View all 28 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking on diverse terrain from mountains to coastal marshesWaterfall exploration in mountain regionsBackpacking on multi-day trail systemsWildlife observation including birds, deer, and unique floodplain speciesPhotography of old-growth forests, waterfalls, and coastal landscapesFishing in mountain streams, rivers, and coastal waters

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular campgrounds like Cherry Hill and James Island six months in advance for spring and fall weekends, as they fill quickly.
  • 2Primitive sites in Congaree National Park operate first-come, first-served, so arrive early on Friday afternoons during peak seasons.
  • 3Pack insect repellent year-round but especially for Midlands floodplain hikes where mosquitoes thrive in humid conditions—consider treating clothing with permethrin for extended protection.
  • 4Bring a detailed trail map or download offline maps, as cell service is unreliable in national forest and backcountry areas.
13 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina

Hiking Campgrounds in South Carolina FAQ

We've ranked 13+ hiking campgrounds in South Carolina based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in South Carolina. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in South Carolina. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

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