South Cove County Park

Star4.55
86 reviews
1099 South Cove Road, Seneca, South Carolina, 29672, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

797 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

86 campsites

Season

Park gates open at 7...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get Directions
South Cove County Park
$3.00 - $3.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$3 parking fee for day use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
8648825250
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 86 reviews

1245 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerslake

"User reviews highlight the park's beautiful lakefront setting, family-friendly atmosphere, and range of activities. The proximity to Lake Keowee is frequently praised, along with clean facilities and friendly staff. However, complaints about campsite proximity, limited trash facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules have also been noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1099 South Cove Road, Seneca, South Carolina, 29672, United States

South Cove County Park

1099 South Cove Road, Seneca, South Carolina, 29672, United States

Driving directionsFrom Seneca: Hwy 123 to Hwy 28 toward Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into the park. From Interstate 85 South: Take exit 1 (Hwy 11) approximately 13 miles to Hwy 123 towards Seneca. Take Hwy 28 towards Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into park. From Interstate 85 North: Take exit 19B (Hwy 76) towards Clemson University/Seneca. Turn left onto Hwy 123 towards Seneca. Take Hwy 28 towards Walhalla. Turn right onto Hwy 188. Turn right onto South Cove road which leads into park.
Road access is paved and accessible from multiple major highways, including Hwy 123 and Hwy 28. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain indicated.
Nearby places
Seneca (minutes away), Clemson (10 miles away), Walhalla (approximately 20 miles away).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants are available in Seneca, minutes away from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at South Cove County Park

Blessed with the gentle climate of Oconee County, South Cove enjoys balmy summers perfect for lake swimming and pleasantly cool winters ideal for cozy campfires. The region's typically dry conditions make for reliable camping weather, though occasional dramatic rainstorms sweep through, bringing the forest alive with the fresh scent of rain on pine needles and creating spectacular cloud formations over the lake.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Balmy summers ideal for swimming and boating though parties/noise can increase.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is scenic and quieter per reviews, making it a favorable season.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Favorable weather and fewer crowds in spring are highlighted by reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Less crowded and cozy campfires possible, though it can be windy in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Park gates open at 7 AM and close at 10 PM daily; no seasonal closure mentioned.

About South Cove County Park

Nestled on a pristine 15-acre peninsula that juts into the crystalline waters of Lake Keowee, South Cove County Park offers an intimate escape where pine-scented breezes meet gentle lake waves. With 86 thoughtfully positioned campsites—including 41 coveted waterfront spots—visitors can fall asleep to the soft lapping of water against the shore. Each site comes equipped with water and electrical hookups, ensuring comfort meets nature. Modern bathhouses, inviting playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, and a refreshing swim area create a perfect balance between wilderness adventure and family-friendly amenities. A convenient dump station rounds out the practical offerings at this lakeside haven.
South Cove County Park offers a variety of camping options, including RV and tent camping. Sites are located on a scenic peninsula, with 41 of the 86 campsites offering waterfront views. Sites include water and electrical hookups, but there are no full hookups for sewer.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 7 AM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 10 PM.
Stay Limit
Campers must vacate after consecutive stays.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide range of recreational activities, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Keowee, with its 18,500 acres of pristine water, is ideal for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and picnicking with scenic lake views. On-site facilities include tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and a beach area with life jackets available for wading or swimming. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also offered.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, but details on trail lengths and difficulty levels are not specified.
FishingFishing is a major attraction, with sought-after species including largemouth bass, spotted bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. The fishing pier is popular among anglers.
SwimmingThere is a designated swim area, though some reviews mention that swimming is 'not encouraged' but allowed. The beach area is described as small but clean and well-maintained.
BoatingBoating is highly encouraged, with three access ramps and opportunities for canoeing, sailing, and motorboating. Water skiing is also popular.
Wildlife viewingOver 200 bird species, including peregrine falcons and bald eagles, can be observed. Ducks are frequently mentioned in user reviews as an enjoyable feature for families.
Beach activitiesThe park has a small beach area suitable for sunbathing, wading, or swimming. Some users recommend arriving early for shaded spots.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampsites close to the road may lack fire rings, and red clay near private beach access can be slippery. Advisories for leash rules on dogs.

Weather at South Cove County Park

Reviews

4.6
86 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
South Cove County Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's beautiful lakefront setting, family-friendly atmosphere, and range of activities. The proximity to Lake Keowee is frequently praised, along with clean facilities and friendly staff. However, complaints about campsite proximity, limited trash facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules have also been noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic lakefront views\n- Clean showers and bathrooms\n- Wide range of activities, including fishing, boating, and swimming\n- Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas\n-...
Show more
Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

- Campsites are too close together\n- Limited privacy\n- No trash cans in bathrooms\n- Some issues with camp host attitudes\n- Gravel at sites uncomfortable for walking
Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Book waterfront sites for the best views\n- Bring lake shoes due to rocky areas\n- Arrive early to secure shaded spots at the beach\n- Use a portable septic tank for convenience\n- Explore nearby...
Show more
Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Spring: Favorable weather and fewer crowds\n- Summer: Great for water activities but can be noisy due to parties\n- Fall: Scenic and quieter experiences\n- Winter: Generally less crowded but windy...
Show more
Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'The showers were big & HOT water.. it was really nice.'\n- 'This was the quietest park I've ever visited.'\n- 'Beautiful atmosphere! Great sites!'\n- 'The playground was great for kids & us!...
Show more
Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 83: Highlighted as a prime location with a 360-degree lake view.\n- Sites 54 and 55: Praised for being great spots to beach boats or jet skis.
Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

One review noted that a wheelchair user was able to navigate the park without issues, indicating decent accessibility.
Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and visitors appreciate the pet-friendly policy, though leash rules are enforced. Some complaints about inconsistent rule enforcement regarding unleashed dogs.
Based on 86 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to South Cove County Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in South Carolina

Campgrounds
South Cove County Park