Fall Camping in South Carolina

Discover the best fall camping across South Carolina. Embrace the magic of autumn camping. Vibrant foliage, crisp air, and campfire nights under the stars.

18+ Campgrounds4.5★ AverageBest: September through November

Find South Carolina Campgrounds Set Availability Alert

Top Picks

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Crescent

Clemson, South Carolina · Hartwell Lake

Autumn transforms this 41-acre lakeside peninsula into a tapestry of blazing reds and golds reflected in Hartwell Lake's calm waters, while September and October bring comfortable temperatures and peaceful shorelines after summer's bustle.

4.8(145 reviews)

Verified

Hawe Creek

McCormick · J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Autumn transforms J. Strom Thurmond Lake into a kaleidoscope of reds and golds reflected in glassy waters, while cooler September and October temperatures draw fewer visitors to these waterfront sites.

4.6(433 reviews)

Verified

The Campground At James Island County Park

Charleston

Cooler autumn temperatures transform 643 coastal acres into a playground for biking, hiking, and kayaking without summer's sweltering heat and tourist crowds.

4.6(501 reviews)

Verified

About Fall Camping in South Carolina

Fall camping in South Carolina offers an extraordinary blend of mountain foliage, coastal breezes, and comfortable temperatures that make autumn the state's premier camping season. From the Blue Ridge foothills where hardwoods explode in crimson and gold to the Lowcountry's coastal forests where mild weather extends the camping season well into November, South Carolina's diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for fall adventures.

Best Time

The optimal window for fall camping in South Carolina runs from mid-October through mid-November, when leaf colors peak in the mountains and comfortable temperatures blanket the entire state. Mountain campgrounds like Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp and Whetstone Horse Camp see peak foliage from mid-October to early November, with vibrant displays of red maples, yellow hickories, and orange oaks.

Season Highlights

Stunning fall foliage
Cooler, comfortable temperatures
Fewer crowds and quiet sites
Perfect campfire weather

More Fall Camping in South Carolina

Discover 15 additional top-rated fall camping in South Carolina

Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Autumn transforms the riverside hardwood forest into a blaze of color while cooling temperatures bring trophy trout to shallow waters. The secluded location means you'll have miles of leaf-carpeted trails and prime fishing holes nearly to yourself during September and October.

4.7(69)

Longleaf Campground

Hopkins · Congaree National Park

Autumn transforms the ancient hardwoods into a spectacular display of color while cooler temperatures make hiking Congaree's 27 miles of trails comfortable without the summer heat and humidity.

4.3(183)

Whetstone Horse Camp

Walhalla · Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

The Blue Ridge foothills explode in crimson and gold along 30+ miles of equestrian trails, while October's crisp mountain air makes all-day rides comfortable for both horses and riders.

4.4(108)

Below Dam South Carolina

Clarks Hill, SC · J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Hardwoods explode in brilliant reds and golds above the Savannah River, while cooler October air brings trophy-sized striped bass to the fishing pier below the massive dam.

4.6(8)

Photo coming soon

Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp

Mountain Rest · Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Autumn transforms the Chauga River corridor into a blaze of color while cooler mountain air makes riverside camping comfortable and mosquito-free. September and October bring near-empty campsites and exceptional trout fishing as the crowds disappear and wildlife emerges along quieter forest trails.

4.6(10)

Long Bottom Ford

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

The seven-mile journey from civilization delivers you to a secluded forest cathedral where autumn transforms towering trees into a canopy of gold and crimson, with crisp mountain air replacing summer's heat.

4.6(18)

Sedalia Campground (Sc)

Union · Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Fall transforms the pine-hardwood forests into a brilliant canvas of amber and crimson, while cooler temperatures bring crisp mornings along the Tyger and Enoree Rivers.

4.5(38)

Bussey Point Campground

Lincolnton, GA · J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Brilliant autumn foliage frames the wooded peninsula as cooler weather draws bald eagles overhead and deer through the campsites, while thinner crowds mean you'll have 32+ miles of trails largely to yourself.

4.3(81)

Bluff Hike In Camping

Hopkins · Congaree National Park

Hike into secluded grassy clearings surrounded by hardwoods ablaze with autumn color, where cooler temperatures and sparse crowds create an intimate wilderness experience.

4.5(40)

Explore Fall Camping in South Carolina

Browse 18 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

Interactive MapAdvanced Filters18+ fall campgrounds

Explore the Map

Plan Your Trip

Popular Activities

Fall foliage viewing and leaf-peeping drivesLake and river fishing for bass, crappie, and troutHiking through mountain forests and national park trailsKayaking and canoeing on calm fall watersWildlife viewing and bird watching during migrationPhotography of autumn colors and landscapes

Tips & Recommendations

1Reserve lakeside campgrounds like Crescent and Hawe Creek at least two months in advance for October weekends, as these fill quickly during peak fall color season.
2Bring layers for temperature swings—mornings can dip into the 40s while afternoons reach the 70s, especially in mountain regions.
3Pack a quality sleeping bag rated to 30°F for comfortable mountain camping, and consider bringing a portable heater for RV camping in November.
4Insect pressure drops significantly in fall, but ticks remain active through November, so use repellent and check thoroughly after hiking.

18 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Fall Camping in South Carolina

Fall Camping in South Carolina FAQ

We've ranked 18+ fall campgrounds in South Carolina based on foliage, weather, and reviews. Top options feature stunning autumn colors and comfortable temperatures.

Fall foliage in South Carolina typically peaks during September through November, though timing varies by elevation and latitude. Check local foliage reports for optimal timing.

South Carolina offers excellent fall camping with colorful foliage, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. Many campgrounds have special fall activities and harvest-season events.

Availability Alerts

Popular South Carolina Campgrounds Book Fast

The best fall camping in South Carolina book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min

SMS, email, push

150,000+ campsites

Set Up Your First Alert

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Crescent
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Find Your Perfect South Carolina Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

Search 18+ fall camping in South Carolina
Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
Get personalized recommendations for your trip
Compare campground amenities
Check weather forecasts

Create Free Account Browse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.

Fall Camping in South Carolina

Fall Camping in Other States

Featured Campgrounds

Crescent

Hawe Creek

The Campground At James Island County Park

About Fall Camping in South Carolina

Best Time

Season Highlights