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10 Sweet Spots for Tent Camping

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
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Just because you like to rough it doesn't mean you can't enjoy accommodations with a five-star view. Imagine being snuggled up in your sleeping bag and looking out of your tent at a vista worthy of the Ritz.

Such primo campsites are available at a number of South Carolina's state parks, and some of them are reserved exclusively for tent campers. The offerings include sites overlooking creeks and lakes from the Upcountry to the Lowcountry. And you won't pay a premium for the view.

Ready to pack your gear? Here are 10 of the best state park campsites:

Enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Russell from your campsite at Calhoun Falls State Park.
Six campsites offer waterfront views of Lake Juniper in Cheraw State Park.
Devils Fork State Park offers several rustic tent sites overlooking Lake Jocassee.
Enjoy great views of Lake Murray from your Dreher Island State Park campsite.
Egrets are among the wildlife you will see in the marshlands of Edisto Beach State Park.
Savor breathtaking sunsets over Lake Thurmond at Hickory Knob State Park.
TS-3 is one of three backcountry campsites overlooking the water at Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area.
Camp by the lakeshore at Lake Greenwood State Park. Credit: SCPRT/Photo by Heidi Stone
Lake Water is a fabulous setting for a family camping trip.
Campground Lake in Oconee State Park is a beautiful setting for a quiet paddle. Photo credit: Jared Kreiss.
Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.