Camping in Pickens SC | Perfect Foothills Getaway at Carolina Camp Cedar

If you follow Country Club Road out of downtown Pickens, the stoplights and storefronts fall away to rolling fairways, tall trees, and the soft outline of the Blue Ridge foothills. Tucked along a small lake by the golf course, Carolina Camp Cedar feels like the kind of place you stumble onto once and then quietly claim as “your” spot for camping in Pickens SC.

It’s a true campground — grass under your feet, water in view, fire pits at nearly every site — but with just enough comfort baked in: resort-style amenities including full-hookup RV sites, thoughtfully designed cabins, a camp store, laundry, and a resort-style pool and golf course right next door.

This is camping in Pickens SC done your way: mornings by the lake, days spent chasing waterfalls or playing a round of golf, evenings walking to Tavern 53 for dinner and then wandering back to your site under a sky full of stars.

Why Camping in Pickens SC Belongs on Your Camping Map

Pickens is a small Upstate South Carolina town with outsized access to the outdoors. It sits in that sweet spot where the rolling Piedmont starts leaning into real mountains: Table Rock set like a stone backdrop to the west, Sassafras Mountain rising to the north, Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee tucked into forested coves nearby.

From Carolina Camp Cedar, you’re:

• Next door to Pickens Golf Club and Tavern 53
• Within an easy drive of Table Rock State Park, Hagood Mill, Long Shoals Wayside Park, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Devils Fork/Lake Jocassee, and more
• About half an hour from Clemson and roughly 35–45 minutes from downtown Greenville

It’s a place where you can pair a morning summit hike with an afternoon on the Doodle Trail, then be showered and seated at a local tavern before sunset — without ever feeling rushed. Camping here is less about checking boxes and more about settling into a rhythm: hike one day, golf the next; a big day trip, then a slow day around camp.

Carolina Camp Cedar: A Lakeside Home Base

Carolina Camp Cedar is officially billed as a “Golf, Cabin & RV Resort,” but it doesn’t behave like a mega-resort. The owners leaned into an “authentic outdoor hospitality” feel: grassy sites instead of rows of pavement, mature trees, water features, and enough breathing room that you can hear the wind in the pines from your site.

The resort sits at 1018 Country Club Road in Pickens and is open and accepting reservations for both RV sites and cabins. The office keeps daily hours, and you can book online through the usual “Book Now” and Reservations links — handy if you’re plotting out a road trip through the Carolina foothills and want to lock in a stay.

What makes the property especially interesting is its connection to the broader Country Club Lake and golf campus next door. One direction takes you along the lake and deeper into the trees; the other takes you straight to the first tee at Pickens Golf Club and the welcoming glow of Tavern 53.

Ways to Stay: RV Sites That Still Feel Like Camping, and Cabins With Creature Comforts

RV Camping in Pickens SC

If you’re rolling into town with an RV, camper, or fifth wheel, Carolina Camp Cedar gives you the kind of setup that makes you want to stay a few extra nights. Sites are back-in spots with approximately 20′ x 55′ concrete pads — long enough for modern rigs, but framed by grass and trees so it doesn’t feel like you’ve parked in a lot.

Hookups are full-service: 30/50 AMP power, water, and sewer at each site. Every pad comes with a picnic table, an outdoor grill, and a private fire pit, so it’s easy to slide from an afternoon at the pool into an evening around the campfire without leaving your own little patch of the foothills.

The park’s positioning has always been clear: these are oversized RV sites that “feel like camping, not a parking lot.” You’re close enough to your neighbors to swap recommendations and say hello, but you still have room for kids to toss a football or for your dog to curl up in the shade beside your chair.

Cabin Camping in Pickens SC

If your ideal version of camping in Pickens SC involves a real bed, a full kitchen, and maybe a washer and dryer for muddy hiking clothes, the cabin side of Carolina Camp Cedar is where you’ll land. Guests can choose from three cabin styles — Tannehill, Coldwater, and Gardenia — each with a covered porch, comfortable living space, and modern finishes.

Tannehill Cabin – For families and small groups
Tannehill is the largest of the three and feels like a small vacation home more than a cabin. A private king bedroom, twin bunk beds, and a queen pullout sofa give it room for up to six guests. Vaulted ceilings, large windows, and a fully equipped kitchen make it easy to stay for a full week, especially with the washer and dryer tucked in.

Coldwater Cabin – For couples and close-knit crews
Coldwater cabins sleep four and are often a sweet spot for couples or smaller families. The private king bedroom and queen pullout sofa are arranged around an open-concept living and kitchen area, with full-size appliances, a smart TV, and a covered porch that functions like a second living room when the weather’s mild.

Gardenia Cabin – For cozy, design-forward stays
Gardenia cabins embrace more of a studio layout: a king bed and queen sleeper sofa share an airy space with lofted ceilings, modern décor, and a full-size refrigerator plus kitchen essentials. It’s easy to imagine a long weekend here: morning coffee on the porch, an afternoon nap between adventures, and movie nights after dinner at Tavern 53.

Life Around Camp: Lake Views, Pool Days, and Easy Evenings

You can absolutely stay busy within the gates of Carolina Camp Cedar, even if you never venture farther than a bike ride into town. The resort’s amenities are woven around the lake, open spaces, and its connection to the golf course next door.

A scenic lake sits at the heart of the property, giving many sites views of water or a short walk to it. Guests can wander down with a book, watch the light change in the late afternoon, or try a little catch-and-release fishing to unwind between day trips.

On hotter days, the action shifts next door to the large resort-style pool. It comes with all the trimmings — loungers, a sundeck, space for kids to splash — and access is provided through Carolina Camp Cedar’s partnership with Pickens Golf Club. Because details like hours, wristbands, and seasonal schedules can change, it’s always smart to confirm specifics with the front desk or golf shop when you arrive.

Back in the park itself, a small camp store keeps the essentials on hand: snacks, drinks, firewood, ice, and the kinds of last-minute items that inevitably get left at home. A kid-friendly playground sits in an open area where parents can keep an eye out from nearby sites, and a fenced dog park gives four-legged campers a dedicated place to run and sniff without a leash.

For longer stays, the on-site laundry room becomes a quiet little luxury — toss in a load before heading to the pool or into town, and come back to clean clothes without ever leaving the property. Guests can also rent golf carts, which quickly become the preferred way to shuttle between RV sites, cabins, the pool, and the golf clubhouse.

And then there’s the golf-and-dining piece: direct access to Pickens Golf Club’s 18-hole course, driving range, and pro shop, plus Tavern 53 just steps away. A typical evening might look like nine holes before sunset, dinner on the patio at Tavern 53, and then a short walk or cart ride back to your fire pit.

Exploring the Outdoors: Waterfalls, Peaks, and Easy Trails

Camping in Pickens SC is as much about what lies beyond the campground as what’s inside it. One of the strengths of Carolina Camp Cedar is how easily it connects you to some of the Upstate’s most-loved natural spots.

State Parks and Mountain Scenery

Table Rock State Park sits about 25 minutes up the road and functions as a kind of calling card for the region. The sheer rock face of Table Rock Mountain rises above two lakes and a network of trails that range from family-friendly loops to strenuous summit hikes. Pair an early-morning climb with a lakeside picnic and a swim, then head back to camp for an easy evening.

To the north, Caesars Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park form the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, about 45–60 minutes from the resort. Caesars Head delivers sweeping views off the Blue Ridge Escarpment and access to the Raven Cliff Falls overlook; Jones Gap offers more rugged, river-hugging trails to waterfalls like Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls. These are better suited to experienced hikers and those looking for quieter, more challenging days.

Closer to the lakes, Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers moderate trails, creek crossings, and overlooks of Lake Keowee, while Devils Fork State Park serves as the primary access point to Lake Jocassee — a deep, clear mountain lake famous for waterfalls that tumble right into the water. Both parks work well for full “lake days”: hike a bit, then cool off in the water or rent a boat or kayak.

For a different kind of big view, Sassafras Mountain — South Carolina’s highest point — sits within about a 40–45 minute drive. A short walk from the parking area leads to a 360-degree observation tower where you can see across multiple states on a clear day.

Waterfalls and “Water Days”

If you’re camping in Pickens SC in the heat of summer, water becomes a theme.

Just about 20 minutes from the resort, Long Shoals Wayside Park hides along Little Eastatoe Creek. A short path leads from the parking lot to smooth rock slabs and shallow pools where kids (and plenty of adults) slide, wade, and splash on warm afternoons. It’s simple, free, and feels like a secret local swimming hole.

Farther afield, scenic drives can link together waterfall-rich areas like Twin Falls, Station Cove Falls, Brasstown Falls, and others — ideal for a “waterfall loop” day with a cooler in the trunk and trail shoes by the door. Because parking, access, and conditions can shift, it’s wise to check current trail information and local guidance before you go.

For a grand finale, some guests point their GPS toward Jumping Off Rock Overlook, high above Lake Jocassee. Reached via a gravel road that often calls for a higher-clearance vehicle, it rewards patience with one of the Upstate’s most photographed views.

Family-Friendly Rides and Strolls

Not every day has to involve a summit or a long drive. The Doodle Trail, a 7.5–8.5-mile paved rail trail connecting Pickens and Easley, gives campers an easy option from dawn to dusk. Bike, walk, or push a stroller along a mostly gentle, paved path, with glimpses of farmland and foothill views along the way.

In town, Town Creek Bike Park blends flow trails and a pump track for mountain bikers of varying skill levels; it pairs nicely with a stop at a local coffee shop or lunch in downtown Pickens. Shorter, local nature parks and community trails in Pickens and Easley round out the options when you just want to stretch your legs without committing to a big outing.

Small-Town Flavor: Hagood Mill, Downtown Pickens, and Local Dining

A camping trip in Pickens isn’t all trailheads and boat ramps. There’s a fair bit of culture tucked into these hills, too.

About 15 minutes from Carolina Camp Cedar, Hagood Mill Historic Site & Petroglyph Center anchors many “history and heritage” days. The 1845 water-powered grist mill (on the National Register of Historic Places) frequently hosts events with live music, artisan demonstrations, and local markets. The adjacent Petroglyph Center shines a light on prehistoric rock carvings and the region’s deeper story.

Back in town, downtown Pickens offers a compact, walkable Main Street with murals, a historic courthouse, a town clock, and a scattering of shops and eateries. It’s the kind of place where you can easily combine a stroll with coffee, lunch, or a quick shopping break before heading back to your site.

For dining, guests often start with what’s closest: Tavern 53 at Pickens Golf Club, just a short walk from the campground. The restaurant leans into casual, Southern-influenced comfort — think burgers, wings, pizzas, rotating specials, and a beverage list that suits both post-round celebrations and relaxed family dinners. You can eat indoors or out on the patio, then wander back to your RV or cabin under the night sky.

Beyond the property, Pickens, Easley, Clemson, and Greenville add layers of options — from classic small-town diners and local coffee shops to college-town bars and Greenville’s well-known downtown restaurant scene. Because menus and hours can change, it’s always best to check current information before you go, and maybe ask the front desk for a few up-to-the-minute favorites.

Day Trips to Clemson and Greenville When Camping in Pickens SC

One of the subtler perks of camping in Pickens SC is how easily you can pivot between foothills solitude and big-event energy.

Clemson University and Memorial Stadium (“Death Valley”) sit about half an hour from Carolina Camp Cedar. That makes the resort an appealing game-day home base: tailgate and cheer in town, then retreat to a quieter lake and campfire at night. In the off-season, Clemson still offers lake access, campus walks, and a compact downtown full of restaurants and shops.

A bit farther east, Greenville delivers a bigger-city day out, with Falls Park on the Reedy, the iconic Liberty Bridge, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and a thriving Main Street lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Many guests frame it as “a day in Greenville, a night back at the campground” — city energy followed by crickets and stars.

Why Carolina Camp Cedar Is an Ideal Base for Camping in Pickens SC

In the end, what sets Carolina Camp Cedar apart isn’t just its location or its amenities — it’s how well it matches the rhythm of the Carolina foothills.

For RV travelers, the draw is straightforward: full-hookup, oversized concrete pads, grassy surroundings, fire pits, and easy access to everything from waterfalls to big-city day trips.

For cabin guests, it’s the promise of king beds, full kitchens, washers/dryers, and a porch just steps from lake views and starlit skies.

Golfers get a true stay-and-play setup next to Pickens Golf Club. Clemson fans gain a game-day home base with mountains and lakes as their bonus round. Outdoor adventurers and waterfall chasers can build endless itineraries from a single, relaxed lakeside home.

If you’re planning a trip focused on camping in Pickens SC — whether in an RV or a cabin — Carolina Camp Cedar offers that rare combination of authenticity and comfort. You get the sounds of a real campground, the smell of woodsmoke, and the thrill of mountain adventures, all with the ease of knowing your home base is waiting, lights on, by the lake.

When you’re ready to experience the Carolina foothills at your own pace, you can check current availability and book your stay at Carolina Camp Cedar online.