Sometimes the very best campgrounds have no cable, no wifi, no sewer hookups and limited amenities. These are the campgrounds that use their natural resources – provided by Mother Nature (and a massive man-made lake) to become among the best out there.
Well, I have found the best – at least My Best – and it is a hidden gem that I am willing to share with you. Just don’t tell too many people, please! We want to return there someday, and I hope my best campground ever still has my best campsite available when that day arrives!
Let me set the picture. The campground is in the rural upcountry area of South Carolina (the northwest corner of the state). It sits on a series of three very small islands that are connected by a narrow road in the middle of 18,372 acre Lake Keowee. This area is a water-lover’s paradise – pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, speed boats and jet skis – just a few of the watercraft you will find. Fishing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing, hiking and more can all be found very nearby.
But the thing that makes this place so darn special is the view – just sit in your camp chair and take in the 360-degree amazing water views. Add a small breeze, the warm fall sunshine, and a campfire at dusk and you have all the makings of a perfect camping day.
Okay, here are the details…and then some more photos at the end to prove my point.
Mile Creek County Park is in the foothills of Pickens County, SC. You can visit MileCreekPark.com to find out more about the park itself. If you want to reserve sites at the campground that is part of the park, simply go to ReserveAmerica.com. The roads are narrow and sloping at times. The sites vary in shape and size and setup significantly, so don’t fudge any camper lengths when selecting your site. Even if you cannot snag a waterfront site, you will still enjoy lovely views, as these are tiny islands, and these sites are perched high, tucked low, and hidden among trees – giving you a feeling of privacy that belies the closeness of the sites to each other.
We had only four nights to stay at Mile Creek Park, so we never left our little island. Why bother? We had what was essentially a little private sandy beach beside our site that I imagine would be great for summertime swimming, although even during our late October visit, we spotted someone swimming nearby in the lake. We had trees all around us that were changing into their fall color show. And we had water – lots of water….On. All. Sides.
Yep, it is my favorite campsite ever. Site #42. Of course, we’ve only been FT RVing for 16 weeks, so I am really excited about what great beauty we have yet to find along the way, because this is a beautiful country.
Safe travels – and may we all find the perfect spot just to sit a while.
Note that ALL of the following photos were take FROM OUR CAMPSITE.
