Campgrounds and RV parks near Chesterfield, SC

Lake Juniper at Cheraw State Park is the central draw for paddlers and anglers, with kayak and canoe rentals, a lakeside boardwalk, and a designated swimming area. The park also operates an 18-hole championship golf course, though travelers should confirm course status before booking, since the course is closed for renovation during the 2026 season. In Sand Hills State Forest, families hike the short but steep path to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the higher points in the South Carolina sandhills, for views over the surrounding pine forest. Thirteen ponds stocked with bass, bream, and catfish are open for fishing year-round with a valid state freshwater fishing license. Equestrians and dog handlers gravitate to H Cooper Black for its stables, kennels, corrals, arenas, and more than 20 miles of trails.

The Cheraw State Park campground operates seasonally from May through November, while the park itself is open year-round with shorter gate hours from November through February. The campground is busiest in late spring through early fall, when warm temperatures and lake activities draw the most visitors. Lakefront sites on Lake Juniper fill quickly during peak months, so booking early for summer weekends is essential. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and August is typically the wettest month. Spring brings mild temperatures and wildflowers, making it a strong shoulder season for hiking before the heat sets in. Fall offers cooler nights, lower humidity, and better long-range visibility from Sugarloaf Mountain as foliage thins. Winter is the quietest season at private campgrounds that remain open, with cool days, occasional frosty mornings, and rare snow or freezing rain. Hunting seasons in Sand Hills State Forest can affect access on certain dates, so check forest notices before planning backcountry activities.

Cheraw State Park's lakeside campground offers water and electric hookups, with approximately 25 sites suited to a mix of RV and tent camping and a maximum RV length of around 40 feet. Modern restrooms with hot showers and an RV dump station are available, and a boardwalk connects the campground to the swimming area and day-use facilities. Personal golf carts are allowed in the campground area with a per-night fee and registration, and must remain on paved portions of the road. H Cooper Black has water and electric RV sites, with pads long enough for big rigs, plus a bath house with hot showers and an RV sanitation station. Expect a quiet, rural setting with pine shade, ponds, and the sound of working retrievers. Cell coverage in the Sandhills can be inconsistent, so download maps before arrival.