When warm weather arrives in the Palmetto State most natives breathe a sigh of relief as another winter packs its bags and goes into hibernation. Perhaps first and foremost, warm weather signals the start of camping season! South Carolinians take every opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. And, there is something special about hiking to a rushing waterfall, isn’t there? Enjoying camping with waterfalls is a mix that can’t be beaten. Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, South Carolina is a great place to find both.

Located in the gorgeous upstate of South Carolina, Jones Gap State Park is nestled in a heavenly mountain cove and is part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.
Dee S./Yelp
It's adjacent to another wonderful South Carolina State Park, Ceaser's Head, and also very near to the beloved "Pretty Place" chapel in Cleveland, SC.
Jones Gap is home to some of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in the state. Rainbow Falls measures 400 feet and is a stunning sight.
Charlie Cowins/Flickr
There are 50 miles of trails at Jones Gap, ranging from mild to strenuous. The shortest trail is one mile out and back; the longest trail is 20 miles.
Cody Ryan Reigle/Flickr
One of the most beautiful sights in the park is the Middle Saluda River. Dubbed the state's "First Scenic River," this rocky bottom oasis is well known for the fabulous trout fishing it offers.
Kristin S./TripAdvisor
And for the stunning vistas the rocks and water provide for visitors. If it's warm enough, you can even take a dip, the park doesn't prohibit it.
Cody Ryan Reigle/Flickr

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But the great, big, hidden secret about Jones Gap State Park is the TRAIL SIDE camping spots. There are 18 in all and each one will blow your mind.
Terry/Flickr
Most are located alongside the gorgeous river, and none are "drive-up" spots. But the trade-off in convenience is rewarded in the sheer experience of this wonderful waterfall campground.
Spend the weekend and enjoy all the waterfalls in this great park near Pretty Place Chapel. Know ahead of time that some of the trails here are moderate to strenuous. The hike up to Rainbow Falls can have some steep parts, for instance, but it's a relatively short hike.
Mike Hughes/Flickr
At Jones Gap, every member of the family is welcome. Pets are allowed, as long as they remain on a leash.
Charlie Cowins/Flickr
As you make your way to the various waterfalls you'll be delighted by the scores of overlooks offering stellar views like this one.
Mike Hughes/Flickr
A park map can be found on the South Carolina Parks website.
The trailside camping alongside the Middle Saluda River at Jones Gap State Park and with some of the tallest waterfalls in the state is truly a unique experience.
South Carolina Parks/Facebook
We could say it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but that's not true. It's right here in our own backyard in a state park that's open 365 days a year.

Some things to know before you go: If you’re camping you must make a reservation for one of the designated trailside spots. Some trails may close during inclement winter weather. Also, parking is limited, so get to the park early or you could find yourself waiting just to get in. More information can be found on the official South Carolina Parks website.

South Carolina gives us so many opportunities to go camping with waterfalls. With amazing state parks to enjoy, hiking trails to fall in love with, and wildlife just waiting to be explored, we couldn’t ask for a better place to get outdoors and camp. Have you been to Jones Gap State Park for camping near Pretty Place Chapel? We’d love to hear about your favorite trip in the comments!

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More to Explore

Camping With Waterfalls & Related Info

Chris Muras | April 15, 2023

What campgrounds in SC have waterfalls?

 

South Carolina has plenty of state, county, and national parks to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, many of these locations have waterfalls to enjoy. Here are a few campgrounds in SC with waterfalls:

  • Chau Ram County Park, Westminster, SC: The campground at this county park is on the smaller side with 26 tent sites, but the views are anything but small. The campground includes a one-mile section of the Chauga River with not one, but four different waterfalls to play in. With a few miles of hiking trails to explore, this campground is a nice quiet place to connect with nature.
  • Devils Fork State Park, Salem, SC: The Lake Jocassee Reservoir is one of the most popular recreational lakes in South Carolina. There are several waterfalls that flow into the lake from Devils Fork State Park. Two campgrounds in the state park offer scenic wooded lots for tent and RV camping. There are also a number of cozy cabins if a more luxurious camping experience is up your alley.
  • Chattooga Sounds Camp, Long Creek, SC: The Sumpter National Forest is another beautiful area of SC. With group camping spots for up to 40 people, single tent and RV sites, and even primitive camping sheds for really roughing it, Chattooga Sounds has something for everyone. Even better, this campground is located in the heart of waterfall country!

 

Are you ready for a long weekend road trip? Check out the itinerary for this waterfall camping and swimming hole road trip in SC.

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Featured Addresses
Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA