Have you visited Calhoun Falls State Park? My family and I work through the South Carolina State Parks Ultimate Outsider Challenge. We’ve quickly made our way through most of the parks in the Upstate and wanted to start branching out to some of the ones further away. When I saw a friend’s pictures of her family’s camping trip to Calhoun Falls State Park, I knew I had to go see it for myself. And, it’s only an hour away from Greenville.
🏕️Thinking about camping at Calhoun Falls State Park? It offers:
- A peaceful Lake Russell getaway just an hour from Greenville, perfect for an easy Upstate escape.
- Waterfront campsites, simple hiking, and plenty of space for families to spread out and explore.
- A laid-back state park with big perks, with swimming, fishing, paddling, and a surprisingly great camp store.
See our Ultimate Guide to All 48 South Carolina State Parks to find your next adventure!
Calhoun Falls State Park Camping: The Campgrounds
Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Russell, these Calhoun Falls campground sites are some of the most desired in the SC state park system.
Types of camp sites
There are 86 standard (RV or tent sites with water and electricity) and 14 walk-in tent sites. We stayed at one of the walk-in sites, which are scattered along one of the points jutting out into the lake.
The tent sites do not have electric hook-ups, but they do have shared water pumps. I chose T8 because it has one of the largest tent pads. We just bought a new tent, and I was nervous about it being too big for the other sites. After being there, though, I think it would have been fine at any of them.
Our site was the closest to the parking area and had a trail down to the water. The shore was grassy where we were, but some of the other sites had little rocky beach areas that would be great spots for kids to splash.
Tent camp sites cost $29 and up per night, depending on the site size and location. If you choose to purchase an RV site, they start at $52 per night. The park does have a double site, if you want extra space.
The tent-only campground has an outdoor shower area and single bathrooms. The standard campground nearby has two full-bathroom buildings with showers.
There are two playgrounds at Calhoun Falls, plus a basketball court and tennis courts. RV campers will have to contact the park directly to ensure golf carts are allowed.
Calhoun Fall State Park camping is highly recommended for families with children, but with close water access, be mindful of younger children who can not swim.
Hiking at Calhoun Falls State Park: The Cedar Bluff Nature Trail
During our stay, we checked out the Cedar Bluff Nature Trail. It is the only hiking trail at the park and is a 1.75-mile easy-to-moderate loop hike through the forest. The signage is not great, so be careful as you go. We took a wrong turn at one point and ended up at one of the campground playgrounds instead of finishing the loop as we had planned. But it’s a pretty trail with multiple wooden bridges and steps, and we didn’t mind getting lost in nature for a while.
More Things to Do at Calhoun Falls State Park
We stuck to camping and hiking during our visit, but Calhoun Falls offers many other activities, especially on the lake. It’s the perfect spot for boating, paddling, and fishing. There is also a marina with rental boat slips available.
If you forget anything at home, the gift shop has you covered. It is definitely the nicest state park store I’ve been to! We stopped in on our first morning to register and to get some cold treats for the kids, and I was impressed at how much it had to offer, from bundles of wood and s’mores ingredients to souvenirs and clothing items.
FAQs About Calhoun Falls State Park
How far is Calhoun Falls from Greenville?
Calhoun Falls is about 60–62 miles from Greenville, SC, and the drive typically takes around 1 hour and 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic and the route you take. It’s located in Abbeville County, so just southwest of Greenville County.
Can you swim at Calhoun Falls State Park?
Yes! Calhoun Falls State Park offers swimming in Lake Russell, including a designated sandy swimming beach area. You can only swim at the designated spots, so ask the rangers at the station at check-in.
Do you need reservations to camp at Calhoun Falls?
Reservations are basically required for camping, but you can contact the SC State Park reservations if you need to make one the same day. Campsites can be reserved online or by phone, and some stays may require a minimum (such as a two-night stay).
Visit Calhoun Falls State Park
Location
46 Maintenance Shop Road
Calhoun Falls, SC
864.447.8267
Hours and Admission
The park is open from 6 am – 6 pm (extended to 9 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time), and the Park Office is open from 9 am – 5 pm, daily.
Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children aged 6-15. Children 5 and under are free. Admission is free for Park Passport holders.
