Table Rock State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
RV lovers seeking a mountainous RV getaway won't be disappointed with their journey to Table Top State Park. Located near the North and South Carolina border, the park consists of around 3,000 acres of unspoiled forested terrain. The park takes its name from the famous land formation within it: Table Rock. Shaped just like a table, the mountain can be seen for miles and miles and serves as a stunning background for the adventures that you will have during your stay.
There are plenty of things to do during the peak and off-peak seasons at Table Top State Park. Enjoy a hike through the woods, go for a dip in the water, catch a few fish, or enjoy the company of friends and family over a nice picnic. Whenever you decide to bring your RV, you’ll be guaranteed to have plenty of fun and exciting activities to keep yourself entertained. Visitors in the summertime can expect temperatures in the high 80s, and during the coldest parts of winter, temperatures can drop to just below freezing.
Another highlight of the park is the wide variety of accommodation options that are on offer. The park is home to two RV-friendly campgrounds that feature electric and water hookups suitable for rigs up to 40 feet in length, along with tent, group, and cabin options. Peak season at Table Top State Park runs from April through to October.
RV Rentals in Table Rock State Park
Transportation
Driving
No matter which direction you’re coming from, you can easily get to Table Rock State Park by taking Highway 11, which runs through the northern area of the park. When driving inside and outside the park, keep in mind that this is a mountainous area, so be aware of sharp curves on the road and be sure to take them gently. However, there are local roads that make it easy to navigate inside the park from the campground to the Nature Center.
Since the park is located in the mountains of northwestern South Carolina, there aren't many supplies available near the park. If you are heading from the south you can stop in at Pickens or Slater-Maria if you are coming from the east. The closest major city to the park is Greenville, which is around 25 miles away.
Parking
There is parking located all throughout the park, but it might be easier for you to set your RV up at a campsite first, then venture out using your smaller vehicle or on foot. This will make navigating the park easier and help guarantee that you’ll be able to find a suitable parking spot during the busier times of the year. You can also find parking near Lake Oolenoy, Pinnacle Lake, and the Pinnacle Pavilion.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Table Rock State Park
Campsites in Table Rock State Park
Reservations camping
Mountain Laurel Campground
Table Rock State Park is home to two campgrounds suitable for RVs so you have some choice as to where you would like to stay. Featuring a total of 69 campsites, the Mountain Laurel Campground is the largest of the two and is located near the park entrance.
All of the sites within Mountain Laurel are equipped with water and electrical hookups, along with with a flat camping pad suitable for rigs up to 40 feet in length. You will also find a picnic table and a fire grill at each site, and if you have a furry friend, you will be able to bring them along since all sites are pet-friendly. Campground-wide amenities include shower and restroom facilities and a shared dump station for both campgrounds to use. Reservations for the Mountain Laurel Campground can be made up to a day before your arrival.
White Oaks Campground
The White Oaks Campground is the smallest of the two RV-friendly campgrounds within Table Rock State Park and is the perfect place for those who are seeking a quieter stay.
There are a total of 25 sites at White Oaks Campground, all of which are equipped electrical and water hookups like those in Mountain Laurel Campground. Most of the sites are back-in, but there are some that are pull-through, which is easier for beginner RV drivers. There is one shower and restroom block in this single loop campground, but since there are only 24 sites you shouldn't have to wait too long to use these amenities. You will also have access to the dump station that is shared with the Mountain Laurel Campground.
Since White Oaks Campground is smaller it does tend to fill up faster, so reservations are often necessary in order to guarantee that you will have a site waiting for you.
First-come first-served
First-Come, First-Served
There are no first-come, first-served campgrounds at Table Rock State Park, but you are welcome to stay at any sites that aren't reserved prior to your arrival. Arriving without a reservation is a little risky, so it is recommended that you call ahead or book a site online so that you don't miss out on having a place to stay.
Alternate camping
Cabins
Cabin camping is the perfect option if you’re looking for a nice place to go for a family vacation and don’t want to stay in an RV camper. There are 14 cabins in the park that have everything you need for a luxurious stay if you didn't bring an RV. They’re fully furnished with some great amenities, including heat and air conditioning. You won’t even need to worry about bringing your own linens, as they are provided in the cabin.
There is also a refrigerator, microwave, utensils, and a coffee pot available for your convenience. You’ll get to choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom cabins, so there are sites suitable for groups small or large. You'll need to stay for a minimum of two nights in the cabins and make a reservation prior to your arrival. Unfortunately, pets aren't allowed in the cabins.
Group Camping
If you are planning on visiting Table Rock State Park with a group, you will have multiple options as to where you can stay. There are three separate group camping areas, all of which are primitive with no water, electrical, or sewer hookups. There is a central water collection point and outhouse available for use, but these are the only major amenities for those staying in this area of the park.
The group camping areas are great for tent camping, however, there are no RV sites in any of the group campgrounds. You will also have to walk around half a mile from the closest parking area to stay in the group areas. If you wish to stay at one of the group camping areas, you can call the park to reserve one of them in advance.
Tent Camping
Tent camping is allowed at both Mountain Laurel and White Oaks Campgrounds, but if you wish to get a little more in touch with nature you can also go tent camping at the Pine Point Camping Area. This is a tent-only place to stay located near the Visitor Center and has six sites for visitors to make use of. The campground is completely primitive with no services available, but it is only 880 feet away from some of the facilities within the park.
Reservations can be made for the Mountain Laurel and White Oaks Campgrounds, but the Pine Point Camping Area is walk-in only.
Seasonal activities in Table Rock State Park
In-Season
Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking
At Table Rock State Park, you have lots of options when it comes to boating. You can bring your own boat for the day or rent one from the park, and boating is allowed on both of the lakes all year round. If you wish to bring your own boat, you’ll need to head over to Lake Oolenoy, as Pinnacle Lake is for rentals only.
Lake Pinnacle is perfect for canoeing and kayaking too. It’s a great summer activity if you wish to go out and enjoy the calming atmosphere on the water while getting a little bit of exercise at the same time. Don't have a paddleboat with you? Luckily, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and even pedal boats inside the park year-round.
Swimming
While swimming from boats in either lake is not allowed, there are still swimming opportunities here in the park. There is a designated swimming area at Pinnacle Lake that is perfect for swimmers of all ages to enjoy, so this is the place to head to if you feel like splashing about. This is a sandy beach area with enough room to lay out on the sand before or after your dip, and there are even two diving boards you can jump from. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day until Labor Day, but swimming at your own risk is advised no matter what time you visit.
Hiking
Hiking is the way to go if you’re looking for an adventure and want to get up close and personal with this park’s namesake. Hiking to Table Rock is one of the most popular recreational activities in the park, and on the way, you’ll also get to discover the Pinnacle Mountains and see beautiful waterfalls and streams. You will have to register at either the main trailhead or the Visitor Center before hitting the trails. Make sure to be off the trail by sundown.
Off-Season
Birdwatching
There is lots of wildlife in the park, but there are especially lots of birds. When you visit here, you’ll see many of them, and if you’re up for it, you can try identifying all the ones you see with the help of a birding checklist. If you are a more serious birdwatcher, make sure that you check out the birding watching areas that are located near the Visitor Center and the White Oak Shelter.
Picnicking
There is no better way to relax during an RV road trip than enjoying a picnic in a serene setting. There are many picnic shelters and tables scattered throughout the park, and with all the natural scenery, they make for the perfect spots to hold a beautiful picnic. Pick the table that works best for you, invite your family and friends, and share some good food with some great company right here.
Fishing
The off-season is the best time to come fishing here because you won’t have as many people to deal with, further allowing you to enjoy the fresh air without any distractions. You can fish at both lakes in the park as well as along the ADA-accessible pier at Lake Oolenoy. Some popular species that can be caught include bass, bream, and catfish. Remember to bring your own fishing gear and make sure you have a South Carolina fishing license before you cast out a line.
