Perfect Camping for You in North Carolina and South Carolina! The Carolinas provide spectacular backdrops for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Johnny Molloy has traversed the entire region―from the alluring Blue Ridge Mountains to the saltwater-washed sands of the Atlantic coast―and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! The full-color, updated, user-friendly format lets you easily find 50 of the best campgrounds to fit your travel plans and meet your personal interests, with author selections based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal. Detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities help to narrow down your choices, and ratings for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness ensure that you find your perfect car-camping adventure. So whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, Best Tent Camping: The Carolinas is a keeper. Johnny Molloy is an outdoors writer based in Johnson City, Tennessee. Born in Memphis, he moved to Knoxville in 1980 to attend the University of Tennessee. It was in Knoxville that he developed his love of the natural world, which has since become the primary focus of his life. It all started on a backpacking foray into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That first trip, though a disaster, unleashed an innate love of the outdoors that has led to his spending more than 150 nights per year, over the past 25 years, tent camping, backpacking, and canoe camping throughout the United States and abroad. In 1987, after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in economics, he continued to spend an ever-increasing amount of time in natural places, becoming more skilled in a variety of environments. Friends enjoyed his adventure stories; one even suggested he write a book. Soon he parlayed his love of the outdoors into an occupation. His efforts have resulted in almost 80 books, ranging from hiking guides to paddling guides to camping guides and to true outdoor-adventure stories. His books have covered all or part of 26 states, primarily in the East. Johnny’s Carolina books include Top Trails: Great Smoky Mountains National Park ; Hiking North Carolina’s National Forests ; 50 Hikes in South Carolina ; Best Easy Day Hikes Charleston, South Carolina ; and Paddling South Carolina . Johnny has also written numerous articles for magazines and websites. He continues to write and travel extensively to all four corners of the United States, pursuing a variety of outdoor interests. For the latest information about the author, visit johnnymolloy.com. Cherry Hill Campground Beauty 5 Privacy 4 Spaciousness 5 Quiet 4 Security 4 Cleanliness 5 Cherry Hill is South Carolina’s finest Upcountry campground. KEY INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest, 864-638-9568; www.fs.usda.gov/scnfs - OPEN: April–October - SITES: 29 - EACH SITE HAS: Picnic table, fire pit, lantern post - WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes - ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation (877-444-6777; recreation.gov) - REGISTRATION: Self-registration - AMENITIES: Hot showers, water, flush toilets - PARKING: At campsites only - FEE: $15 - ELEVATION: 2,250' - RESTRICTIONS: - PETS: On leash only - FIRES: In fire pits only - ALCOHOL: At campsites only - OTHER: 6 people/site; 14-day stay limit Cherry Hill Campground is the focal point for the Cherry Hill Recreation Area. And as one of the best national forest campgrounds in the Southern Appalachians, it is a fine place to be. The campground, in the shallow upper valley of West Fork Creek, lies covered with an abundant understory beneath a towering forest of hardwood and pine. Just off SC 107 is the entrance to the campground. Immediately to the left is a circular turnaround, known as the overflow area. It once was home to a settler, whose chimney still stands just off the loop; a short path leads to the ruins. Four campsites have been carved into the woods there, but you must park on the loop and carry your belongings a few feet to these sites. The main campground lies beyond the overflow area on a short spur road that descends to tranquil West Fork Creek. Just past the self-service pay station are two sites isolated on their own miniloop. A water spigot is nearby. Three other sites are off the spur road before you reach the main loop, which makes a large oval beside the West Fork. All the sites along the West Fork are shrouded in rhododendron and are ideal for campers who like deep, lush woods. Four relatively open sites are on the inside of the main loop and offer a generous amount of space for even the most gear-laden camper. The sites away from the West Fork back against a hill beneath more open woods. Three w