Discover Clemson
14 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park
Small lakefront park on Lake Hartwell with a boardwalk, docks and manicured lawns — great for reflections, sunrise/sunset skies, and framing Clemson University and wooded shorelines. Easy paved paths and parking off Keowee Trail; wheelchair accessible. Best at golden hour or blue hour for low light reflections; weekdays and early mornings avoid local joggers and anglers. No entry fee; bring insect repellent in summer. Fall and spring add color to compositions.
Gateway Park
Small waterfront park offering lake/river shoreline, mature trees and walking paths for layered compositions, reflections and seasonal color. Easily accessible with parking; open to public year-round. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm light and calm water; weekdays reduce crowds. Accessible trails are compact—combine wide vistas and intimate tree-lined details.
Nettles Park
Small waterfront park on Lake Hartwell with shoreline, a boat ramp, docks and mature trees — great for sunrise/sunset reflections, long exposures of calm water, and seasonal foliage. Easily reached by car with a modest parking area; no gate or fee typical (check local signs). Best light: golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings avoid anglers and families. Accessible paths and picnic shelters make composition variety easy.
Ashley Dearing Park
Small lakeside park on Lake Hartwell offering shoreline, a short pier/boardwalk and tree-lined approaches — good for calm-water reflections, golden-hour skies and intimate landscape frames. No entry fee; small parking area off Berkeley Dr; paths are mostly flat and wheelchair-accessible. Visit at sunrise for glassy reflections and fewer people, or at sunset for colorful skies. Spring/fall add foliage variety; check weather for windless mornings to maximize reflections.
Jaycee Park
Small waterfront park on Lake Hartwell with shoreline, docks and mature trees — great for sunrise/sunset reflections, long-exposure water shots and intimate landscape compositions. Easy walkable paths and nearby parking; accessible for most gear. Best light at golden hour; weekdays and early mornings are quiet. Close to Clemson University and downtown for combined urban/lake shoots.
Rotary Park
Small lakeside park on Lake Hartwell offering shoreline, dock/pier views, mature trees and open lawns — great for water reflections, sunrise/sunset skies and intimate nature shots. Easy street parking, wheelchair‑friendly paths, no entry fee; best light at golden hour. Weekdays are quieter; nearby Clemson University adds local flavor.
Larry Abernathy Park
A wooden boardwalk over marshy shoreline and river channels offering close water reflections, reed-lined foregrounds and passerine/waterbird activity. Best at golden hour for warm side light and mirrored surfaces; spring/fall bring migration and color. Easy public access with parking nearby, flat ADA-friendly boardwalk, no entry fee. Weekday mornings have fewer people; expect bugs in summer and variable light under tree canopy.
Patrick Square Pond
Small reflective campus pond with tree-lined banks, seasonal color and often calm water ideal for mirrored compositions. Easy walk-up access from nearby parking on Clemson University grounds; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side light and long reflections, or after a rain for richer colors. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded; expect students and occasional events. Watch for waterfowl and tidal ripples from wind.
Earle Anderson Park
Small public park with shoreline views and open green space ideal for lakeside compositions, reflections, and intimate landscapes. Easy access from Lancelot Dr with free on‑site parking and generally no entry fee; paths are walkable and accessible. Best at sunrise or golden hour for soft light and reflections; weekdays and early mornings avoid local crowds. Seasonal changes (spring blooms, autumn color) add variety.
Clemson Park and Community Garden
Small riverside park with structured community garden beds, mature trees and walking paths — good for intimate botanical shots, seasonal color and relaxed landscape frames. Best at golden hour or overcast days for even light; weekday mornings are quieter. Easy roadside parking, no entry fee; mostly wheelchair-accessible paths. Combines local community character with natural textures and seasonal blooms.
Clemson Mural
A large, colorful public mural on College Ave celebrating Clemson spirit — ideal for vibrant wide shots, texture/detail close-ups, and environmental portraits with the university streetscape. Easy, free access at sidewalk level; no entry fee. Best light at early morning or late afternoon golden hour for warm tones and soft shadows; avoid game days and evenings when crowds spike. Street parking and nearby campus lots; sidewalk is narrow so be mindful of pedestrians. The mural’s scale and boldness
Clemson Area African American Museum
Small museum highlighting local African American history and culture—rich portraiture, archival photos, artifacts and a historic storefront façade on Butler St. Best visited weekday mornings or late afternoons for softer exterior light and fewer visitors. Interiors can be dim—check opening hours and entry/photography policies in advance; ask staff before shooting exhibits. Street parking and nearby public lots; be respectful when photographing people or community events.
W.C. Nettles Park
Small community park in Pendleton offering open lawns, mature trees, trails and picnic shelters — ideal for tranquil landscape and nature shots. Visit at golden hour for warm light and long shadows; spring and fall provide best foliage; weekday mornings have fewer visitors. On-site parking and easy, mostly flat paths make gear transport simple. No entry fee; pair a visit with nearby Pendleton Historic District for architectural context.
Clemson Gardens
Compact botanical gardens on the Clemson campus with seasonal beds, azaleas, camellias, specimen trees, ponds and formal borders. Best in spring for blooms and fall for color; golden hour brings warm tones and pond reflections. Public, no fee; parking nearby on weekdays without crowds. Paths are accessible but bring macro/wide gear for variety.