Best Campgrounds near Blythewood, SC

Blythewood, South Carolina provides access to several developed campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering a mix of camping experiences from state parks to family-oriented private campgrounds. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground, located about 15 miles south in Columbia, features both tent and RV sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and water access. Lake Wateree State Park Campground, situated northeast of Blythewood, provides another state-managed option with boat-in access and waterfront sites. Smaller private operations like Blythewood Acres and Kaleidoscope Farm offer more intimate camping environments with limited amenities, while Congaree National Park's Longleaf Campground presents a more primitive experience for tent campers seeking natural surroundings.

Campground options near Blythewood generally remain open year-round, with South Carolina's mild climate allowing for extended camping seasons compared to northern regions. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly during spring and fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Sites with electrical hookups and full amenities tend to book quickly, especially at popular locations like Dreher Island State Park. Limited primitive camping opportunities exist, primarily at facilities like Alston Trailhead, which offers free camping with minimal amenities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region due to proximity to Columbia and major transportation corridors. A camper noted, "The sites were level and the living space was separated a bit more. It was across from the bathhouse which is quite convenient."

Based on multiple reviews, tent and RV sites at Sesquicentennial State Park receive positive feedback for their cleanliness and available amenities, though several campers mention sites can be uneven and challenging for larger rigs. The park's proximity to urban areas creates a unique experience that one reviewer described as "close to town but far enough for minimal traffic sounds." Water features represent significant draws at several campgrounds, with Lake Wateree and Dreher Island State Parks offering boat access and water recreation opportunities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at Congaree National Park, where primitive camping provides a more immersive natural experience. Campers should note that while proximity to Columbia provides convenience for supplies, some reviewers mention this comes with trade-offs: "It is in the middle of town and nothing to really see," wrote one visitor about Sesquicentennial State Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Blythewood, South Carolina (65)

    1. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    State Park, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 788-2706

    "The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups."

    "The park is in Columbia SC, and is a great choice for families who may want to do things outside the park. The park is super close to the Riverbanks Zoo."

    2. Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Great Falls, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 482-6401

    "While there are a few hiking trails, if you don’t have a boat or canoe you will be missing out on most of the appeal of this park."

    "We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us."

    3. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 364-4152

    "This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"

    "I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made"

    4. Blythewood Acres

    1 Review
    Blythewood, SC
    2 miles
    +1 (803) 312-4381

    $45 - $55 / night

    5. Broad River Campgound

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 749-9100

    "They have an open area in a field and then a few sites more spread out with some trees scattered around. We got one of the spread out sites and quite liked our spot."

    "Very quiet park, bathrooms were closed to overnight guests so didn't get to see them. Full hook ups(including sewer) which were easy to access."

    6. Kaleidoscope Farm

    1 Review
    Irmo, SC
    8 miles
    +1 (803) 414-9966

    $25 - $30 / night

    7. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    31 Reviews
    Gadsden, SC
    28 miles

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Having been on the road for about three months before coming to Congaree, we were happy to arrive to such a quiet and tucked-away campground."

    "We were at site 7, it took about 250 steps from the parking lot to our site. All sites have lots of shade. The campground is next to a pond that gets rather loud at night."

    8. Weston Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Columbia, SC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 751-5253

    $33 - $35 / night

    "Lake views. Boat rental available. Summer time swim beach. Spacious sites. No laundry at campground. Closest is about 3 miles away. Entrance road is really rough."

    "I was stationed at Jackson from’07-‘09 and the only thing that has really changed is the dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs"

    9. Woodsmoke Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 781-3451

    10. Alston Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 771-0870

    "Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees."

    "But we laughed, it was like being a kid where you could hear the train off in the distance and would ride your bike to go watch it pass."

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Recent Reviews near Blythewood, SC

342 Reviews of 65 Blythewood Campgrounds


  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Family Adventures on Lake Murray

    I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made camping easy with kids. The campground sits right on Lake Murray, so the kids spent hours swimming, skipping rocks and spotting herons, while short hiking trails gave them just enough adventure without wearing them out. With boat ramps, fishing spots and wide-open lake views, it felt like a true escape, yet I had peace of mind knowing everything was family-friendly and close by when we needed it. Evenings ended around the campfire with tired, happy kids and a beautiful lakeside sunset.  I would highly recommend this place!

  • Allissa F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    One night stay

    I stayed at the site closest to the parking lot. It’s a quick walk. I only stayed one night so I didn’t bring everything to the site, but if I did, it would be nice to have a second person or a wagon. There’s a two-stall pit toilet in the parking lot and trash/recycling cans. Att signal was 1 bar, no signal problems. There is a convenience store with sandwiches, ice, beer, and groceries in Gadsden 8 min away which was convenient. Just a couple minutes from Congaree national park. Bring bug spray!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Good Campground

    This campground is one of my regular stops. It is well kept.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Nice for almost free camping

    We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. The whole time we were there there was only usually about three or four other campers in the 21 spaces. Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window. This is totally dry camping and there are two sets of vault toilets. Nearest town was Whitmire about 7 miles away. Minimal facilities. Clinton and Newberry are both about 15 miles away and they both have plenty of shopping facilities. Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable.

  • Rocky The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Home Away From Home

    We are newbies at this life and spent our first winter here. We are from Nova Scotia Canada and were just astonished at how everyone treated use like a long lost friend had returned home. The amenities were great and the temp was very comfortable. At the site we made a new friend the railway engineer who past by every day and whistled every time as we waved back. That was great as we only have one train for all of Canada (no joke). Our  pooch "Henry the Hound" also made friends and was a hit with everyone he met. We had thought about other resorts before we saw this one but being here once we have decided to make this our winter home from now on. Fuel, groceries, beverages, service stations hardware stores and mini malls are just a 10 min drive away and for those who want home delivery of groceries they are phone call away for a very nominal price. This is a must stay place.

    Rocky/Cathie

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Well spaced sites with good amenities. Set in the woods, making it easy to forget you're in Columbia! Quiet, lots of birds in the spring. Easy drive to Congaree, which we highly recommend.

  • Sarah B.
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Cane Creek Park

    Always a great time when we go

    We have been here 3 times all for a week at a time and love it. Holidays usually have some activities for kids. The mini golf is free and a blast. The swim area is only open on Saturdays or you can drive to the day use side and be over there.


Guide to Blythewood

Camping near Blythewood, South Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Dreher Island State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Poinsett State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park enjoy spotting various wildlife. One review noted, "Great for a day adventure, or exercise."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park said, "The shower house was less than perfect, but adequate."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are paved, but don’t expect completely level."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of park staff. One camper at Cane Creek Park noted, "The park ranger regularly patrols, making it feel safe."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, lack certain amenities. A camper pointed out, "No electricity, but there’s LTE connection."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!"
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a draw, some campers advise caution. A review from Ebenezer Park Campground noted, "The lake was very pretty and very busy. If you don't own a boat, there is not much to do."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A camper at Cane Creek Park mentioned, "There are several playgrounds for kids to play."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. One visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground shared, "They had trick-or-treating around the park as well as prizes for the best decorated."
  • Safety Measures: Many parks have security patrols. A camper at McDowell Nature Preserve noted, "The campground is guarded by two gates and I saw the police patrol around a few times after hours."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Santee Lakes KOA said, "Every site was just dirt and there was not much shade at our site."
  • Leveling Blocks: Some sites may require leveling blocks. A camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park mentioned, "We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks; the auto leveler was able to handle it well."
  • Plan for Tight Spaces: Be prepared for tight backing in at some campgrounds. A visitor at Ebenezer Park Campground noted, "Tight spot for 42 ft trailer and no area next to the camper to sit unless you want to fall back from the steep grade."

Camping near Blythewood, South Carolina, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Blythewood, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Blythewood, SC is Sesquicentennial State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.