4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Sesquicentennial State Park Campground offers pets-allowed sites throughout its camping area, with both tent and RV accommodation options available. The park features several loops with varying levels of privacy between sites, with Loop 2 providing more space and tree cover than the full hookup area. Water and electric hookups are standard at most sites, though the campground does not offer sewer connections at regular sites. The park provides clean, heated bathrooms and hot showers that are regularly maintained by attentive camp hosts. Sites include standard amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, though visitors note that some sites may not be level, particularly for larger RVs over 25 feet. The campground is remarkably quiet despite being located just off a busy road in Columbia, creating a peaceful natural setting while still providing convenient access to urban amenities. Campgrounds near Blythewood, South Carolina are listed with photos on The Dyrt.
Lake Wateree State Park Campground allows pets throughout its camping areas, offering a more secluded alternative about 25 miles north of Blythewood. The park provides boat-in access in addition to traditional drive-in sites, making it ideal for campers bringing both pets and watercraft. The campground includes essential amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, all while maintaining a more natural setting than urban parks. Wateree Military Recreation Area and FamCamp at Shaw AFB also accepts pets with cabins available for those seeking more substantial accommodations than tent camping. Most sites in the region require pets to remain leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units. The splash pad and extensive trail system at Sesquicentennial provide excellent opportunities for families camping with dogs to enjoy outdoor activities, though swimming is not permitted in the park's lake.
"My bf and I rented a camper cabin-electricity, heat, air, bunkbeds + full bed…secluded from the rest of the park, located on its own loop, separate showers(2) + 3 stalls + changing room in the public restrooms"
"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!"
Available this weekend
"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."
"Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees."
"There are train tracks right next to the site, and trains do pass by, so expect some noise."
"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"
from $33 - $35 / night
"The lakeside tent area provided beautiful scenery with access to restrooms and showers. It wasn’t too crowded as it was military members only and you can’t beat the price for a lakeside spot."
"This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days."
"This is a park on the East side of Lake Wateree. Not far off l-77. Has what you need. Full hookups picnic table and a fire pit. The owners are trying hard to improve the park."
from $45 - $55 / night
"This super cute cabin is nestled beside a small pond at the bottom of a hill and surrounded by trees. Book your stay and leave them some love."
from $80 / night
"This place was well thought out when it was being built, lots of space, great level sites, nice dog park. Fitness center and laundry are new and nice."
"Great location! This RV Resort has great amenities and staff along with their location! Awesome gym and club house plus beautiful pool! Staff are very friendly and welcoming! Check them out!"
TravelerIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
TravelerGreat camping ground, perfect for a last minute night with my four legged friend! Very nice welcome center, trails and facilities.
RangerWhen I’m traveling through the area, I do my best to stay here. It is a peaceful and well kept campground. It is an adult and a kid friendly environment. It’s one of the few places you can feel safe. I highly recommend this place.
GuideWhat a lovely little find! We spent the night at Enoree River Vineyards & Winery and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Arriving in our RV was a bit of a squeeze navigating the trees near the entrance, but we managed to get through without any problems.
Once settled, we headed inside for a wine tasting, and that’s where the experience really shone. Kelly looked after us and was absolutely delightful—friendly, welcoming, and a pleasure to chat with. She made the tasting even more enjoyable.
The wines were excellent, the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting, and we enjoyed ourselves so much that we couldn’t resist leaving with three bottles!
A fantastic place to spend the night, unwind, and enjoy some delicious local wine. We’d happily visit again and would definitely recommend it!
ScoutThis is a restricted use Army Travel Camp managed through MWR. It is open only to those holding military ID cards.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
GuideThis is a lovely park but construction in progress at campground during our stay so heavy equipment running during weekdays
Campgrounds near Blythewood, South Carolina offer diverse camping experiences across central South Carolina's Midlands region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 300-500 feet in a humid subtropical climate zone. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons when temperatures range from 60-80°F.
Trail exploration at Alston Trailhead: The free Alston Trailhead campground connects directly to the Palmetto Trail system. "There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot," notes Addison C. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound as "You can hear coyotes howling at night," according to Isabel B.
Water recreation at Lake Wateree RV Park & Marina: This lakeside campground provides direct water access for boating and swimming. "The beach area is super nice to spend a day on the water with your family," reports Jake. The marina allows campers to bring their own watercraft or rent equipment on-site.
Military recreation at Fort Jackson: Weston Lake Recreation Area on Fort Jackson offers varied outdoor activities despite current lake restrictions. "The dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs are completed," explains Thomas H. The recreation area still provides nature trails and field sports facilities.
Quiet surroundings at Broad River Campground: Despite being accessible, this campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere. "We've stayed here two months and enjoyed it. The vibe is residential/family oriented," shares Will J., who also discovered "a bunch of trails behind the campground... it was really pretty back there and we explored and found a lot of beautiful little places."
Spacious sites at Big Rig Friendly RV Resort: Campers appreciate the thoughtful layout and generous spacing between sites. "This place was well thought out when it was being built, lots of space, great level sites, nice dog park. Fitness center and laundry are new and nice," notes Nicole C. The resort's amenities earn consistent praise from visitors.
Shaded woodland camping at Sesquicentennial State Park: The park's natural setting provides a welcome retreat from urban surroundings. "Really nice shaded campground and very reasonably priced. Clean bathhouse. Stand was unpacked but level! Staff were friendly and very welcoming," reports Sue W. The pine forest setting creates a fragrant natural experience.
Train noise near primitive camping: The free camping at Alston Trailhead comes with one notable drawback. "The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite," warns Isabel B. Ron K. adds, "Twice in the night the train came through. But we laughed, it was like being a kid where you could hear the train off in the distance."
Limited service options at dog friendly campgrounds near Blythewood: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. "No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that's not a bad thing!" notes Ramona K. about Lake Wateree State Park. Campers should prepare for limited connectivity, especially at more remote locations.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require careful site selection for larger RVs. "We didn't encounter any humans from check in to check out, but had no issue finding the site. Decent little place with what appears to be mostly full timers. It was quiet. To date, our most unlevel site we have found," reports Joe R. about Woodsmoke Family Campground.
Shallow swimming areas for children: Lake Wateree State Park provides safe swimming options for families. "The swimming area is by the office/shop. There is a really lovely strip of shaded picnic tables where we spent the hottest hours of the day. The water is pretty shallow, so the littlest ones had plenty of space to play and swim without us having to worry," shares Jen G.
Youth group accommodations: Sesquicentennial State Park works well for larger youth groups. "I took a group of 8 wild middle schoolers here and we had a blast hiking the trails, boating, and unplugging for a while!" says CeCelia L. The park's combination of trails and water activities keeps children engaged.
Pet-friendly options for family dogs: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Blythewood accommodate four-legged family members. The Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area offers lakeside tent camping that works well for families with pets. "This was my family's first time tent camping in the cold weather and it wasn't that bad. The lakeside tent area provided beautiful scenery with access to restrooms and showers," explains Christopher B.
Hookup positioning challenges: Some RV sites require extra equipment for proper hookups. At Weston Lake Recreation Area, Troy P. notes: "I was in a spot that had the Hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side. I ended up buying an additional 20 ft. of dumping tubing ($60)."
Long-term stay options: For extended visits, consider pricing differences between campgrounds. "Once back in Columbia, SC after Thanksgiving I am moving to a park that is only $390 a month as I will be in Columbia for a while," shares Troy P., highlighting the cost savings available for monthly stays compared to nightly rates at premium locations.
Spacious concrete pads at pet-friendly parks: For those traveling with RVs and pets, concrete pads provide stability advantages. "Sites are right on the lake, paved, spacious, clean, well maintained with fire pits, water, electric and picnic tables," explains Kevin A. about Lake Wateree State Park Campground, making it an excellent option for dog owners seeking sturdy RV parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Blythewood, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Blythewood, SC is Dreher Island State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Blythewood, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Blythewood, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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