Camping opportunities near Camden, South Carolina include both lakeside and wooded sites with varying levels of amenities. Lake Wateree borders the eastern edge of the region, providing water access for campers at several locations. Summer temperatures regularly reach the mid-90s with high humidity, making shaded sites particularly valuable during peak season.
What to do
Lake activities: Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina offers direct access to Lake Wateree with a dedicated beach area. "The beach area is super nice to spend a day on the water with your family," notes Jake, who visited in 2021. The park includes a boat ramp for those bringing watercraft.
Trail exploration: Lee State Park Campground features multiple hiking trails through woodland areas. "Check out the artesian wells and other nature spots," suggests camper Eddie. The park combines natural features with equestrian facilities for a unique outdoor experience.
Bird watching: Spring camping at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground provides excellent bird watching opportunities. A camper mentions, "Set in the woods, making it easy to forget you're in Columbia! Quiet, lots of birds in the spring."
What campers like
Security features: Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina offers enhanced security measures that guests appreciate. Charles F. noted, "They have a security gate to keep passers by out." This added safety feature helps maintain the peaceful camping environment.
Quiet surroundings: Broad River Campground provides a peaceful atmosphere away from urban noise. Will J. shared, "The vibe is residential/family oriented... Felt safe. Felt reserved." The campground's layout includes both open field sites and more secluded options with scattered trees.
Trail network: Behind Broad River Campgound lies an extensive trail system many visitors overlook. "There are a bunch of trails behind the campground. I don't think a lot of people knew the scope of how extensive the trail system was - but it was really pretty back there," explains Will J.
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Site proximity varies considerably between Camden area campgrounds. At Broad River, a camper observed, "They have an open area in a field and then a few sites more spread out with some trees scattered around."
Distance to supplies: Some campgrounds require planning for provisions. One camper at Broad River noted, "Campground is pretty far from restaurants, grocery stores, etc. so plan accordingly."
Equestrian presence: Big Rig Friendly RV Resort offers spacious, level sites suitable for larger rigs. "This place was well thought out when it was being built, lots of space, great level sites, nice dog park," reports Nicole C. The resort continues to develop additional amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Sesquicentennial State Park includes a splash park specifically designed for children. A camper named Ruth mentions, "There is a small water play area for children. They have paddle boats also."
Kid-friendly hiking: The trails at Sesquicentennial State Park are manageable for younger hikers. CeCelia L. shared, "I took a group of 8 wild middle schoolers here and we had a blast hiking the trails, boating, and unplugging for a while!"
Wildlife viewing: Lee State Park offers opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer. Ruth J. shared her experience: "I enjoy doing the trails and spotting dear [sic]." The park's natural setting provides good wildlife habitat.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade preferences at Wateree Lake RV Park. Chad L. explains, "This location has 2 RV lots. Riverside is heavily wooded which provides a ton of shade on the hot summer days. Taylor Creek is newer with less trees providing lots of open space and great for Solar regeneration."
Signal strength: Cell service and internet connectivity vary across Camden area rv sites. At Wateree Lake RV Park, Charles F. reported "better than average/strong Wi-Fi," which is valuable for those needing to stay connected.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads may require careful navigation. Some campgrounds have gravel roads that can develop issues after rain. Assess road conditions upon arrival, especially when driving larger rigs.
