Top Tent Camping near Camden, SC

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Camden? Find the best information on tent camping near Camden, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Camden, SC (5)

    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    27 Reviews
    94 Photos
    2 Saves

    Overview

    This campground is located just off the park entrance road, approximately __ mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.__

    Recreation

    Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the campground.__

    Facilities

    Campers with reservations at the Longleaf Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center by car or by hiking on the Longleaf Trail. At the visitor center you can access the Boardwalk and find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the campground.__

    Natural Features

    Located in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, campsites are surrounded by pines and other trees. Campsites are generally in shade for large parts of the day. An open field in the middle of the campground is available for use by campers throughout the day, and this location offers campers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and the occasional southern fox squirrel.__

    Nearby Attractions

    Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres

    2. Blythewood Acres

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    4 Saves

    5 min from downtown Blythewood and exit 27 on I-77

    Water/Sewer/Power (20/30/50 pedestals) provided.

    Daily/Weekly/Monthly rates available

    Rural land in Blythewood down long driveway with locked gate. Circle drive, water connection from on-site well & septic dump station are available.

    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $45 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

    3. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Permitted Camping

    2 Reviews
    17 Photos
    7 Saves

    Camping is restricted to youth organizations involved in outdoor skills development or learning. A Special Use Permit is required. Each group/organization will complete a service project determined by the refuge manager or provide a copy of research/species list of the organization is a class group. A fire ring is provided, however if the refuge is under fire danger/drought conditions, open fires will be prohibited. Any other recreational group or research activity not specifically mentioned above may require a Special Use Permit. Please contact the refuge manager for more information or to apply for a Special Use Permit. Email us at carolinasandhills@fws.gov. All provisions of Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park

    4. Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park

    Be the first to review!
    5 Photos
    2 Saves

    Overview

    This is a hike-in campground that is located at the intersection of the Bluff and Firefly Trails, approximately 1 mile from both the Harry Hampton Visitor Center and the Longleaf Campground. It is surrounded by a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest. This campground is located at a higher elevation than the floodplain and is not subject to the flooding events that occur regularly in other parts of the park.

    Recreation

    Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the visitor center.

    Facilities

    Campers with reservations at the Bluff Campground have easy access to the park___s 27 miles of hiking trails. Campers can reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, boardwalk, and other hiking trails via either the Firefly or Bluff Trails. At the visitor center you find information on other trails to plan your trip into the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. Those who would like to explore and experience Congaree via canoe or kayak can launch from one of the park's two landings, located between 5-10 minutes by car from the visitor center.

    Natural Features

    Campsites are located on the edges of an open, grassy clearing in the mixed pine/hardwood forest, and is adjacent to an area currently undergoing restoration to a longleaf pine grassland/savanna. Depending on the time of day, sites may be the sun during the morning or afternoon/evening hours. This location offers opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

    contact_info

    For facility specific information, please call (803) 647-3970.

    Nearby Attractions

    Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.

    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $10 / night

    • No image available

    Recent Tent Reviews In Camden

    290 Reviews of 5 Camden Campgrounds


    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cane Creek Park
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Cane Creek Park

      Great spot for families

      Awesome spot for families and multiple night stays. Family environment comes with more noise but as long as you are expecting it you won’t be disappointed.

    • Tracie S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park
      May. 12, 2024

      Lake Wateree State Park

      Our Favorite Getaway

      This is one of our favorite spots! We can boat, fish, ride our golf cart, hang out by the fire and just enjoy the moment. It also has wonderful handicap accommodations. Hands down one of our favorites!

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Poinsett State Park
      May. 11, 2024

      Poinsett State Park

      Great camp site!

      We stayed here for our son’s first birthday, in campsite 30! It was beautiful and we felt like we had plenty of privacy. Our site had a trail attached to the back of it which was really nice for hiking and it was perfect distance from the bathroom! On the topic of the bathroom, the toilets were CLEAN! And I mean we were there for 24 hours and the bathroom was cleaned at least twice. Really nice, they might look a little scary on the outside though but don’t mind that any bit.

      For people that love hammocks, site 29 (right next to ours) has a bunch of perfect hammock trees. If we go again we will try to stay in that spot! Great place to stay.

    • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
      Apr. 24, 2024

      Alston Trailhead

      Nice free spot

      We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees.

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground
      Mar. 13, 2024

      Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground

      Small and peaceful under the pines

      We stopped heading south and north along I-95 to and from Florida.  Very easy off and on I-95.  Plenty of available spaces in off-season.  The campground is small and quiet.  Camp Host was very helpful. Sites were spaced reasonably far apart but there is no privacy between.  Not all sites have a water view, but most appeared fairly level. Not all sites have sewer access.  Our only complaint was lots of smoke from campfires and grills. Would stay again.

    • Kristen S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground
      Dec. 7, 2023

      Santee State Park--Lakeshore Campground

      Peaceful, good trails

      We were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind. Site has good trees for a hammock and near a path down to the lake for fishing/picnic/swimming. Beware there is a sharp drop off across from the site, so make sure whoever is backing in has a spotter out front.

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wateree State Park
      Nov. 1, 2023

      Lake Wateree State Park

      Nice campground

      Nice campground right on the lake. The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds. Staff and everyone around were super nice

    • Victoria F.
      Camper-submitted photo from Country Lane
      Oct. 23, 2023

      Country Lane

      Family friendly!

      I am the owner of this property and we adore it here! Come meet our family, sit by the fire, enjoy a nice quiet time with lots of space for your kids or furbabies to run! We are fenced in on all sides and surrounded by woods! There is a public landfill 1/2 mile away and there is a Dollar General 1/2 mile away!

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Country Lane
      Oct. 13, 2023

      Country Lane

      Local Convenient Overnight Spot

      Jake from the Dyrt here! Country Lane is a great local spot with a convenient location for an overnight stay.  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

    • I
      Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
      Oct. 8, 2023

      Alston Trailhead

      Amazing site, minus the train

      This site is awesome. The scenery is beautiful and it is super easy to access. You can hear coyotes howling at night.

      The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite.

      Everything else was perfect for us though!

    • Will C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
      Sep. 29, 2023

      Alston Trailhead

      Stay at TrailHead

      Beautiful place! Unfortunately no space for us to drive our bus to a camp spot but plenty of room in parking lot. Just a nice little spot to stop before hitting the road again.

    • T.  D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodsmoke Family Campground
      Sep. 19, 2023

      Woodsmoke Family Campground

      Overnight Stop

      Ok for overnight stop but wouldn't be a travel destination. Most sites seem to be long term or permanent sites. Very close to neighbor site, with fire pit being extremely close. Water, Sewer, Power, WiFi

    • Addison C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Alston Trailhead
      Jul. 13, 2023

      Alston Trailhead

      Amazing camp site

      There are several camp areas, fire pits and picnic tables at the beginning of the trail with a big gravel parking lot

    • Damon O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
      Jul. 5, 2023

      Chester State Park

      Favorite State Park in SC

      While this is a smaller park, it has a ton to offer. Rv and primitive sites, bathrooms with hot showers, playground for the kiddos, a lake with rental kayaks and paddleboats, and the camp host was super friendly. Easily my favorite state park in SC so far.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kaleidoscope Farm
      Jun. 15, 2023

      Kaleidoscope Farm

      Nice quiet site close to town

      Site and hosts were nice. It was easily accessible(made it in a lowered mustang). The site was pretty clean and had firewood cut and ready to go for is.

      Not far from the roadway so not quiet and isolated if that’s what you were looking for. We weren’t and the quick in and out was perfect.

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
      Jun. 11, 2023

      Chester State Park

      Nice Park

      Went for a group camping event. Would definitely recommend it for that. Nice amount of space. Nice lake without heavy motorized boat traffic.

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Chester State Park
      May. 25, 2023

      Chester State Park

      Great little state park

      Was surprised how nice, clean, and well maintained this park was considering the small town near it is not doing well at all.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Sesquicentennial State Park
      May. 21, 2023

      Sesquicentennial State Park

      Cute park convenient to Columbia

      We stayed in loop 2 at site 48 for 2 nights at the end of April. Chose this campground because we had an event in Columbia that we had to attend on our way back from a trip to Florida so we needed a place to stay for a few nights. 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. There was water but we had some trouble getting the pressure just right. Really good tv signal since the campground is right outside of the city. Only a 20-30 minute drive down the highway. The part of town you go through to get there is a bit rundown (not bad by any means but you wouldn’t know there was a park nearby). The park itself it quite lovely. There’s a small lake that rents paddle boats and kayaks. A nice camp store. Cute park and splash pad. I actually wish we could have stayed longer. We have family nearby and will probably stay here next time we visit. I would recommend visiting if you want a quiet low key getaway.

    • HThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lynches River County Park
      Mar. 8, 2023

      Lynches River County Park

      Relaxing stop along our route

      What a gem of a little campground. Stopped here 2 nights driving from NC to LA. I was the only person here those 2 nights. This place feels off grid with the convenience of hookups. Despite being small, it was very clean, everything worked as expected. Archery range, trails, nature center. Would come back here just to stay!

      Decent cell coverage. I stayed in site 1, there was a big clearing where I dropped the starlink - had great connection the entire visit.

    • cThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
      Feb. 24, 2023

      Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

      Great day adventure

      Me and my wife had a great time on the trail. Close to 4 miles long, and pretty easy. Great for a day adventure, or excercise. There is also a nature facility located at the trail head that provides knowledge of the area, and the wildlife.



    Guide to Camden

    Camping near Camden, South Carolina, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

    What to do:

    • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wateree State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "Plenty of fishing areas. Not much near the site for supplies, so bring your supplies if possible."
    • Hiking: Trails are available at places like Poinsett State Park Campground, where one camper noted, "The park is better suited for small rigs, although we did see a couple large motor homes that struggled to navigate the narrow road."
    • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park enjoy the natural beauty. A reviewer said, "Beautiful quiet place to camp, hike, or canoe/kayak."

    What campers like:

    What you should know:

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Andrew Jackson State Park Campground, may have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website."
    • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A reviewer 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 at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park advised caution, saying, "We were about 3 days early for the synchronized fireflies."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park said, "There are a couple of hiking trails and a short nature trail."
    • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Dreher Island State Park Campground enjoyed swimming and kayaking, stating, "We swam for an hour or two (ok, we just floated on our rafts!)"
    • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground suggested, "Overall a nice place to go. Staff is very courteous as well."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground mentioned, "Smaller sites but clean and friendly staff."
    • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Santee Lakes KOA noted, "We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks, the auto leveler was able to handle it well."
    • Plan for Tight Roads: Be prepared for narrow roads in some campgrounds. A visitor at Poinsett State Park Campground advised, "There are several excellent sites on the lake, which is for fishing or kayaking."

    Camping around Camden, SC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camden, SC?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camden, SC is Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Camden, SC?

      TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Camden, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.