The Cayce, South Carolina area offers RV camping options within 30 minutes of downtown Columbia, generally at elevations of 200-300 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winters remain mild with occasional freezing temperatures at night.
What to do
Lake activities: Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina provides direct lake access for boaters and anglers. "This is a park on the East side of Lake Wateree. Not far off l-77. The owners are trying hard to improve the park. They have a security gate to keep passers by out. They have a nice deck near the boat ramp and have a little bar in the office," notes Charles F.
Pickleball: Big Rig Friendly RV Resort features multiple courts for this popular sport. "Beautiful large sites with pool, 4 pickle ball courts, clubhouse with large meeting room, full gym and very nice bathrooms," reports Bill M.
Flea market browsing: Located next to Barnyard RV Park, the Lexington Flea Market offers weekend shopping opportunities. "They have a large flea market next door," mentions Scott M., making it convenient for campers to browse local vendors without needing transportation.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Campers frequently mention the generous site dimensions at newer RV parks. "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," writes Nicole C. about Big Rig Friendly RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Palmetto Shores RV Resort maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "This park is really nice and clean! You can tell that it is well taken care of. The sites are large and far enough apart," Claire O. comments, though noting proximity to highway noise at certain sites.
Security features: Several parks implement measures to ensure camper safety. "They have a security gate to keep passers by out," mentions one reviewer about Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, providing peace of mind for overnight stays and during daytime activities.
What you should know
Monthly rates and long-term options: For extended stays, Magnolia Campground RV Park offers economical monthly pricing. "Call for prices, mine is below $400 a month. Included: 50 AMP Hookups, City Water, Gray/Black Dump at each site, Cable TV, Internet," shares Troy P., noting the park has nine permanent spots.
Campfire restrictions: Fire policies vary significantly between parks. At Barnyard RV Park, fires are prohibited entirely, while Wateree Lake RV Park provides fire pits at each site. Always check specific campground rules before planning evening campfires.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "Our sites were right next to the highway, I will say though we did tune the noise out the longer we stayed (and drank)," mentions Claire O. about Palmetto Shores RV Resort, suggesting site selection matters for noise-sensitive campers.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Palmetto Shores RV Resort offers multiple water features for children. "Palmetto shores has a nice outdoor activity area, a nice lake beach and a really nice pool and lazy River," reports Claire O., providing various ways for families to cool off during hot South Carolina summers.
Playground availability: Several RV parks near Cayce feature dedicated play areas. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort includes "playground, dog park and more," according to Rocky, making it suitable for families with both children and pets.
On-site dining: Some resorts offer food options, eliminating meal preparation for busy families. "Lots of amenities on the premises, including a really good restaurant!" Linda H. notes about Palmetto Shores RV Resort, providing convenient dining without leaving the campground.
Tips from RVers
Cell service reliability: T-Mobile coverage works well throughout the Cayce area, particularly at military-affiliated camping locations. Most parks also offer WiFi, with Charles F. noting "better than average/strong Wi-Fi" at Wateree Lake RV Park.
Laundry facilities: Pumphouse Road RV Park maintains on-site laundry facilities, allowing campers to handle this necessity without seeking off-site laundromats. This amenity particularly benefits long-term and full-time RVers.
Military connections: RV parks near Fort Jackson attract military families. "Stayed here for our sons basic training graduation. Perfect location. Far enough away from base but close enough to everything," reports Sean N. about Barnyard RV Park, highlighting its convenient position for those attending military events.
