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Best Campgrounds near Columbia, SC

364 Reviews

Columbia, South Carolina offers a range of developed campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground, located on the outskirts of Columbia, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, drinking water, and showers. Congaree National Park's Longleaf Campground, approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown, offers a more primitive camping experience with tent-only sites and basic facilities. Dreher Island State Park Campground, situated on Lake Murray about 30 miles northwest of Columbia, features lakefront camping with full hookups for RVs and designated tent areas.

The summer months bring intense heat and humidity to the region, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic, particularly near water sources. "Nice quiet spot not far from Columbia. Love the elevation change which is rare in Midlands of SC," noted one visitor about Poinsett State Park. Spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and are generally considered the optimal seasons for camping in the area. Most state park campgrounds require reservations, which can be made up to 13 months in advance, while Congaree National Park's sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service varies throughout the region but is generally reliable at developed campgrounds closer to Columbia.

Waterfront camping opportunities rank highly among visitors to the Columbia area. Lake Murray at Dreher Island State Park provides popular shoreline sites with swimming and boating access. A camper described it as "lakeside camping paradise" with "breathtaking" sunset views over the water. Several campgrounds feature full hookup sites for RVs alongside more rustic options for tent campers. Congaree National Park offers a unique camping experience among old-growth bottomland hardwood forest, providing a stark contrast to the more developed state park facilities. Proximity to Columbia allows campers to enjoy urban amenities while still experiencing natural surroundings. Sesquicentennial State Park, despite being "firmly in the middle of the Metro area" according to one review, maintains a forested setting with hiking trails and a small lake for paddling.

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Best Camping Sites Near Columbia, South Carolina (65)

    1. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "I live in downtown Columbia, so its only a short drive away. Love the bike and hiking trails. Very nice area to kayak in, I love all the Lilly pads."

    2. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    29 Reviews
    Gadsden, SC
    15 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."

    "While there are two campsites here, a quick backwoods camping trip (which is free with a permit you get from the visitors center) is the way to go and experience this wilderness right outside of Columbia"

    3. Weston Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Columbia, SC
    7 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"

    4. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    27 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!"

    "In my never-ending quest to discover the most perfect campground haven, after a rather intense amount of research, I landed on Dreher Island smack dab in the very center of South Carolina, where my daughter"

    5. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Cayce, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 708-5122

    "We found this campground while traveling through Columbia SC and made a late evening reservation. We were able to reserve online and even pick our camping spot."

    "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!"

    6. Poinsett State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Wedgefield, SC
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 494-8177

    "Nice quiet spot not far from Columbia. Love the elevation change which is rare in Midlands of SC."

    "It looks nothing like South Carolina as you enter the gates. After half a dozen ups and downs and right turns you find yourself in a clearing and a large parking lot, a lake and a ranger station."

    7. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cayce, SC
    13 miles

    "This RV Resort has the largest sites around and also great amenities including pool, 4 pickle ball courts, clubhouse with large meeting room, full gym and very nice bathrooms ."

    "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"

    8. Magnolia Campground RV Park

    1 Review
    Cayce, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 465-1398

    $30 / night

    9. Kaleidoscope Farm

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

    $25 - $30 / night

    10. Blythewood Acres

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

    $45 - $55 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Columbia, SC

106 Photos of 65 Columbia Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Columbia, SC

364 Reviews of 65 Columbia Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • RAYMOND The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Santee Lakes KOA

    Needs Work

    We stay here twice both times were just OK. The pool is crowded and murky, suggesting it good us a good cleaning. We stay for 4th of July weekend and can only describe the experience as a free for all. With camper literally on top of each other and spreading into the next camp site. Our neighbor’s site consisted of a RV, a large six-person tent and a pick-up truck tent parked half on our site. We ventured down to the lake swimming area and doing doughnuts near or on top of the swim boundary line most of the day. To recap– can’t swim in the dirty pool and can’t swim in the lake. In fairness the KOA as made some improvement since our stay but not enough for us to go back.

  • 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.

  • Kevan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Needs Maintenance!

    SC state parks must have shortage of $$ or employees. I know they upgraded to full hook up RV sites in the Fishermen camp recently, but maybe, a little thought could have gone into grading and leveling. SMH Also, it’s a Sunday and the grounds look like they haven’t been mowed in weeks. Camper across from us brought a lawn mower 🤷🏼‍♂️. See attached pics. Fire ring is 5’ from the camper. Positive - the lake view.

    2nd SC park this year - SC DNR, do better.

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Quiet, wildlife, pines

    After losing several nights of sleep at our previous campground, this one was a huge relief. Sites were spread out, but also the vibe was less “party all night” and more “sleep and then explore the park during the day.) Exactly my kind of vibe!

    The first night got a lot of rain and storms and several of the campers from sites farther back left saying they were flooded out. Our site did have some water during the storm but it was gone by morning. The tent pad stayed fully drained.

    The fireflies were very pretty and interesting. We saw other wildlife around the campground too. A lizard during a walk during the day. Many frogs during the rain at night.

    The vault toilet was disgusting, covered in splattered poop and very smelly. I sometimes drove to the visitor center to use the flush toilet and sink there. I never did figure out where the spigot was at the visitor center, but I didn’t ask anyone (was going to fill up the morning we left, but they weren’t open/staffed yet).

    We had Verizon service. Enough to use Google image search to look up plants, animals, and mushrooms we had found.

  • RAYMOND The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Taw Caw Campground and Marina

    Another great stay

    Stayed for the Memorial Day weekend. As is usual it was a great stay. We were at Site J and I which continues to be a favorite. The only drawback is the proximity to the fishing dock and cleaning station. The traffic is heavy at times with multiple golf carts invading your site. The other drawback is the noise at night. During our stay there were young adults raising cane on the dock after 10pm. It’s not bad if you are in an RV, however if you are in a tent you will probably lose sleep.

  • Rosie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Outside Inn Campground

    Such a great place

    Small RV park which also has a lot of animal’s. There is a great trail walk and lots of animals bunnies, pigs, donkeys, chickens, goats and a guinea fowl! I would certainly come back. We stayed in a pull thru #16 which was level.

Guide to Columbia

Camping near Columbia, SC, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wateree State Park Campground, provide great opportunities for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, “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.”
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Poinsett State Park Campground. A visitor shared, “The park is better suited for small rigs, although we did see a couple large motor homes that struggled to navigate the narrow road, trees, and tight turns.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park are perfect for spotting wildlife. One reviewer noted, “Beautiful quiet place to camp, hike, or canoe/kayak.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Wateree State Park Campground said, “The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds.”
  • Shaded Campsites: Many sites are shaded, making them comfortable during hot days. A camper at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground mentioned, “The park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park said, “Camp Host was very helpful.”

What you should know

  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground noted, “Sites seem too closed to each other.”
  • No Wi-Fi in Some Areas: If you need internet access, be aware that some campgrounds, like Poinsett State Park Campground, have limited or no Wi-Fi. A visitor mentioned, “There’s no wifi or cell service in camping section!!”
  • Bring Supplies: Many campgrounds are remote, so it’s best to bring your own supplies. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground advised, “Not much near the site for supplies so bring your supplies if possible.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, “Nice pool, pet friendly.”
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground said, “Plenty of place to walk. Beautiful scenery.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A camper at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, “There were a lot of mosquitos, ants, bugs etc.”

Tips from RVers

Camping near Columbia, SC, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Columbia, SC for families?

Sesquicentennial State Park Campground is ideal for families, offering both trailer and tent sites in the heart of Columbia's metro area. Kids will enjoy the recreational areas, pond, and beginner-friendly walking trails. Another excellent family option is Dreher Island State Park Campground, which provides lakeside campsites, fishing opportunities, and camper cabins with electricity, heat, and air conditioning. The park's cabins are particularly appealing for families new to camping, featuring bunkbeds and full beds in a clean, comfortable setting with helpful park rangers nearby.

What outdoor activities are available at camping sites around Columbia, SC?

Poinsett State Park Campground offers a diverse range of outdoor activities with its unique terrain featuring elevation changes rare in the Midlands. Visitors can explore numerous hiking and mountain biking trails through its distinctive landscape. For water-based recreation, Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park provides spacious campsites with access to boating, fishing, and swimming. Hiking enthusiasts should consider Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, where you can explore the old-growth forest through well-maintained trails at an affordable $5 per night camping fee.

Are there RV parks with full hookups near Columbia, South Carolina?

Big Rig Friendly RV Resort is specifically designed for RV campers near Columbia, offering full hookup sites that can accommodate larger recreational vehicles. For a family-oriented option with full amenities, River Bottom Farms Family Campground provides comprehensive RV facilities in a setting geared toward family entertainment. Chester State Park Campground is particularly well-suited for RVs and travel trailers, though note that tent campers might find the sites too rocky for comfortable setup. Most state parks around Columbia also offer varying levels of RV hookups, but availability should be confirmed before arrival.

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