Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Columbia, SC

Sesquicentennial State Park Campground features pet-friendly camping sites with electrical and water hookups. Located on Two Notch Road in Columbia, this established park accepts both tent and RV campers with pets throughout the year. The campground maintains clean facilities with showers, toilets, and a dump station. Weston Lake Recreation Area and Poinsett State Park also welcome pets at their campsites and cabin accommodations. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings where campers can enjoy meals with their dogs. The park's spacious layout provides room for dogs to exercise while on leash. Campsites are situated among pine trees, creating natural shade for pets during hot summer months.

Hiking trails throughout Sesquicentennial State Park provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, though pets must remain leashed at all times. The park's lake offers scenic views but prohibits swimming for both humans and pets. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort and Woodsmoke Family Campground provide additional pet-friendly options in the Columbia area, both featuring full hookups and designated pet areas. Campers note that while sites in Sesquicentennial's second loop are more spaced out with trees, they can be uneven and challenging for larger RVs. Wildlife encounters are possible, so keeping pets secured is essential. The nearby urban location means veterinary services are readily accessible should pets need medical attention during their stay.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Columbia, South Carolina (46)

    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. 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"

    3. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

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

    "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."

    "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."

    4. 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."

    5. 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 ."

    "Bsths with showers, playground, dog park and more."

    6. Magnolia Campground RV Park

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

    $30 / night

    7. Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Great Falls, SC
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 482-6401

    "We love state park campgrounds and Lake Wateree State Park is a great one. Sites are right on the lake, paved, spacious, clean, well maintained with fire pits, water, electric and picnic tables."

    "While there are a few hiking trails, if you don’t have a boat or canoe you will be missing out on most of the appeal of this park."

    8. Broad River Campgound

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 749-9100

    "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."

    9. Woodsmoke Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 781-3451

    10. Christina's Paradise

    Be the first to review!
    Hopkins, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (704) 651-4220

    $75 - $115 / night

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Columbia, SC

366 Reviews of 46 Columbia Campgrounds


  • S
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Not too crowded

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

  • J
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    In the middle of Columbia SC

    Built to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of South Carolina in the 30’s . At one time on the furthest outskirts of Columbia SC. It is now firmly in the muddle of the Metro area. Plenty of trailer sites. Tent site and primitive camping. Has recreational areas. Restaurants and shopping nearby

  • Julia R.
    Feb. 6, 2022

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Camper Cabins R Great!

    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…AND IT WAS ALL VERY CLEAN! Very helpful and friendly park rangers available, but not “in your face” 😉 We had a wonderful time! Kayaking, paddle boarding(both mine) and brought our boat to put in at their small, but efficient, Marina! Beautifully well kept grounds…but left to age untrained on ginormously stellar Lake Murray, South Carolina(Mid-state) I would HIGHLY recommend a visit/stay to this family, pet, everyone friendly State Park!!!

  • A
    Nov. 28, 2020

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Decent campground

    Busy park, but if you're visiting the Columbia area a fine place to stop. They have a dog park and our pup loved getting to run off leash. Campsites are pretty close together and some are a little on top of each other but we were in spot 79. It was a pull through and the living space was separated a bit more. It was across from the bathhouse which is quite convenient.

  • B
    Jan. 20, 2025

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Beautiful large sites with great amenities

    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 . Full laundry and playground, dog park and more

  • B
    Jan. 20, 2025

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Extra large sites with great amenities

    Beautiful large sites, mostly pull thru with pool, pickle ball courts, full gym, large clubhouse wit meeting room. Bsths with showers, playground, dog park and more.

  • Nicole C.
    Jan. 30, 2024

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Really nice place

    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.

  • Alyssa F.
    Sep. 7, 2016

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Peaceful, but a little busy

    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!

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Family Adventures on Lake Murray

    I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made camping easy with kids. The campground sits right on Lake Murray, so the kids spent hours swimming, skipping rocks and spotting herons, while short hiking trails gave them just enough adventure without wearing them out. With boat ramps, fishing spots and wide-open lake views, it felt like a true escape, yet I had peace of mind knowing everything was family-friendly and close by when we needed it. Evenings ended around the campfire with tired, happy kids and a beautiful lakeside sunset.  I would highly recommend this place!


Guide to Columbia

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Columbia, South Carolina, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Columbia

Pet owners like the spacious sites and amenities

  • Broad River Campground is known for its well-maintained grounds and spacious sites, providing plenty of room for pets to roam.
  • At Woodsmoke Family Campground, the friendly staff ensures a welcoming atmosphere for both you and your pets, making it a comfortable stay.
  • Little Cedar Creek Campground features sites with trees and picnic tables, creating a cozy environment for you and your furry companions.

Dog owners appreciate the welcoming atmosphere

  • Christina's Paradise is a new listing that offers a friendly environment, perfect for pet owners looking for a relaxing getaway.
  • Edmund RV Park is praised for its quiet setting and accommodating staff, making it a great choice for those traveling with pets.
  • Mr Z's RV Park provides essential amenities and a welcoming vibe, ensuring a pleasant experience for you and your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Columbia, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Columbia, SC is Sesquicentennial State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Columbia, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 dog-friendly camping locations near Columbia, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.