Top Tent Camping near Columbia, SC

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Columbia? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Columbia campgrounds for you and your tent. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your South Carolina camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Columbia, SC (6)

    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 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

    3. 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

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        Recent Tent Reviews In Columbia

        274 Reviews of 6 Columbia Campgrounds


        • NThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Oak RV Park
          Oct. 4, 2024

          Sandy Oak RV Park

          5 ⭐️ Hospitality— Great RV Park

          We called with very short notice looking for an overnight site. Though the campground was booked, the owners so graciously allowed us to park in the overflow parking which included water & electric. We even arrived at 10pm, and they were waiting at the gate for us! We were so pleased with the owner’s generosity and hospitality. We will definitely be back to take advantage of the swimming pond, paddle boats, fishing & playground!

        • 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.

        • EThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Oak RV Park
          May. 3, 2024

          Sandy Oak RV Park

          Quick stop for the night

          Needed a quick stop and contacted them last minute. They had a pull thru spot and were great at accommodating us. Shower, bathroom and laundry. Wow!

        • 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

        • 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.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Santee Lakes KOA
          Jul. 2, 2023

          Santee Lakes KOA

          Nice, no frills, stop over campsite

          We stopped here for a night on our way back to Florida. We were on C5 which was a very large pull through and relatively level. We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks, the auto leveler was able to handle it well. Power was stable and water pressure was good. Only things we did not like is that every site was just dirt and there was not much shade at our site.

        • 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.

        • 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.

        • T
          Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Oak RV Park
          Feb. 20, 2023

          Sandy Oak RV Park

          Absolutely one of the greatest rv parks

          Sandy Oaks is a wonderful park to stay in, whether overnight or extended stay.. friendly and knowledgeable owners who are very welcoming. Couldn't ask for better security. Would definitely recommend!!

        • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Blythewood Acres
          Jan. 19, 2023

          Blythewood Acres

          Level Sites

          Ashley here with The Dyrt, welcoming your host Mark! Water, sewer, power and dump station on site! These sites are level and waiting for your RV. Book them today and leave them some love.

        • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek RV Park
          Jan. 17, 2023

          Big Creek RV Park

          Primitive or Full Hook-ups

          Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Offering full hook up sites or primitive sites, this property has something for everyone. You can paddle out to the main lake from this location. Quiet setting. Give them a try and leave them some love!



        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

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

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbia, 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 Columbia, SC?

          TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Columbia, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.