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Best Tent Camping near Columbia, SC

291 Reviews

Congaree National Park, located 30 minutes southeast of Columbia, South Carolina, offers two dedicated tent-only campgrounds for primitive tent camping experiences. Longleaf Campground features 10 walk-in tent sites with varying distances from the parking area, while Bluff Campground provides 6 more secluded tent campsites accessible via a one-mile hike. Both campgrounds cater exclusively to tent campers seeking a natural experience within the old-growth forest ecosystem. Backcountry tent camping is also available with a free permit obtained from the visitor center. The park's location approximately 40 miles from downtown Columbia makes it accessible for weekend tent camping trips while providing a complete immersion in nature.

Tent sites at both campgrounds require preparation and self-sufficiency. No potable water exists at either campground, with the nearest water source located at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. Campers should bring all necessary water or be prepared to make trips to the visitor center. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables, but minimal other amenities. The terrain features numerous tree roots that can make tent setup challenging, particularly for larger tents. Vault toilets are available at the Longleaf parking area, but Bluff Campground has no facilities. The lowland location means sites can flood during heavy rains, with campers reporting occasional site drainage issues.

Spring and fall offer optimal tent camping conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures. One camper noted that "in the spring, the bugs were practically non-existent," making it possible to enjoy nighttime stargazing. The synchronous fireflies in May attract many tent campers, with visitors describing this natural phenomenon as worth enduring the more challenging summer conditions. According to reviews, sites 2, 8, and 10 at Longleaf provide the most privacy, while site 1 offers the easiest access from the parking area. The campgrounds provide excellent access to the park's boardwalk and trail system. Campers frequently mention the abundant wildlife, including frogs, lizards, birds, and insects that create what one visitor described as "a symphony of sounds" throughout the night.

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Best Tent Sites Near Columbia, South Carolina (5)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Columbia, SC

11 Photos of 5 Columbia Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Columbia, SC

291 Reviews of 5 Columbia Campgrounds

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • Hannah W.
    Mar. 11, 2022

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Great stay!

    Stayed here for a few nights with a friend for spring break. The staff were very friendly and answered all the questions that we had. We were tent camping and the campsite was perfect! Had a picnic table, fire ring, plenty of space to pull the car in, level ground for the tent, and trees for hammocking. The bathroom facilities were very clean, and were right by the campsites. In terms of activities, there are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center. We rented a paddleboat and got to see some wildlife on the water (cranes, turtles, and even a couple little gators). Overall, this was a perfect state park, great for a quiet getaway.

    (Side note: the bugs were practically nonexistent in March when we visited, but we were told that they can get bad in the summer months)

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 29, 2017

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Bluff Campground the way to go for quiet, peaceful park oasis

    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. For $5 per night, Bluff Campground was the perfect spot to hole up for a few days and relax surrounded by the old growth forest of Congaree National Park.

    Our time at Congaree was different from the other national parks we visited, because South Carolina had just undergone major flooding and much of Congaree -- especially its trails -- were under water.

    With no crowds and not much to explore, our three days in the park was very relaxing. We chose Bluff Campground -- a one-mile walk-in campground near the visitor center -- because we knew it would be less popular than Longleaf Campground, and we knew we’d be spending a lot of time there. The one mile hike seemed further than we thought because of our heavy loads, but once we arrived at our camp, set up our tent, chairs, hammocks, and slack line, we were able to just make the easy walk in and out each day.

    The campground itself has no facilities; its only amenities are the fire ring and picnic table at each site. We encountered only one other camper in our two nights here. We did encounter many mosquitoes, though, so don’t forget bug spray!

    At Congaree, there are several hiking trails and kayaking trails that we would have liked to do, but with our plans foiled by rain, we spent time at the visitor center, around the short boardwalk trail adjacent to the visitor center, and kayaking through the flooded plains, straight off the boardwalk.

    You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Congaree)

  • Thomas H.
    Mar. 21, 2022

    Weston Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful

    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 are completed. The receptionist said they’ve been working on it for maybe 4 years. Hopefully it’ll be completed sooner than later. The grounds could be kept up a little better as could the restrooms/bath houses but I imagine they lost some revenue due to the lake being closed for dam repairs.

    There isn’t any concerns getting back here, the biggest rigs will not have any problems. All sites are large concrete pads, FHU. Most sites are spaced very well, some better than others but you won’t be on top of anyone whichever site you’re at. They have a large concrete patio area, nearly the size of the pad itself with a picnic table and fire pit/grill and stand alone grill.

    Verizon cell coverage is adequate. I had 2 bars and LTE, sometimes 5G. Not like being in the city but sufficient. No wifi.

    There are cabins and tent sites as well. This isn’t a large campground but there were still a few open spaces.

    There will be various bugle calls throughout, morning, day and night. You may hear firing range training going on in the distance. You should expect this and it should not be seen as negative, you’re on a military campground.

    Current RV site price a night is $35, if you have a National park pass it’s $32.50. Despite the lake being off limits right now I will still come back. Once it’s opened back up I’m sure it will be more busy, right now it’s very peaceful.

  • R
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Wateree State Park Campground

    Busy campground

    I can see why this is a busy campground. Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store. No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that’s not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through. We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us. Only negative was I that I was bitten up by mosquitoes and I used bug spray ( obviously I need a better kind) and citronella buckets. Even with a packed campground for the holiday weekend it was relatively quiet especially by 11. This campground tends to be booked solid on weekends so important to make reservations. Also not much for stores close by so pack well. Oh and no alcohol sales on Sunday’s in the county.

  • 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

  • Matt C.
    Oct. 30, 2021

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    We tent camped for the weekend in mid October. The park was probably 80% full, but didn’t seem crowded. All the spaces were spread out and the sites were level. We stayed at site 30, so it was a close walk to the bathhouse, with plenty of space, picnic table, and fire ring. The bathhouse was in fair condition, but the hot water was limited. The mens bathroom definitely needed to be cleaned. There were lots of trails, a pond, and a park for thing to do. T-mobile service barely worked. Check out our review https://youtu.be/pL1zgad0rN0

  • M
    Jun. 23, 2018

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Congaree National Park Longleaf Campground

    If you like seclusion this campground is for you. The campground is primitive. There are 10 single sites that you have to walk into from the parking lot. Not a very long walk but just enough to feel secluded from traffic and other people. It has no showers, vault toilets and no running water. There is potable water at the visitor center and also flush toilets. The trails are very nice and well kept. Depending on when you go you may be the only ones on the trail. The wildlife is very neat it makes you feel like you are in a mini rainforest. There are snakes, skinks, lots of birds, insects and fox squirrels.

Guide to Columbia

Tent camping near Columbia, South Carolina offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tent campers should check out Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

  • The Longleaf Campground features spacious, walk-in sites that provide a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Located near the visitor center and main trails, this campground allows easy access to hiking and exploring the natural beauty of Congaree National Park.
  • With no electric hookups or showers, campers can truly disconnect and enjoy a more primitive camping experience.

Enjoy local activities at Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park

  • The Bluff Hike In Campground offers a unique hiking experience, requiring a hike-in to reach the secluded sites, perfect for adventurous campers.
  • Surrounded by the lush landscape of Congaree National Park, this campground is a great starting point for exploring the park's diverse wildlife and scenic trails.
  • Campers can enjoy the tranquility of nature without the distractions of modern amenities, making it a true escape.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Blythewood Acres

  • Blythewood Acres provides level sites with electric hookups, making it a convenient choice for those who want a bit more comfort while camping.
  • The campground is equipped with water and sewer hookups, ensuring a hassle-free stay for tent campers who appreciate added conveniences.
  • With a welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, Blythewood Acres is perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy the outdoors together.

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 4.1-star rating from 29 reviews.

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

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

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