Best Tent Camping near Columbia, SC
Searching for a tent camping spot near Columbia? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your South Carolina camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Columbia, SC (6)
1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
Gadsden, South Carolina28 Reviews•100 Photos•4 SavesOverview
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
- Trash
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$25 / night
2. Blythewood Acres
Blythewood, South Carolina1 Review•8 Photos•4 Saves5 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
3. Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park
Be the first to review!Gadsden, South Carolina•5 Photos•2 SavesOverview
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
Recent Tent Reviews in Columbia
281 Reviews of 6 Columbia Campgrounds
- D
Douglas T.
Ranger
Palmetto Shores RV Resort
Lovely park
We both really enjoyed our stay. The dogs loved the dog park and I appreciated having bags to pick up after them. We had trash pickup and sites were easily navigable. Big park with a nice views of the water. They had a play ground, cabins, games. Just a very woodsy cozy place. Would stay again.
Kim L.Ranger
Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park
Small campground, walk in only
Ten site campground, all walk in. Sites 1 and 2 fairly short distance to walk. Campsites are spacious and clean. Pit toilets and solar powered device charger available in parking lot. Easy distance to access visitor center and main trails.
Katrin M.
Legend
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
Big campground on the lake
We camped here over the weekend with the pups. The state park has 2 different campgrounds. We decided for the Lakeshore one. It's pretty big with over 100 campsites. They have the usual amenities like fire pit, and picnic table with bench. Our was private, but the sites in the middle are not. The bathhouse was very clean with nice hot showers. The park has several trails, a visitor center, cabins on the water, at least 2 boat ramps with a bait shop. There are no trash cans near the campsites, there is one big dumpster at the entrance of the campground. It's about 1.30h to Folly Beach. We would definitely camp here again.
- NNick & Allyssa S.
GuideSandy 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.
Traveler
Lake Wateree State Park Campground
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!
- AAlisa H.
Scout
Poinsett State Park Campground
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.
- EEllen A.Guide
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.Ranger
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.
- TTerry S.Traveler
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
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.Guide
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
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.
- BBrian B.Guide
Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park
Nice peaceful setting
Nice campground. Campground has hiking/biking trails. Lake views from our site. Shower house was less than perfect, but adequate.
- BBrian B.Guide
Lake Wateree State Park Campground
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
- IIsabel B.Scout
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.TravelerAlston 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.TravelerWoodsmoke 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
James P.Legend
Santee Lakes KOA
Under the pines
Open lots under the pines.
- Addison C.Traveler
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.Guide
Chester State Park Campground
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.
- KKyle D.Scout
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.
- MMatt M.Scout
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.
- CCandice H.Traveler
Chester State Park Campground
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.
- jjohn H.Guide
Chester State Park Campground
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.
- SSarahTraveler
Sesquicentennial State Park Campground
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.
- MMike G.Scout
Little Cedar Creek Campground
Clean & Friendly
Nice site with trees and picnic table
- ccharles P.Scout
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.
- TTraciScout
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!!
- Bryan B.Scout
Sesquicentennial State Park Campground
Very beautiful and quiet
Many trails to hike on and many beautiful sites close to town but far enough for minimal traffic sounds
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 3.9-star rating from 28 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.