Columbia area camping offers diverse options within 30 miles of South Carolina's capital city. Most sites feature wooded or lakeside locations with level terrain suitable for both tent and RV camping. While state parks dominate the camping landscape, Columbia also offers military recreation areas and newer private RV resorts. The region's mild winters and extended camping season make it popular year-round, though spring and fall provide more comfortable conditions than summer's high humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails: Poinsett State Park Campground provides extensive trail systems for all skill levels. "Poinsett State Park has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the Palmetto State. You could spend multiple days camping here and have a chance to hike different trails every day," notes Jason F. The park serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby Congaree National Park.
Boating and fishing: Lake access represents a major recreation draw at several area campgrounds. Boat rentals are available at some locations, though availability can be limited. "They have a swimming area, fishing area and a dock for boating. Great place to meet new friends," reports a visitor to Lake Wateree State Park.
Mountain biking: Several parks maintain dedicated mountain biking trails. "I prefer to stay at Poinsett State Park in the fall, winter, or spring as it is located in the sandhills and it can be pretty hot and buggy in the summer. This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby," writes Jodi B.
Wildlife viewing: Longleaf Campground in Congaree National Park offers unique wildlife spotting opportunities. "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," shares Veronica S. The park is particularly known for synchronous fireflies in season.
What campers like
Urban access with natural settings: Sesquicentennial State Park Campground provides a woodland retreat minutes from downtown Columbia. "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," notes Clean Slate D.
Trail systems: Many campers appreciate the extensive hiking options adjacent to campgrounds. "I camp at Sesqui very often. I live in downtown Columbia, so it's only a short drive away. Love the bike and hiking trails. Very nice area to kayak in, I love all the Lilly pads," shares Tara M.
Water recreation: Lakefront camping remains particularly popular. "We stayed in lot #15 a couple weeks ago, and it was beautiful! Peaceful and restful is how I'd describe our experience," writes Sally C. about Lake Wateree State Park. Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing access.
Spacious sites: Broad River Campground receives praise for its layout and amenities. "We've stayed here two months and enjoyed it. 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," reports Will J. The campground also features extensive trail systems behind the property that many visitors discover during their stay.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Most popular campgrounds fill completely during peak seasons and weekends. Lake Wateree State Park is particularly difficult to book. "Good views and boat access. It is relatively small and reservations are difficult to get," advises Kevin B.
Site limitations: Many Columbia area campgrounds have restrictions or challenges for larger RVs. "The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes. The road to the campground is a little better, but also very narrow. It would be difficult to pull off to let another vehicle pass without fear of ending up off the road or hitting a tree," cautions Jason F. about Poinsett State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "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," reports Veronica about Longleaf Campground. In contrast, Big Rig Friendly RV Resort earns praise for its newer facilities: "Fitness center and laundry are new and nice."
Weather considerations: Summer camping brings significant heat, humidity, and insects. "First, in the parks defense, it was probably not the best idea to stay here during the summer time. July? Hottest month of the year? South Carolina? The bugs were massive," writes Matt G. about Poinsett State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Pools and splash zones provide relief during hot weather months. "I enjoy doing the trails and spotting dear. And there is a small water play area for children. They have paddle boats also," notes Ruth J. about Sesquicentennial State Park.
Recreation facilities: Many campgrounds maintain playgrounds and open fields. "Shaded, a large field for the children to run and play with their new-found friends, and a nice recreational building available for campers to use, complete with games, books, tables, and electricity," writes Trina W. about Poinsett State Park.
Educational opportunities: Weston Lake Recreation Area on Fort Jackson offers a unique military camping experience. "The campground was nice, the RV spaces had nice concrete pads and nice cabins. There will be various bugle calls throughout, morning, day and night. You may hear firing range training going on in the distance," reports Thomas H., noting this creates unique learning opportunities for children.
Site selection: For shorter walks with camping gear, choose carefully. "About 300 feet from the parking lot so easy to walk into and make trips back to the car or motorcycle in my case," explains J P. about Longleaf Campground. However, this same campground requires planning: "Definitely bring a wagon for packing your stuff in and prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Several campgrounds present challenges for leveling. "Our spot did have some water during the storm but it was gone by morning. The tent pad stayed fully drained," notes Veronica S. about Longleaf Campground's drainage capabilities.
Hookup access: Placement of utility connections varies significantly between campgrounds. "I was in a spot that had the hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side. I ended up buying an additional 20 ft. of dumping tubing ($60)," reports Troy P. about Weston Lake.
Size limitations: Large RVs face restrictions at many Columbia area campgrounds. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," cautions Lindsey M. about Poinsett State Park. Several campgrounds have narrow entrance roads and tight turns not suitable for big rigs.
