Best Campgrounds near Elgin, SC

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Elgin. Elgin is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Elgin, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Elgin, South Carolina (64)

    1. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    State Park, SC
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 788-2706

    "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."

    "The park is in Columbia SC, and is a great choice for families who may want to do things outside the park. The park is super close to the Riverbanks Zoo."

    2. Lake Wateree State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us."

    3. Weston Lake Recreation Area

    6 Reviews
    Columbia, SC
    12 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"

    4. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    27 Reviews
    Gadsden, SC
    23 miles

    $15 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "We were at site 7, it took about 250 steps from the parking lot to our site. All sites have lots of shade. The campground is next to a pond that gets rather loud at night."

    5. Poinsett State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Wedgefield, SC
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 494-8177

    "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."

    "We recently visited South Carolina and after spending the weekend visiting nearby Congaree National Park, we opted to stay at Poinsett State Park for 4 nights in our Mercedes Sprinter campervan."

    6. Blythewood Acres

    1 Review
    Blythewood, SC
    10 miles
    +1 (803) 312-4381

    $45 - $55 / night

    7. Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp

    3 Reviews
    Camden, SC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 928-8373

    "The lakeside tent area provided beautiful scenery with access to restrooms and showers. It wasn’t too crowded as it was military members only and you can’t beat the price for a lakeside spot."

    8. Little Cedar Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Camden, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 309-1973

    9. Columbia Camden RV Park

    1 Review
    Elgin, SC
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 206-9954

    10. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 364-4152

    "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!"

    "In my never-ending quest to discover the most perfect campground haven, after a rather intense amount of research, I landed on Dreher Island smack dab in the very center of South Carolina, where my daughter"

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Showing results 1-10 of 64 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Elgin, SC

384 Reviews of 64 Elgin Campgrounds



Guide to Elgin

Camping near Elgin, 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 in this area.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wateree State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, “Great park with waterfront sites. Plenty of fishing areas.” If you enjoy boating, this park is also a great choice.

  • Hiking: Explore the 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.” The trails are perfect for a leisurely hike or a more intense workout.

  • Wildlife Watching: At Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, you can enjoy the beauty of nature. One reviewer said, “Beautiful quiet place to camp, hike, or canoe/kayak.” Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife!

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the stunning views at Dreher Island State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “Absolutely gorgeous sunrise, sunset, and when I was there the moon was full.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper mentioned, “The shower house was less than perfect, but adequate,” highlighting the overall good maintenance.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at places like Andrew Jackson State Park Campground. A review stated, “Small but well-maintained, friendly staff.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, have limited amenities. A camper noted, “No electricity, but there’s LTE connection.” Be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Santee Lakes KOA can get busy. One visitor said, “Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!!” If you prefer peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week.
  • Site Size Variability: Campsite sizes can vary. At Ebenezer Park Campground, a camper mentioned, “Tight spot for 42 ft trailer and no area next to the camper to sit unless you want to fall back from the steep grade.” Check site dimensions before booking.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Santee Lakes KOA. A reviewer said, “Campground was clean. Very nice lake and swimming area.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Some areas can have a lot of bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Poinsett State Park Campground noted, “There were lots of mosquitos, ants, bugs etc.” Bring bug spray to keep the little ones comfortable.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. One camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground mentioned, “Great campground. Clean and friendly staff.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Accessibility: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads. A visitor at Andrew Jackson State Park Campground said, “The sites are not all level, so pay attention to the description on the park website.”
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: If you’re parking in a sloped area, make sure to have leveling blocks handy. A camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park noted, “Not all sites have sewer access.”
  • Stock Up on Supplies: Many campgrounds are remote, so bring your own food and supplies. A visitor at Lake Wateree State Park Campground mentioned, “Not much near the site for supplies so bring your supplies if possible.”

Camping near Elgin, SC, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Elgin, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elgin, SC is Sesquicentennial State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 28 reviews.

What parks are near Elgin, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Elgin, SC that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.