Best Campgrounds near Pomaria, SC
The central South Carolina landscape surrounding Pomaria features a mix of state parks and national forest lands with diverse camping options centered around lakes and waterways. Dreher Island State Park, located on Lake Murray about 15 miles southwest of Pomaria, offers lakeside camping with both RV and tent sites, while Sumter National Forest's Brick House Campground provides more rustic experiences with hiking trails and basic amenities. Campers will find everything from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping, with several locations offering cabins and glamping accommodations. The Newberry/I-26/Sumter NF KOA in nearby Kinards provides year-round family camping with amenities like a camp store and shower facilities.
Summer heat and humidity significantly impact camping comfort in this region, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Many campers report mosquitoes as a persistent challenge, particularly at lakeside sites. "Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!" notes one Dreher Island visitor. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though Woods Ferry Campground operates seasonally from April through October. Heavy rainfall can create muddy conditions at less developed sites, particularly in Sumter National Forest areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during summer months and holiday periods, as lakefront sites fill quickly.
Water-based recreation dominates the camping experience around Pomaria, with fishing, boating, and paddling opportunities available at most campgrounds. Lake Murray at Dreher Island spans 50,000 acres and offers excellent fishing for largemouth bass, stripers, and crappie. Site selection varies considerably between campgrounds, with some locations better suited for RVs than tents. "If you are into tent camping, you will have to pitch the tent on gravel or pavement. Not the easiest pitch," reports one Lake Greenwood visitor. Campers frequently mention the quality of bathhouses as variable between locations, with state parks generally maintaining cleaner facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, various bird species, and the region's famous synchronous fireflies, which can be spotted at certain times of year.
