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Best Campgrounds near Lexington, SC

328 Reviews

Camping options near Lexington, South Carolina include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and settings. Dreher Island State Park Campground on Lake Murray provides lakeside camping with tent and RV sites approximately 20 miles northwest of Lexington. Edmund RV Park offers sites closer to town, while Sesquicentennial State Park Campground provides camping opportunities about 25 miles northeast in Columbia. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Woodsmoke Family Campground also offering cabin rentals.

Access to campgrounds in the area remains consistent year-round, with most sites open throughout all seasons. Summer months typically see higher occupancy rates, particularly at waterfront locations. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays at popular parks like Dreher Island. "Dreher Island 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!" Many campgrounds provide electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary by location. Weather conditions remain relatively mild through winter, making year-round camping viable, though summer humidity and insects can be challenging.

Lakefront camping represents a significant draw for the region, particularly at Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray. The 50,000-acre lake provides opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling. Several campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, though privacy between campsites can be limited at some locations. Congaree National Park, located about 30 miles southeast of Lexington, offers a different camping experience with more primitive facilities but unique natural surroundings in its old-growth bottomland hardwood forest. Tent campers should note that some campgrounds in the region have limited grass or soil sites, with several reviews mentioning gravel or paved pads that may be less comfortable for tent setup.

Map showing campgrounds near Lexington, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lexington, South Carolina (73)

    1. Dreher Island State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    13 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"

    2. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    State Park, SC
    19 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."

    3. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Cayce, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 708-5122

    "Great location! This RV Resort has great amenities and staff along with their location! Awesome gym and club house plus beautiful pool! Staff are very friendly and welcoming! Check them out!"

    4. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Gadsden, SC
    24 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. Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Cayce, SC
    10 miles

    "This RV Resort has the largest sites around and also great amenities including pool, 4 pickle ball courts, clubhouse with large meeting room, full gym and very nice bathrooms ."

    "Fuel, groceries, beverages, service stations hardware stores and mini malls are just a 10 min drive away and for those who want home delivery of groceries they are phone call away for a very nominal price"

    6. Woodsmoke Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 781-3451

    7. Edmund RV Park

    1 Review
    Pelion, SC
    9 miles
    +1 (803) 955-4010

    8. Broad River Campgound

    4 Reviews
    Chapin, SC
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 749-9100

    "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."

    "Very quiet park, bathrooms were closed to overnight guests so didn't get to see them. Full hook ups(including sewer) which were easy to access."

    9. Magnolia Campground RV Park

    1 Review
    Cayce, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 465-1398

    $30 / night

    10. Kaleidoscope Farm

    1 Review
    Irmo, SC
    13 miles
    +1 (803) 414-9966

    $25 - $30 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Lexington, SC

91 Photos of 73 Lexington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lexington, SC

328 Reviews of 73 Lexington Campgrounds

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Nice for almost free camping

    We stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. The whole time we were there there was only usually about three or four other campers in the 21 spaces. Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window. This is totally dry camping and there are two sets of vault toilets. Nearest town was Whitmire about 7 miles away. Minimal facilities. Clinton and Newberry are both about 15 miles away and they both have plenty of shopping facilities. Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable.

  • Rocky The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Big Rig Friendly RV Resort

    Home Away From Home

    We are newbies at this life and spent our first winter here. We are from Nova Scotia Canada and were just astonished at how everyone treated use like a long lost friend had returned home. The amenities were great and the temp was very comfortable. At the site we made a new friend the railway engineer who past by every day and whistled every time as we waved back. That was great as we only have one train for all of Canada (no joke). Our  pooch "Henry the Hound" also made friends and was a hit with everyone he met. We had thought about other resorts before we saw this one but being here once we have decided to make this our winter home from now on. Fuel, groceries, beverages, service stations hardware stores and mini malls are just a 10 min drive away and for those who want home delivery of groceries they are phone call away for a very nominal price. This is a must stay place.

    Rocky/Cathie

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Barnyard RV Park

    No animals at the Barnyard.

    This is a nice, clean, open campground and RV park. Sites are big enough for most RVs. Mostly level, Some have cement pads. 30/50 amp, full hookups. Some Shade. Showers and bathrooms were clean and very nice. Good water pressure. My wife in was disappointed there were no animals.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Eden in Lancaster SC

    4.5 STARS Peaceful area.

    This is a nice place to stay for a peaceful and quiet getaway. It’s a good place to relax. The owner is very nice and accommodating to your needs. You’re about 10 minutes away from the town of Lancaster, South Carolina.

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Pine Acres Campground and RV Park

    Not a bad stay.

    Spent three weeks here for my husband's work. Many full time renter's. My neighbors were wonderful people. The office manager, Tammy, was absolutely amazing! There was no openings at any campground in the area and she was able to work it out for us to be able to move in. They are working on adding a lower area for more sites. Sadly, there are no trees down there. The current sites are pretty close together. I would not be able to open my awning all the way if I wanted to. This is a great spot for someone here working and needs a place. Not really a family vacation spot. It is quite busy within the park, people coming and going a lot. It's off a very busy road, noise pollution is a factor. I came to the conclusion that the owner is pretty focused on adding the new sites (makes sense, that's how you afford upgrades). That being said, fixing VERY large potholes seems like something you could easily keep up with. You are able to receive mail here. They have a bathhouse/bathrooms, laundry room and dumpsters.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    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.

  • Kevan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Dreher Island State Park Campground

    Needs Maintenance!

    SC state parks must have shortage of $$ or employees. I know they upgraded to full hook up RV sites in the Fishermen camp recently, but maybe, a little thought could have gone into grading and leveling. SMH Also, it’s a Sunday and the grounds look like they haven’t been mowed in weeks. Camper across from us brought a lawn mower 🤷🏼‍♂️. See attached pics. Fire ring is 5’ from the camper. Positive - the lake view.

    2nd SC park this year - SC DNR, do better.

  • Veronica S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Quiet, wildlife, pines

    After losing several nights of sleep at our previous campground, this one was a huge relief. Sites were spread out, but also the vibe was less “party all night” and more “sleep and then explore the park during the day.) Exactly my kind of vibe!

    The first night got a lot of rain and storms and several of the campers from sites farther back left saying they were flooded out. Our site did have some water during the storm but it was gone by morning. The tent pad stayed fully drained.

    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.

    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. I never did figure out where the spigot was at the visitor center, but I didn’t ask anyone (was going to fill up the morning we left, but they weren’t open/staffed yet).

    We had Verizon service. Enough to use Google image search to look up plants, animals, and mushrooms we had found.

Guide to Lexington

Camping near Lexington, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating on the lakes. At Dreher Island State Park Campground, one visitor said, "We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Poinsett State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "There are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground enjoy spotting local wildlife. One reviewer noted, "The area across the road from the site is undeveloped and recently cleared for forest maintenance but still looks nice."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A visitor at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground said, "Beautiful site right on Lake. Plenty of places to walk. Beautiful scenery."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Lake Wateree State Park Campground mentioned, "The nicest shower house I have ever seen. This is the standard we base all other campgrounds."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park said, "Camp Host was very helpful."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Santee Lakes KOA said, "Every site was just dirt and there was not much shade at our site."
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks if your site is sloped. A visitor at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground mentioned, "It is steep so big plenty of blocks!"
  • Water and Power: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground noted, "The shade provided by the trees was a welcome respite from the summer heat."

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Lexington, SC?

Dreher Island State Park Campground is among the best options near Lexington, featuring lakeside sites and excellent fishing opportunities. The park offers camper cabins with electricity, heat, air conditioning, and comfortable beds on their own secluded loop. The facilities are notably clean, and park rangers are helpful without being intrusive. For a more basic but affordable option, Edmund RV Park is conveniently located right near Lexington with water, toilets, and sites suitable for larger RVs. Both locations provide easy access to Lexington's amenities.

Are there tent camping sites with amenities near Lexington?

Yes, Sesquicentennial State Park Campground offers tent sites with amenities near Lexington. Located in the Columbia metro area, it provides both standard and primitive tent camping options with recreational areas nearby. The park has convenient access to restaurants and shopping. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park offers peaceful tent sites surrounded by old growth forest for just $5 per night. The natural setting provides a quiet escape while still being within reasonable driving distance from Lexington.

What are the top-rated camping grounds in the Lexington area?

Poinsett State Park Campground consistently receives high ratings for its unique landscape that 'looks nothing like South Carolina.' The park features numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, a lake, and a ranger station. Campers praise its natural beauty, calling it a 'hidden gem.' Another top-rated option is Chester State Park Campground, which is excellent for RVs and travel trailers with its well-maintained sites. While the terrain is somewhat rocky for tent camping, the park offers peaceful surroundings and is well-regarded by campers with recreational vehicles.

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