68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several good camping spots surround Sumter, South Carolina, giving you different options depending on what you're looking for. Lake Wateree State Park Campground has sites right by the water, which works well if you want to fish or take a boat out. Poinsett State Park Campground is known for hiking trails that go through the woods. Reviews State Park is another solid choice with clean facilities and generally quiet surroundings. You'll need to make reservations at these parks, which becomes especially important during busy times of year. Check on fire rules before you go since they can change based on conditions. Some campsites at these parks give you more privacy than others - you'll find both tucked-away spots and more open areas. Getting to these campgrounds is straightforward with paved roads that take you right in. These parks work well for both quick weekend trips and longer stays.
"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."
"There were not too many people camping during our visit, but it could be that not many people want to stand the South Carolina heat! Either way, it made the visit quiet."
"We were at site 46, which is near the entrance and the camp host. Short walk to the bathhouse directly behind."
"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."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Must have access to Shaw afb to stay. 20 per night. No long term prices. No stay limit."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"This 25 acre campground is tucked in on the North side of Lake Marion in SC. Great staff friendly and helpful. I'll will be back"
"This is a picturesque campground just across Lake Marion from Santee SC with water views and beautiful sunsets."
"Great little park about 20 minute drive from Florence. Clean bathrooms. My dog was a bit confused by seeing horses for the first time. Super friendly staff."
"Love seeing the horses around the campsites."
"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."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
ScoutCheck in was easy, folks friendly. Water pressure to RV was weak, not sure we had 50 amp electric voltage, cause our battery level was down to 1/3 in am. It was very hot, ran two AC’s, and have electric fridge. Still trying to figure out why, when plugged into power, our battery level is lower then when we plugged into pole.
ScoutGreat service .Tent camp here every year .
LegendIf you're looking for a rustic RV depot on the water's edge with limited amenities, but an absolutely pristine view of Lake Marion, Harry's Fish Camp is a great spot, as long as your expectations are managed, as this is more of an outdoor fishing paradise than it is a polished RV resort. So if your idea of the perfect camping trip starts with launching the boat before sunrise, spending the day chasing trophy catfish and striped bass on the legendary Lake Marion and returning to camp for a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the water, you'll feel right at home. Tucked away in the quiet community of Pineville, Harry's is one of those classic Santee Cooper fish camps that has earned its reputation through generations of anglers rather than flashy marketing. The atmosphere is relaxed, authentic and refreshingly unpretentious.
The campground caters to both RV campers and anglers, offering full-hookup RV sites, bathhouse facilities, showers, laundry, a dump station and pet-friendly accommodations. The real stars, however, are the waterfront amenities: two boat ramps, four fishing piers, a fish-cleaning station with running water and electricity, a well-stocked tackle shop and convenient boat storage. There's also a sandy swimming beach nearby with a designated swimming area for families looking to cool off after a day on the water. While the campground isn't luxurious, it delivers exactly what its guests come for: easy access to some of the best freshwater fishing in the Southeast.
Harry's location places you in the heart of the famed Santee Cooper lake system, encompassing more than 170,000 acres of world-class fishing and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass, catfish, crappie or striped bass, you're launching directly into one of the country's premier freshwater fisheries. Birdwatchers and paddlers will also appreciate the surrounding cypress swamps and quiet backwaters. If you need supplies, Billy's General Store is just a short drive away for fuel, groceries and last-minute essentials, while Harry's own restaurant is well known locally for its fried catfish and traditional Southern cooking.
Insider's tips? Here's a handful: (1) Arrive early if you're planning to launch a boat during peak fishing weekends as this place turns into a 'traffic jam' on the water from 8am onwards; (2) If available, request one of the waterfront campsites for easy access to the marina and beautiful sunrise views; (3) Bring plenty of bug spray during the warmer months as mosquitoes can be incredibly active around the marshes; (4) Don't leave without trying the fried catfish dinner at Harry's restaurant ... trust me, it's part of the whole experience while staying here; (5) If you're bringing your own boat, take advantage of the on-site fish-cleaning station before heading home; and (6) If you're visiting for several days, consider hiring one of the area's experienced fishing guides to learn the seasonal patterns of the Santee Cooper lakes.
Happy Camping!
GuideThis is a lovely park but construction in progress at campground during our stay so heavy equipment running during weekdays
GuideCute little park we really enjoyed it!
ScoutIt's been an amazing trip. Got to see a alligator for the first time in my life. It was awesome. The staff was awesome,had a great time enjoying the beauty of nature
ScoutGreat spot. Beautiful views. Lots of shade. Spot 57 would be hard to park in with a trailer due to having to climb the embankment a bit.
TravelerI was impressed by the cleanliness and the amenities available at this campground. There’s a dog park, splash pad and climbing wall(hours depend on the time of year) There are also walking trails and a way to access the water.
Lots of room at the site so even if it was busy, still wouldn’t be too close to neighbors!
ScoutWe arrived after hours and the ease of arrival and the spot we chose were amazing. We wish we had more time to spend with yall.
Camping spots near Sumter, South Carolina are scattered throughout the Midlands region, where sandy soil and pine forests define the landscape. The area sits at elevations ranging from 170-200 feet above sea level with hot, humid summers reaching 90°F+ and mild winters with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. Weather patterns can shift quickly, particularly during spring and fall transition seasons.
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: At Poinsett State Park Campground, trails wind through a unique blend of Midlands and Lowcountry terrain. "This is a good place to stay to mountain bike, there are two trails in Poinsett and Manchester State Forest is nearby," notes Jodi B., who recommends the cooler seasons for visits.
Wildlife watching opportunities: The wetlands at Congaree National Park offer excellent bird and wildlife viewing. "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.
Paddling experiences: Many local waterways provide calm water for beginners. "Lake Marion is a great place for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Camp sites are mostly level and have water and a variety of electrical hookup options," explains Jason F. about Cypress View Campground.
Natural swimming areas: The region offers alternatives to crowded pools. "We camped here to see the synchronous fireflies, and loved our stay! The hiking was excellent, and the fireflies were one of the most magical things I've ever seen!" reports Trina W. at Longleaf Campground.
Convenience to major parks: Some campgrounds serve as strategic bases. "This is a great base to visit Congaree National Park which is a little less than an hour away. The hiking trails are very nice," says George P. about Poinsett State Park.
On-site food options: Some campgrounds offer dining conveniences. "Store was stocked well, and had a pizzeria inside," reports Ryan D. about Santee Lakes KOA, while another camper adds, "If you don't feel like cooking, order their awesome pizza, wings and they will deliver it to you by golf cart."
Challenging access roads: Some parks have difficult entry routes. "It's not easy to get in here with anything bigger than a full size pickup. The park road is very narrow and uneven with lots of large pot holes," warns Jason F. about Poinsett State Park.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites may collect water. "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," reports Veronica S. about Congaree National Park.
Seasonal insect activity: Plan for bugs during warm months. "Definitely bring a wagon for packing your stuff in and prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go! The heat in June is also pretty bad," advises Jacinda S. about camping at Congaree.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer features specifically for children. "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!" says Alisa H. about Sesquicentennial State Park, while another camper notes, "They have a dog park and our pup loved getting to run off leash."
Choose shaded sites in summer: Tree cover makes a significant difference in comfort. "Great news—my site had lots of trees, there's a lake to swim in, and the showerhouse had A/C!" shares Lindsey M. about Poinsett State Park.
Consider cabin options: Alternative accommodations work well during extreme weather. "The WPA era cabins are great. They have all the amenities you need for a little getaway, including a fireplace," suggests Jodi B. about historical options at Poinsett.
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "Long RVs and trailers may have trouble with the trees and turns of the campground," warns Lindsey M. about Poinsett State Park.
Check leveling conditions: Some parks have uneven terrain. "Sites were tight for a rig that big but we made it work. Our site was level, others were definitely not," explains Molly F. about Santee Lakes KOA.
Arrival assistance: Some parks provide setup help. "They have a check in station at the gate so you don't even have to get out of your vehicle. Then they have people on golf carts take you to your site which is great!" shares stefny A. about the arrival experience at Santee Lakes KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free or low-cost camping options near Sumter, SC?
Budget-conscious campers near Sumter should consider Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park, which offers sites for only $5 per night. This quiet, tucked-away campground is surrounded by the old-growth forest of Congaree National Park, providing an affordable natural escape. Another economical option is Lynches River County Park, which offers tent camping at reasonable rates and includes amenities like a splash pad and outdoor activities, making it a great value for families traveling on a budget.
What are the best campgrounds in Sumter, SC?
For top camping options near Sumter, Poinsett State Park Campground is a standout choice with its unique terrain that 'looks nothing like South Carolina.' The park offers multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, beautiful scenery, and well-maintained facilities. Another excellent option is Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCamp, which provides convenient accommodations for those wanting to explore the Sumter area. Both campgrounds offer a mix of natural beauty and accessibility that make them popular choices for visitors to the region.
How far are Sumter campgrounds from nearby attractions and parks?
Sesquicentennial State Park Campground is strategically located on the outskirts of Columbia, about 45 minutes from Sumter, offering easy access to metropolitan attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The park itself features recreational areas and walking trails. For those looking to explore natural attractions, Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park is approximately an hour from Sumter and provides access to Lake Marion. The campground offers spacious sites and a variety of activities, making it an excellent base for exploring the Santee Cooper Lakes region and its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.
Keep Exploring
