Camping spots near Irmo, South Carolina are primarily situated along Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir that serves as the central outdoor recreation feature in this region. The area sits at approximately 350 feet above sea level in the South Carolina Piedmont, creating a transitional landscape between the Sandhills and the Midlands. Water levels in Lake Murray fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline conditions and boat launch accessibility at campgrounds.
What to do
Mountain biking at Sesquicentennial State Park: Located 20 miles from Irmo, this park offers several trails for biking enthusiasts. "[We] had a blast hiking the trails, boating, and unplugging for a while!" notes a visitor at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground.
Kayaking on Lake Murray: Rent watercraft at Dreher Island State Park and explore the numerous coves and inlets. One camper mentions, "My daughter and I, as well as the family who joined us, spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking and enjoying one of the best lakes we've ever experienced."
Hiking the Palmetto Trail: Accessible from the Alston Trailhead camping area. "Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also 'walk-in' campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees," reports a visitor who enjoyed this free camping option.
Wildlife watching at Congaree National Park: Located 35 miles southeast of Irmo, this park offers unique opportunities to observe diverse ecosystems. "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," notes a camper at Longleaf Campground.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Lakefront camping spots provide direct water access for swimming and fishing. "Nice swimming and fishing lake. Nice views and waterfront lots," shares a visitor about Dreher Island State Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area feature clean bathrooms and level sites. A camper at Big Rig Friendly RV Resort noted, "The sites are very nice and the community very enjoyable. We are looking forward to visiting again!"
Natural attractions: From forests to lakes, campers enjoy the diverse landscapes. "We have stayed at this campground a couple times over the last 3 years. It is a fantastic place for families to go camping, you will see deer, you can go fishing, swimming hiking. It has a little something for everyone."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to Columbia, many campsites maintain a peaceful setting. A visitor to Broad River Campground shared, "The vibe is residential/family oriented. The park staff are friendly. Hookups are functional. Our spot provided enough area to let our dog have a good amount of space on the lead."
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Particularly at primitive camping areas. "The only problem is the train. It woke us up at least 4 times last night. You can see the train from your campsite," warns a camper at Alston Trailhead.
Insects are prevalent: Mosquitoes and flies can be problematic, especially in summer months. A visitor to Longleaf Campground cautions, "Definitely bring a wagon for packing your stuff in and prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go!"
Flooding risk: Low-lying campsites may experience water issues during heavy rains. "After losing several nights of sleep at our previous campground, this one was a huge relief. Sites were spread out... 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."
Limited grocery options: Some campgrounds are distant from stores. "Campground is pretty far from restaurants, grocery stores, etc so plan accordingly," notes a camper at Broad River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Lake Murray offers safe swimming areas with gradual entry points. "The greatest point to highlight about Dreher Island is the impeccable way in which the good rangers here take spartan great care of this magnificent campground jewel. But of course, Murray Lake itself is the real draw and she does not disappoint," shares a visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground.
Plan for heat management: Summer temperatures frequently reach 90°F with high humidity. "The heat in June is also pretty bad, so having to go back and forth out to your vehicle to bring your stuff in and out is very difficult even though the path is flat and very short."
Book lakefront sites early: Waterfront camping locations fill up 3-4 months in advance during summer. "We 'walked into' a spot on the lake the Monday before the Fourth of July. They had about ten sites open right on the lake. Just passing through so only got to stay the night. We want to come back soon!"
Consider cabins during extreme weather: For families with young children, cabin accommodations provide protection from sudden storms. Woodsmoke Family Campground in Irmo offers cabin options alongside traditional sites. "Good location off I-26 and shopping nearby. Friendly staff. Call for reservations."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose level sites to minimize setup time. "To date, our most unlevel site we have found," warns one RVer about Woodsmoke Family Campground, suggesting careful research before booking.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer convenient pull-through sites for easier access. "Our site #3 was a pull through. A little too close to main road (about 6') but that was the only issue otherwise not much to complain about."
Local services: Know where to find RV services and supplies. "If you need anything at all, it's just a 15 minute drive to the nearby quaint town of Chapin, where there's a Lowes, Publix, Food Lion and Walgreen's, Dollar General, Ace, etc."
Campsite spacing varies: Some RV parks have tight quarters while others offer more room. "Spots were SUPER close together and no picnic tables, but great spot to stay for a night."
