Best Campgrounds near Sumter, SC

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

What to do:

• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Lake Wateree State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing spots. One visitor mentioned, "Great park with waterfront sites. Plenty of fishing areas."
• Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Poinsett State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The park was cute but a lot of mosquitoes, ants, bugs etc. and an Air Force training area nearby graced us the sound of heavy artillery late at night."
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park enjoy spotting various wildlife. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful quiet place to camp, hike, or canoe/kayak."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Cheraw State Park Campground. A visitor said, "This may be the best campground I have visited. Very quiet and the views are amazing!"
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A camper at Colleton State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are cleaned regularly and showers are HOT!"
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Dreher Island State Park Campground said, "The rangers were very friendly and made their regular rounds."

What you should know:

• Seasonal Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Lee State Park Campground warned, "Lots of sand and gnats and deerflies too."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A camper at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park noted, "Not all sites have sewer access."
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Santee Lakes KOA mentioned, "Stay was nice. Very crowded and was a one-night stop for many RVs!"

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One camper at Sesquicentennial State Park Campground said, "Has a splash pad and kayak rentals."
• Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. A family at Dreher Island State Park Campground enjoyed, "We swam for an hour or two (ok, we just floated on our rafts!) and it was nice knowing that there are no alligators there."
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Lake Wateree State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff and everyone around were super nice."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cypress View Campground — Santee State Park advised, "Some sites are difficult to back in due to trees."
• Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Santee Lakes KOA noted, "We did not even have to bring out our leveling blocks, the auto leveler was able to handle it well."
• Plan for Limited Shade: Many sites are open with little shade. A visitor at Cheraw State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are somewhat close together, but it's not a huge deal."

Camping around Sumter, SC, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!