Looking for the best campgrounds near Sumter, SC? Sumter is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Sumter, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.
The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting, and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins.
Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds are located above the floodplain in the upland region of Congaree National Park. Many of the park trails can be accessed from the campgrounds.
At this time, the park's front & backcountry areas are open, including all hiking trails, Boardwalk Trail, restrooms, picnic shelter, Cedar Creek Canoe Trail & canoe landings. The western leg the Weston Lake Loop Trail remains closed. An outdoor visitor contact station is open from 9:00 to 1:00 daily, and maps and information are available outside of the Visitor Center 24/7. Please check out website for updates, as well as current conditions at the park.
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Many miles of hiking trails can be found in the park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Old growth forests, teeming with wildlife can be accessed by park trails or by exploring the many miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Interpretive programs including guided hikes, canoe tours and special ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.
At this time, all sites at the Bluff Campground and select individual and group sites are available at the Longleaf Campground. Those wishing to camp at the park and who are prepared for primitive camping in the Congaree Wilderness can learn more about this type of camping and how to obtain a permit on the Backcountry Camping page on our official website.
The campgrounds accommodate tents only and are primitive with no electrical hookups or access for RVs. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided. Water is not available at either location. Water is available 24 hours a day at filling stations located at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center
Longleaf Campground has two vault toilets located at the entrance of the campground.
Bluff Campground is a one mile hike from the registration station and does not have have restroom facilities.
The campgrounds are located in a spectacular wooded setting, nestled in the upland pine forests of Congaree National Park.
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
$5 - $20 / night
Camping Information: Each site is packed sand and has individual water and 30 amp electrical hookups. 17 sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet, others up to 30 feet. 14 sites are pull through. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers.
Nine sites are newly-improved. Amenities include: a large, level parking area, a campfire ring with grill and a lantern hook.
Four sites are equipped with tent pads. These pads provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 ft.
Loop 1 is closed seasonally. Loop 2 is open year round.
Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) Central water is available. Walking distant to restrooms. Showers not available.
Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $11-13.50 which allows up to 10 campers. The rate increases by $5-6.25 increments for each additional five campers up to a total of fifty campers.
$33 - $35 / night
$20 / night
In the High Hills of Santee, where the South Carolina Sandhills of the Midlands region meet the coastal plain region, you’ll find Poinsett State Park. Called the "mountains of the midlands," this mixed ecosystem yields a high degree of biodiversity and some of the most unique natural sightings in the park system, especially along the Palmetto trail which winds through the Manchester State Forest.
The High Hills of Santee are dotted with the hiking and biking trails that wind through the park–some of which connect to the Palmetto Trail that leads hikers through the Manchester State Forest. Poinsett’s 10-acre lake makes for a serene setting, and can be used for fishing and johnboat rentals. The park also offers campsites, a fishing pond, a coquina bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, pre-revolutionary grist mill ruins and rustic cabins.
Longleaf and Bluff campgrounds are located above the floodplain in the upland region of Congaree National Park. Many of the park trails can be accessed from the campgrounds.
At this time, the park's front & backcountry areas are open, including all hiking trails, Boardwalk Trail, restrooms, picnic shelter, Cedar Creek Canoe Trail & canoe landings. The western leg the Weston Lake Loop Trail remains closed. An outdoor visitor contact station is open from 9:00 to 1:00 daily, and maps and information are available outside of the Visitor Center 24/7. Please check out website for updates, as well as current conditions at the park.
Congaree National Park offers a wide range of opportunities to explore and experience the great outdoors. Many miles of hiking trails can be found in the park ranging from easy to moderately strenuous. Old growth forests, teeming with wildlife can be accessed by park trails or by exploring the many miles of waterways in a canoe or kayak. Interpretive programs including guided hikes, canoe tours and special ranger-led programs are offered throughout the year.
At this time, all sites at the Bluff Campground and select individual and group sites are available at the Longleaf Campground. Those wishing to camp at the park and who are prepared for primitive camping in the Congaree Wilderness can learn more about this type of camping and how to obtain a permit on the Backcountry Camping page on our official website.
The campgrounds accommodate tents only and are primitive with no electrical hookups or access for RVs. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided. Water is not available at either location. Water is available 24 hours a day at filling stations located at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center
Longleaf Campground has two vault toilets located at the entrance of the campground.
Bluff Campground is a one mile hike from the registration station and does not have have restroom facilities.
The campgrounds are located in a spectacular wooded setting, nestled in the upland pine forests of Congaree National Park.
Congaree National Park is located near many attractions including state parks, forests and parks. The city of Columbia is a short drive from the park and offers access to many attractions including museums, city parks and shopping.
$5 - $20 / night
Camping Information: Each site is packed sand and has individual water and 30 amp electrical hookups. 17 sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet, others up to 30 feet. 14 sites are pull through. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers.
Nine sites are newly-improved. Amenities include: a large, level parking area, a campfire ring with grill and a lantern hook.
Four sites are equipped with tent pads. These pads provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 ft.
Loop 1 is closed seasonally. Loop 2 is open year round.
Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) Central water is available. Walking distant to restrooms. Showers not available.
Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $11-13.50 which allows up to 10 campers. The rate increases by $5-6.25 increments for each additional five campers up to a total of fifty campers.
