Camping options near Wedgefield, South Carolina are situated within the Sandhills geographic region, characterized by gently rolling terrain, pine forests, and sandy soil. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity levels, while winters remain relatively mild with occasional frost. Most local campgrounds maintain year-round operations with gravel pads that drain well during the region's frequent summer thunderstorms.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: At Lee State Park Campground, visitors can explore equestrian facilities though specific corrals aren't available. "Loved seeing the horses around the campsites," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Super nice to wake up and see the horses." The park maintains dedicated equestrian paths that traverse wooded areas.
Water recreation: Sesquicentennial State Park offers paddling opportunities on its small lake. One visitor reports, "Very nice area to kayak in, I love all the Lilly pads." The park also features "paddle boats" and "a small water play area for children" according to another review.
Nature observation: Lee State Park provides access to natural springs and wetlands. "Check out the artesian wells and other nature spots," recommends one visitor. The park's boardwalk allows for wildlife viewing without damaging sensitive ecosystems, with one reviewer noting it's a "nice short boardwalk area to explore."
What campers like
Affordable pricing: Falcons Nest FamCamp offers reasonable rates for military personnel. According to one review, it costs "$20 per night. No long term prices. No stay limit." The campground requires "access to Shaw AFB to stay" but provides good value for eligible campers.
Proximity to urban amenities: Sesquicentennial State Park provides a nature escape near Columbia. One camper notes it's "set in the woods, making it easy to forget you're in Columbia!" Another points out it was "built to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of South Carolina in the 30's. At one time on the furthest outskirts of Columbia SC. It is now firmly in the middle of the Metro area."
Clean facilities: Lee State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and campsites. Reviews consistently mention "clean bathrooms" and that "bath houses were well kept." Another camper notes, "Sites were gravel and level. Bath house were clean and well maintained."
What you should know
Military access requirements: Falcons Nest FamCamp restricts access to military personnel. As one reviewer states, "Very nice campground. Lots of trees. Must have access to Shaw afb to stay." The campground doesn't advertise specific horse facilities but maintains wooded sites.
Seasonal insects: Lee State Park experiences significant fly activity during warmer months due to equestrian use. One candid review warns: "If you have never stayed with horses you can not be prepared for the flies. They were swarms of them." Another mentions that "the only drawback would be this park is an equestrian park so you will most likely encounter flies during the warmer months."
Limited operating hours: Some facilities have restricted hours. At Sesquicentennial State Park, one camper notes: "Unfortunate that the camp store closes at 5 pm. So one must drive to Publix for firewood."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping success: Sesquicentennial State Park accommodates youth groups effectively. One leader shares: "I took a group of 8 wild middle schoolers here and we had a blast hiking the trails, boating, and unplugging for a while!"
Kid-friendly water features: Several parks offer water recreation for children. One reviewer at Sesquicentennial notes there's "a splash park for kids and a lake for boating and fishing," while another mentions that Lee State Park has "a pond for the kids to swim!"
