s
stephen H.
Scout
ScoutWeston Lake Recreation Area
Fort Jackson, SC
This is a restricted use Army Travel Camp managed through MWR. It is open only to those holding military ID cards.
Camping near Winnsboro, SC
70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Winnsboro, South Carolina area provides several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Lake Wateree State Park Campground and Broad River Campground. These developed campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Lake Wateree State Park features full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, while also maintaining tent-friendly areas with more rustic appeal. Several locations offer cabin accommodations, including Woodsmoke Family Campground and Rosewood Farm and Agripark, providing alternatives for visitors seeking more structured shelter options.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect comfort and accessibility. Lake Wateree State Park maintains paved roads suitable for standard vehicles, while some of the more remote locations may require higher clearance during wet weather. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making water access particularly valuable during these months. Winter camping offers milder conditions with occasional freezing temperatures. A visitor to Lake Wateree noted, "While there are a few hiking trails, if you don't have a boat or canoe you will be missing out on most of the appeal of this park."
Campers consistently rate lakeside locations higher than inland sites, with water access serving as a primary draw. Lake Wateree and Dreher Island State Parks receive particularly strong reviews for their water recreation opportunities. Several visitors mentioned the importance of selecting sites carefully, as quality can vary significantly even within the same campground. Tent campers should note that some primarily RV-oriented campgrounds offer limited flat, non-rocky tent sites. According to one review of Chester State Park, "Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky." Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, though the quality of facilities varies. Visitors particularly appreciate campgrounds that balance natural settings with functional infrastructure, with shaded sites receiving consistently positive mentions in reviews.
Best Campgrounds near Winnsboro (70)
1. Lake Wateree State Park Campground
"While there are a few hiking trails, if you don’t have a boat or canoe you will be missing out on most of the appeal of this park."
"We had site 39 and there was nothing but woods behind us which was perfect for us."
2. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground
"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."
3. Dreher Island State Park Campground
"This campground is a popular spot in South Carolina. Campsites are pretty close together but it's usually peaceful - lakeside sites, good fishing, but be prepared for the mosquitos!"
"I loved how Dreher Island State Park in South Carolina gave our family the best of both safety and fun, with shaded, roomy sites that included picnic tables, fire rings and well-kept bathhouses that made"
4. Alston Trailhead
"Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also “walk-in” campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees."
"There are train tracks right next to the site, and trains do pass by, so expect some noise."
5. Broad River Campgound
"They have an open area in a field and then a few sites more spread out with some trees scattered around. We got one of the spread out sites and quite liked our spot."
"Very quiet park, bathrooms were closed to overnight guests so didn't get to see them. Full hook ups(including sewer) which were easy to access."
6. Rosewood Farm and Agripark
"This super cute cabin is nestled beside a small pond at the bottom of a hill and surrounded by trees. Book your stay and leave them some love."
from $80 / night
Check Availability7. Little Cedar Creek Campground
8. Blythewood Acres
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability9. Chester State Park Campground
"Tucked away just outside the historic cut of Chester, SC this park has a lot to offer, hiking trails, exploring, fishing, kayaking its great. It's our favorite little get away."
"The lake from the campground has a fairly new access via a ADA compliant walkway with lighting leading to swings, benches and Adirondack chairs surrounding a rock fire pit."
10. Woodsmoke Family Campground
Drive Time
- 27 min from Columbia, SC
- 1 hr 2 min from Charlotte, NC
- 1 hr 8 min from Sumter, SC
- 1 hr 21 min from Spartanburg, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Winnsboro, SC
99 Photos of 70 Winnsboro Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Blythewood Acres
Lake Wateree State Park Campground
Kaleidoscope FarmM
Dogwood RidgeM
Stier Supply
Military Park Shaw AFB Wateree Recreation Area and FamCampC
Sesquicentennial State Park CampgroundD
Eden in Lancaster SC
Dreher Island State Park CampgroundN
Woods Ferry Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests
Lucky Farms Under the Stars
Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests
Recent Reviews near Winnsboro, SC
377 Reviews of 70 Winnsboro Campgrounds
- IIrene M.
GuideNewberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA
Great campground.
I had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
Wendi R.ScoutBroad River Campgound
Things you should know
When I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
Mark G.ScoutBrick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests
Great primitive campground
I have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
Jane C.
TravelerSedalia Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests
Peace and quiet
I stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
- SStacey T.Scout
Allison Creek Park
Nice Campground
We stayed here because of the proximity to Charlotte. Big rig friendly and FHU. Only wish they had a swimming area!
- SSherri B.Guide
Poinsett State Park Campground
Lovely but loud
This is a lovely park but construction in progress at campground during our stay so heavy equipment running during weekdays
- CCarl N.Scout
Prices Bridge Glampsite
Camping adventure
My son and I had an amazing experience. The hosts were very welcoming and friendly. There are lots of fishing and kayaking opportinities. We highly recommend it as a place to visit any time of the year.
- Courtney B.
RangerDreher Island State Park Campground
Tent Site 15 for hammock camping!
A lot of the sites are situated for RVs. If you want to hammock camp, absolutely grab site T-15. It's spacious, private, and has a lot of water frontage. It's a terrible tent site but a perfect hammock site.
Guide to Winnsboro
Winnsboro sits in the Piedmont region of South Carolina, with an average elevation of 535 feet above sea level. Camping options near Winnsboro span across rolling hills and lakefront settings, with summer humidity levels typically reaching 70-80% during peak camping season. Temperatures range from mid-30s°F in winter to upper 90s°F in summer, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wateree State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with dedicated spots for anglers. "The views of the lake are awesome... Great boat docks. Friendly rangers. Very quiet and relaxing place. Mainly water activities," reports one camper.
Trail exploration: Sesquicentennial State Park Campground provides multiple hiking options through pine forests. "I camp at Sesqui very often. I live in downtown Columbia, so its only a short drive away. Love the bike and hiking trails. Very nice area to kayak in, I love all the Lilly pads," notes a regular visitor.
Disc golf: For those seeking land-based recreation, Chester State Park Campground features a professional disc golf course. "Beyond the campsite, there is an amazing seating area near the fishing dock, with multiple hanging bench swings, communal fire pits and a great view of the lake. There was a nice trail around the lake, peddle boat rentals, and a world class frisbee golf course," mentions one reviewer.
What campers like
Lakeside access: Many campers specifically value the water access at Dreher Island State Park Campground. "We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking and enjoying one of the best lakes we've ever experienced," explains one visitor, highlighting the water recreation focus.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent praise. "Bathhouses were clean. Many lakefront sites have posts to tie up your boat to if you have one. Beach area by the store," notes a Lake Wateree camper, emphasizing the maintenance standards.
Quiet atmosphere: The peaceful setting appeals to many visitors. "The campgrounds were quiet despite being pretty busy, and accommodate RVs and a tent-only site, plus there is a store. Sites are very shady and every site is surrounded by trees, so you don't feel very close to the other campers," observed a reviewer.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "No WiFi and rarely did we have cell service but that's not a bad thing! Large sites with some pull through," reports a Lake Wateree visitor.
Store hours: Plan accordingly for campground store access. "Unfortunate that the camp store closes at 5 pm. So one must drive to Publix for firewood. The closest Walmart has $2 ice bags," notes a camper at Sesquicentennial.
Reservation requirements: Broad River Campground and other popular sites fill quickly. "CG is located east of Jenkinville on SC-215. Definitely for both long term and overnight RV. We have been here for a month," explains one long-term camper, indicating the need to book ahead.
Site selection: Campsite quality varies significantly. "Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky," notes a Chester State Park visitor, highlighting terrain considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Lake Wateree State Park Campground offers safe swimming zones. "The swimming area is by the office/shop. There is a really lovely strip of shaded picnic tables where we spent the hottest hours of the day. The water is pretty shallow, so the littlest ones had plenty of space to play and swim without us having to worry," shares a family camper.
Splash pad access: Some parks offer water play features. "I love going to this campground, I enjoy doing the trails and spotting dear. And there is a small water play area for children. They have paddle boats also," mentions a Sesquicentennial visitor.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly terrain. "We have been camping here for years snd we love the camp ground. bathrooms are all remideled snd super clean. the grounds are fairly flat so bike riding is great," notes a family at Lake Wateree.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Woodsmoke Family Campground and others have varying site sizes. "Very close to neighbor site, with fire pit being extremely close. Water, Sewer, Power, WiFi," cautions an RVer about proximity issues.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites. "To date, our most unlevel site we have found," notes one RVer at Woodsmoke Family Campground, suggesting bringing adequate leveling equipment.
Long-term options: Several campgrounds accommodate extended stays. "Good location off I-26 and shopping nearby. Friendly staff. Call for reservations. They keep only 5 sites open for one to two openings. They have a lot of full time people," explains a camper, indicating limited availability for short-term visitors.
Dump station lines: Plan extra time during busy periods. "Nice campground, trails were good sites to close for us. very busy campground. long line for dump station," advises one RVer about potential wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Winnsboro, SC?
Which is the most popular campground near Winnsboro, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winnsboro, SC is Lake Wateree State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
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