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.
