Map showing campground location near Columbia, South Carolina

Camper submitted image from Weston Lake Recreation Area

Weston Lake Recreation Area

Accessible via Fort Jackson's roads, Weston Lake Recreation Area operates year-round with approximately 31 RV sites featuring full hookups on large concrete pads. Military affiliation is required for stays, with nightly rates of $32-35 depending on pass eligibility. Reservations are available through the office, though campers can call to secure sites when staff are unavailable.

Each site includes a concrete patio nearly the size of the camping pad itself, complete with picnic table, fire pit, and standalone grill. The spacious layout ensures adequate separation between neighbors, though some sites offer better spacing than others. Gravel roads throughout the campground show washout areas and potholes that require careful navigation, particularly for larger rigs, though access remains manageable for all RV sizes.

Military training activities create a distinctive atmosphere here. Bugle calls sound throughout the day over speakers, and distant firing range training echoes across the grounds. Verizon provides adequate cell coverage with LTE service, though no WiFi is available. The lake remains off-limits due to ongoing dam repairs that have lasted several years, eliminating swimming and boating activities for now.

"Very open and quiet," notes Joy B., despite the military sounds. Several long-term residents occupy sites, creating a stable community feel. The campground also offers tent sites and cabins alongside RV spots. For campers comfortable with military base protocols and seeking full-hookup sites with generous space, this facility provides a functional base for exploring places to camp near Columbia.

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Map & DirectionsWeston Lake Recreation Area is located in South Carolina near Columbia

Public Campground

Directions

From I-20 East or West take I-77 South to Exit 9 to Rt. 262, Leesburg Rd. From I-26 East (Exit 115) and West (Exit 116) take I-27 North to Exit 9. It is 9.1 miles to Weston Lake Recreation Area sign. From Sumter on 378 exit at US-601 North to Leesburg Road on the left approx. 6 miles. It is 7.1 miles to the recreation sign on the right. Located outside the base gates.

Coordinates

34.0072206 N
80.82840082 W

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 5/12/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/12/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 23 users
Last on 5/12/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 5/12/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

14 min from Columbia, SC
31 min from Sumter, SC
1 hr 4 min from Florence, SC
1 hr 29 min from Charlotte, NC

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Weston Lake Recreation Area

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Visitors regularly highlighted the spacious concrete RV pads and clean facilities with full hookups. Several reviews noted the peaceful military base setting, though road conditions and higher RV pricing drew some concerns.

Joy B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2022

Nice sites!

Very nice concrete pads; large sites with fire pit, grill, and picnic table. Gravel roads have washed out areas but not terrible. Very open and quiet. Several long-term residents.

Site16

Month of VisitApril

(4) View All

Thomas H.

Ranger

Reviewed Mar. 21, 2022

Peaceful

I was stationed at Jackson from’07-‘09 and the only thing that has really changed is the dam is being worked on so you can only observe the lake, no swimming, boating, anything on the lake until repairs are completed. The receptionist said they’ve been working on it for maybe 4 years. Hopefully it’ll be completed sooner than later. The grounds could be kept up a little better as could the restrooms/bath houses but I imagine they lost some revenue due to the lake being closed for dam repairs.

There isn’t any concerns getting back here, the biggest rigs will not have any problems. All sites are large concrete pads, FHU. Most sites are spaced very well, some better than others but you won’t be on top of anyone whichever site you’re at. They have a large concrete patio area, nearly the size of the pad itself with a picnic table and fire pit/grill and stand alone grill.

Verizon cell coverage is adequate. I had 2 bars and LTE, sometimes 5G. Not like being in the city but sufficient. No wifi.

There are cabins and tent sites as well. This isn’t a large campground but there were still a few open spaces.

There will be various bugle calls throughout, morning, day and night. You may hear firing range training going on in the distance. You should expect this and it should not be seen as negative, you’re on a military campground.

Current RV site price a night is $35, if you have a National park pass it’s $32.50. Despite the lake being off limits right now I will still come back. Once it’s opened back up I’m sure it will be more busy, right now it’s very peaceful.

Site21

Month of VisitMarch

(19) View All

Troy P.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 23, 2021

Beautiful, but pricey…

Weston Lakes is located at Fort Jackson, on the South Side of the Base.

It has a large recreation area with about 20 or 30 RV spots. I was in a spot that had the Hookups at opposite end of concrete pad and opposite side. I ended up buying an additional 20 ft. of dumping tubing ($60).

The area is very nice and somewhat quiet. But with all the other amenities there like boating, fishing, field sports, etc. they charge $35 a night. This is over 1K for a month with a three month maximum. You need to be either active or retired Military, which I was not. My Father was the Commander at Fort Jackson for 8+ years and he sponsored me so I could stay.

Once back in Columbia, SC after Thanksgiving I am moving to a park that is only $390 a month as I will be in Columbia for a while.

If money is no object then this would be a 4 star + rating. But not for me.

SiteRV Site 7

Month of VisitNovember

Bonnie C.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 22, 2021

Military campground with spacious sites

The campground was nice, the RV spaces had nice concrete pads and nice cabins. The roads had some serious potholes and the the campground doesn’t seem to be on a regular maintenance schedule but it was clean. There are a number of bugle calls that happen during the day on the speaker. All in all a nice campground and we would stay again.

Site35.

Month of VisitNovember

Matt C.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2021

Overnight

Stayed in a tent at tent site 3. Site was level and clean with water and electric, fire ring, and a picnic table. for $10 per night. There are also primitive tent sites as well for $5 per night. Lots of RV spots too! Bathhouse was cleans and has 2 showers and toilets on the mens and womens side. The office was closed before we arrived, but we were able to call on the phone to make a reservation. Seems like a few full time people in their RV. T mobile service worked well. Camp host was very friendly

SiteT3

Month of VisitOctober

Ed C.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2019

Peaceful

About 31 RV sites. Onboard Ft. Jackson. Lake views. Boat rental available. Summer time swim beach. Spacious sites. No laundry at campground. Closest is about 3 miles away. Entrance road is really rough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cabin rentals are available at Weston Lake Recreation Area?

Weston Lake Recreation Area offers cabin rentals on site. The cabins are well-maintained and provide a comfortable alternative to tent or RV camping. They are situated within the recreation area, giving guests easy access to the lake and other amenities. The cabins feature basic accommodations and are a popular option for visitors who prefer more shelter than tent camping provides but don't have an RV.

How much do cabins at Weston Lake cost?

Specific cabin pricing information isn't detailed in available sources. For current rates, it's recommended to contact Weston Lake Recreation Area directly or check the Fort Jackson MWR website. Pricing may vary by season, cabin size, and amenities. As a reference point, the campground offers tent sites with water and electric for $10 per night and primitive tent sites for $5 per night.

What camping facilities are available at Weston Lake?

Weston Lake Recreation Area offers diverse camping options with approximately 31 RV sites featuring concrete pads and full hookups. The campground provides both electric/water tent sites ($10/night) and primitive tent sites ($5/night). Facilities include clean bathhouses with showers and toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each site. The recreation area normally features a swim beach (when the dam isn't under repair), boat rentals, and lake access. Sites are spacious and well-maintained, though the entrance and interior roads have some rough spots with potholes.

Where is Weston Lake Recreation Area located in Columbia, SC?

Weston Lake Recreation Area is located on Fort Jackson military base on the south side of the installation in Columbia, SC. It sits on the shores of Weston Lake within the boundaries of the military training facility. As it's on an active military base, visitors should be prepared to go through security checkpoints and follow base regulations when entering the recreation area.

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