Weston Lake Recreation Area, near Columbia, South Carolina, is a military campground that offers a mix of spacious sites and a peaceful atmosphere. With concrete pads for RVs and tent sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a solid spot for enjoying the great outdoors.

The campground features amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, making it convenient for both short and long stays. Visitors have noted the large, well-spaced sites, which provide a sense of privacy, and many appreciate the quiet environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities. One camper mentioned, “The sites were large with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables,” highlighting the thoughtful setup for gatherings.

While the lake is currently off-limits due to ongoing repairs, there are still plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. The area is known for its military ambiance, with bugle calls echoing throughout the day and occasional sounds from nearby training. Campers have also enjoyed the clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which add to the overall comfort of the stay.

If you’re looking to venture out, the campground is close to Fort Jackson, where you can soak in the unique military culture. Whether you’re camping in an RV, a tent, or a cabin, Weston Lake Recreation Area provides a welcoming spot for a memorable getaway.

Weston Lake Recreation Area

Join the fun near Columbia. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Columbia is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Columbia, SC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Columbia

The Best Camping Near Columbia, South Carolina

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.

Peaceful

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 

Overnight

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. 

Military campground with spacious sites

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.

Beautiful, but pricey…

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.

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. 

Photos of Weston Lake Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers