Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Congaree National Park

Within the expanse of Congaree National Park lies the Longleaf Campground, providing a rustic retreat for those seeking a tranquil camping experience in the heart of nature. Offering walk-up campsites, visitors have the convenience of parking near their chosen site before immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Congaree's countryside. Each campsite features essential amenities, including a firepit and picnic table, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor stay. The campground accommodates various preferences, with 10 sites tailored for individuals or small groups of up to 8 people, while an additional 4 sites cater to larger groups ranging from 9 to 24 individuals.

Why You’ll Love Longleaf Campground

Nestled in a mixed pine/hardwood upland forest, the Longleaf Campground stands as a serene haven approximately half a mile before the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, just off the park entrance road. In this elevated location, the campground avoids the regular flooding events that characterize other areas of the park, ensuring a stable and secure camping environment. A short drive from the visitor center, where running water and park information are readily available, the Longleaf Campground beckons campers to immerse themselves in the natural charm of Congaree National Park while enjoying the convenience of modern amenities.

For those seeking a unique camping experience that blends front-country accessibility with a touch of backcountry adventure, the Bluff Campground at Congaree National Park offers an ideal retreat. Situated along the Bluff Trail, approximately one mile from the Longleaf Campground, this hike-in campground provides a serene setting for campers to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park. With no vehicle access available, visitors must carry their camping equipment to the site, enhancing the sense of solitude and connection with the surroundings. The Bluff Campground features six individual campsites, accommodating a maximum of eight individuals and three tents per site, offering a more intimate and secluded camping experience.

Why You’ll Love Bluff Campground

While the Bluff Campground lacks restroom facilities and running water, campers with reservations can enjoy convenient access to the park's extensive network of hiking trails. Exploring the 27 miles of trails, including the Firefly and Bluff Trails, campers can easily reach the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, the boardwalk, and various other hiking routes. The visitor center serves as an informative hub, offering details on additional trails and providing valuable resources for planning excursions into the captivating old-growth forest of Congaree National Park. For those eager to explore the park's waterways, launching a canoe or kayak is easily accessible from the park's landings, situated a brief 5-10 minute drive from the visitor center.

Sesquicentennial State Park lies deep within 1,400 acres of nature trails, camping sites, and pines. Campers can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and biking. A 30-acre lake stocked with bream and bass is located within the park.

Why You’ll Love Sesquicentennial State Park

Sesquicentennial State Park has a variety of nature trails of different skill levels. The Sandhills Hiking Trail takes you along the sand parking area and the boathouse before circling around the lake. The Sesqui Mountain Bike Trail is 3 miles from downtown.

What People Are Saying About Sesquicentennial State Park

“A very clean park! At first, we weren’t sure it would be big because of what it looked like on the map, but we were pleasantly surprised! There’s ample pavilion space, some clean bathrooms!” – Malcolm, Google Review

Columbia/Camden RV Park is a locally owned campground. It is 16 miles to the Fort Jackson gate. The staff at this campground fosters a friendly and secure environment with 24-hour personnel.

Why You’ll Love Columbia/Camden RV Park

Columbia/Camden RV Park is a peaceful and quiet place. The staff is friendly and willing to offer help to campers. The campground is also located 25 miles from Shaw Air Force Base’s back gate.

What People Are Saying About Columbia/Camden RV Park

“We only stayed here one night on our southbound migration, but was a cute park 🙂 Easy folks to deal with. Easy to find with GPS, and was very peaceful. Enjoyed it. Would stay again. They have an area for overnighters with pull-through, and we had no problem fitting both vehicles on our site with the camper.” – Michelle, Google Review

Edmund RV Park is located in Lexington, South Carolina, and it sits on 14 acres in a secluded area. This campground is a short trip from the Blue Ridge Mountains. It also houses a sheriff’s substation on the property.

Why You’ll Love Edmund RV Park

Edmund RV Park is conveniently located near many of the surrounding attractions. It is close to the Congaree Swamp National Monument, South Carolina State Museum, Lake Murray, and Riverbanks Zoo. Several restaurants and golf courses are also close to this campground.

What People Are Saying About Edmund RV Park

“Rustic setting. Park was clean and quiet. Enjoyed having the flea market close by as well as reasonable driving to town. Staff friendly and helpful, especially with directions. Enjoyed our stay.” – witchey1, RV Park Review

River Bottom Farms Family Campground features Columbia-area campsites that were made for camping. The facility is spread out on 43 acres of South Caroli farmland. Campers can also enjoy a scenic walk on one of the ture trails that leads down to North Edisto River.

Why You’ll Love River Bottom Farms Family Campground

This campground has a good setup for fishing. Campers have access to five ponds that are stocked with sunfish, brim, and bass.

What People Are Saying About River Bottom Farms Family Campground

“We went camping there with my boy’s grandma in her fifth-wheel camper. This campground is amazing! Fun events planned every day for kids and adults– some free and some paid– and lots of fun things to do. There is a pool, hiking trail, playground, a covered pavilion, and a big bounce pillow.” – Mandy, Google Review

Located about 75 miles west of Florence, this campsite is located near a lot of inland destinations such as Columbia and Charlotte. The campground has a southern feel to it, and visitors will notice this laid-back atmosphere as they sit by the fire and enjoy the warm South Carolina nights. Little Cedar Campground is a great spot to hit for an evening while passing through or for a week-long vacation.

Why You’ll Love Little Cedar Campground

While relaxing and enjoying your stay, you can go fishing in the pond, hit the trails and do some hiking, or even try your hand at horseback riding. There are also on-site games like horseshoes to play and a playground for the kids. In addition, you’ll appreciate that there are some great restaurants and shopping centers located just down the street.

What People Are Saying About Little Cedar Campground

“Most spots are pulled thru, all utilities worked great. No cable, but we were able to pick up many over the air stations because we were between Columbia and Charlotte, and the park seems to be located on the top of a hill.” Jack, RV Park Reviews

Cedar Creek Resort encompasses over 43 acres. The campground is very secluded with the Black Creek River running along the border of the property. It is different from other RV parks as it is an adult-only, clothing-optional facility.

Why You’ll Love Cedar Creek Resort

Campers can enjoy lazy river rafting on the Black Creek River and catch some sun on the dock. The campground also has a pavilion where live bands come to play during the summer. Cedar Creek Resort holds an annual music festival that draws visitors from all over the world.

What People Are Saying About Cedar Creek Resort

“Great naturist resort with indoor and outdoor pool AND hot tubs! Also, great clubhouse where you can have a party on Saturday nights. Love the great work the new owners are doing to expand the cabins and other upgrades.” – Dennis, Google Review

Broad River Campground and RV Park is located 20 minutes from downtown Columbia. Each campsite is surrounded by hardwood trees. This Columbia, South Caroli-area, campground is preferred by many campers due to the shady, tranquil setting.

Why You’ll Love Broad River Campground and RV Park

Broad River Campground and RV Park is one of the RV campgrounds near Columbia, South Caroli, that is very scenic and offers Southern charm. You can get an up-close look at ture by taking a hike through the ture trails. This campground is also located near Broad River and is minutes away from Chapin, Irmo, and Columbia.

What People Are Saying About Broad River Campground and RV Park

“We recently stayed here two months and could not have been more pleased with our experience. The rates are very reasoble, and we loved staying in the newer part of the park (the utilities are all brand new, and the sites are very spacious). While here we had a few unexpected life events that caused us to need to stay longer than we origilly anticipated, and the campground hosts were so incredibly kind, understanding, and flexible with us.” – Jeffery, Google Review

The staff at Mr. Z’s RV Park strives to cultivate a family-friendly environment. It is situated near Lake Murray, which is a good place for fishing for striped bass. Mr. Z is the owner and actually stays on the campground.

Why You’ll Love Mr. Z’s RV Park

The owners are very nice and hospitable. They will come by your campsite to make sure you have everything that you need. Campers can also enjoy swimming in the pool.

What People Are Saying About Mr. Z’s RV Park

“I stayed here for four months while working on a jobsite. Mr. and Mrs. Z are super nice folks and very helpful if you need anything. The neighbors, which some live here, are very nice people too.” – Michael, Google Review

Dreher Island State Park sits on 348 acres that span across three islands. Campers can enjoy the nature trails, recreational water trails, and some of the best fishing spots for striped and largemouth bass. You also have access to 12 miles of Lake Murray shoreline.

Why You’ll Love Dreher Island State Park

Dreher Island State Park is only 30 miles from Columbia, South Carolina. The park has three boat ramps to provide private boat access to Lake Murray. It is also a popular location for national fishing tournaments.

What People Are Saying About Dreher Island State Park

“Fishing and swimming are the main attractions here. There are quite a few camper and tent sites that all come with water and power hookups, most of which sit right on the lake. There are facilities here for bathroom and shower use as well as dumpsters, recycle bins, and clean stations for campers.” – Chrys, Google Review

A year-round park that offers a total of 43 camping sites that are pull through with water and power. Guests have full access to the bath house. Pets are allowed, as long as owners clean up after them. There is cell reception and Wi-Fi on our property, along with our Arrowhead tavern to grab a bite to eat.

Why You’ll Love Carolina Adventure World

Your trip to Carolina Adventure World wouldn’t be complete without camping! Enjoy a day of riding, pull up a chair by the campfire and make some memories. This fun family-friendly park offers 100 miles of ATV, UTV and dirt bike trails covering 2,600 acres.

This lakefront RV park is one you can't miss in South Carolina!

Why You’ll Love Bells Marin & Resort

With access to a world-class fishing cove just outside your door, you won't want to leave. Bells Marin & Resort offers both Lakeview and Water front sites.

For RV camping near Florence that is affordable and offers amazing scenery, there is Lee State Park in Bishopville. This park offers a beautiful location running along the Lynches River. It has a diverse natural habitat that will make for some interesting nature viewing while out exploring one of the trails.

Why You’ll Love Lee State Park

When you stay here, you’ll find that there is great fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing in the Lynches River. Of course, you can also just lay back and relax at one of the spacious campsites with shade from the sun. For added convenience, there is a laundry service on-site as well as a self-serve RV wash.

What People Are Saying About Lee State Park

“This is a very quiet campground with a great staff. They even have an area for you to camp with a horse. If you don’t have horses, you probably don’t want to stay in that area though.” Les, RV Park Reviews