There are five great RV parks and campsites on beautiful Lake Murray! This lake is a short distance from downtown Columbia. Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre reservoir and a top spot for outdoor recreation in the Palmetto State.
RV Parks near Lake Murray SC are ideal spots because of the area’s central location. It is a short drive to other hot spots in the Southeast!
Why camp near Lake Murray?
Lake Murray’s central location in South Carolina makes it a convenient RV park! There are five RV parks on Lake Murray and three additional campsites.
Proximity to Columbia, SC & The State Capital
This lake is only 15.6 miles from downtown Columbia which is a 30-minute drive. It’s also near the up-and-coming areas of both Lexington and West Columbia, SC!
Being close to the state’s capital means it is near fun attractions for the whole family! Its only a 30-minute drive from the Riverbanks Zoo and the South Carolina State Museum.
Other nearby activities include golf courses, shopping, and dining. This makes it one of the best options for a camping trip for families looking to explore the area and spend time off-site.
Proximity to Other Recreational Areas
Lake Murray is an excellent choice if you want to spend time outdoors, but also want to be near other recreation spots.
You can find areas for fishing, bird watching, boating, hiking, and beaches within a 3-hour drive. Below are some examples!
- Blue Ridge Mountains and North Georgia
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Beaches – North Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island, Tybee Island and Hilton Head
- Dozens of Golf Courses (Check out these ones near Tybee Island, Stone Mountain, and Blue Ridge)
- u003cliu003eAnd if you’re in need of a new GPS for your RV,u003ca rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022 href=u0022https://amzn.to/3S9x2Nku0022 target=u0022_blanku0022u003e check out this one from Amazonu003c/au003e. u003c/liu003e
- u003cliu003eThere’s also a helpful u003ca rel=u0022noreferrer noopeneru0022 href=u0022https://amzn.to/3Bn4xFZu0022 target=u0022_blanku0022u003etire monitoring system as well.u003c/au003eu003c/liu003e
In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the most popular spots for RV camping, tent camping, and even long-term camping, near Lake Murray, SC.
Dreher Island State Park
Dreher Island State Park offers a lot! There are 12 miles of shoreline and it’s one of the best places to fish for striped and large-mouth bass on Lake Murray.
Here are a few of the other features:
- 100 total sites (RV sites and tent sites)
- 5 lakeside villas
- designated picnic areas
- boat ramps and more.
Most sites can accommodate RVs up to 45-feet, and come equipped with full hookups. This includes water and electrical hookups as well as picnic tables.
The park also has an area dedicated to walk-in tent campsites.
Three beautiful nature trails are available for recreational use throughout the park. And the boat ramps provide easy access to the water for those who enjoy water sports!
Book your stay and learn more about Dreher Island on the South Carolina Parks website.
Location: 3677 State Park Rd., Prosperity, SC 29127
Sesquicentennial State Park
Locals refer to Sesquicentennial State Park as “Sesqui.†This park is in the Sandhills region of South Carolina.
The picturesque setting is full of pine trees and spacious parkland! It will make you forget you’re close to the urban core of South Carolina.
Sesqui has:
- 78 RV and tent campsites
- 5 primitive group camping areas for large groups (of up to 50 people)
- And 3 picnic shelters.
Each site has water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. There are also clean restrooms within the park for hot showers if desired.
I’d also say Sesqui is one of the best RV parks for furry friends to tag along! Sesquicentennial State Park allows pets and there’s a 2-acre, fenced-in dog park on-site!
It’s also open as a public park for anyone who wants to visit without reserving a campsite.
Sesquicentennial State Park is less than an hour from Lake Murray. But for those who don’t want to venture out, there is a 30-acre lake within the park! At this on-site lake, you’ll find fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, and other rental options.
Make your camping reservation at Sesqui here.
Location: 9564 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
Broad River Campground and RV Park
This is a great spot for those looking to stay at an RV campground for a longer period of time.
Broad River Campground and RV Park is a 20-minute drive from Downtown Columbia. It’s only a few minutes away from Lake Murray and less than 30 minutes to Francis Marion National Forest.
It’s also a good spot for health care professionals or travel nurses who want to camp. Broad River Campground is near both Lexington Medical Center and Palmetto Health Hospitals.
Campers have the option of open spaces or more shady campsites at this park. Sites include full hookups and free Wi-Fi.
And there are laundry facilities and a bathhouse within the park.
Learn more here and or call 803-749-9100 for current rates and to reserve a spot.
Location: 16842 SC-215, Winnsboro, SC 29180
Woodsmoke Family Campground
Woodsmoke Family Campground is great for families who enjoy sports and outdoor activities! The campground itself has:
- basketball court
- horseshoes
- a playground
- a fishing pond
It’s also located close to the lake for those who prefer activities like boating or water skiing. The campsites have all the amenities. From full hookup sites to a laundry room and free wireless internet service.
Woodsmoke Family Campground is in Irmo, SC. It has easy access to Lake Murray, downtown Columbia, and other local entertainment.
It’s family-owned and known for being a clean campground. RV sites and tent sites are available.
Barnyard RV Park
Barnyward RV Park boasts a small campground and family feel. This will make you feel right at home, whether you’re here for a short-term or longer-term stay.
Barnyard RV Park is in Lexington, SC, minutes away from Lake Murray and other area attractions.
The park has all the amenities:
- full hookups
- free cable
- a dog park
- a dump station
- laundry facilities and more!
It’s open year-round for RV campers.
Fun fact: This campground is next to the Barnyard Flea Market. Sellers and makers set up every weekend. Make sure you stay through the weekend to enjoy shopping local with your family!
Other Places to Consider
There are so many wonderful campgrounds and RV parks for Lake Murray visitors to choose from. There is something for everyone! Whether you are an RV owner who wants a longer-term stay near the water. Or if you’re visiting for the weekend.
If you plan to take out your boat, make sure you check with your park of choice first. That way you can check if a boat ramp or boat storage is available.
Check out some of the other honorable mentions for RV parks and Campgrounds near Lake Murray, SC.
