RV Parks In Camden, South Carolina
34.2465° N, 80.6070° W
Quick Overview
Camden is South Carolina oldest inland town and an easy Midlands stop for RVers, sitting just north of I-20 in horse-and-history country. It is best known as the Steeplechase Capital of the World and as a Revolutionary War town, and it backs up to Lake Wateree, so you can pair small-town history with lakeside camping. Whether you are breaking up an I-20 haul or settling in for a few days, there is a solid mix of RV parks to match.
For full hookups, the two anchors are Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, a lakeside private park just outside town with roughly 74 sites, 30 and 50 amp service, water, sewer, and its own marina, and Columbia / Camden RV Park in nearby Lugoff, which runs 83 full-hookup sites with big-rig pull-throughs and quick I-20 access. If you would rather camp on public land, Lake Wateree State Park sits across the lake with 72 paved RV sites, water and 30/50 amp electric on every one, and full sewer hookups on 28 of them. Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree adds a resort-style lakefront option about 25 minutes north for longer or snowbird-season stays.
Camden rewards RVers who like an affordable, low-key base. Private full-hookup sites generally land in the $40s to $50s a night with weekly and monthly discounts, the state park runs around $50, and the town is a genuine service hub, so propane, groceries, fuel, and basic repair are all easy. Add the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, the National Steeplechase Museum, and the Camden Archives & Museum, and you have more to do than a quick photo stop. Roll off I-20 at US-521 or US-1, park the big rig at your campground, and drive the tight historic downtown streets from there. Spring and fall are the sweet spots, with mild weather and green surroundings, though spring race weekends fill every park in the area. Summers are hot and humid, so you will want 50 amp for the air conditioner, and mild winters keep most parks open and quiet.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Camden
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
From the RVingLife Shop
Gear for Your Trip to Camden
All Dump Stations Near Camden
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hermitage Farms | 2.7 mi | 3.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Columbia Camden RV Park | 6.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Wateree Clearwater Cove | 11.2 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wateree Recreation Area | 11.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Bethel Campground | 13.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Freeway Mobile Home Park | 14.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina | 16.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Terwood Mobile Home And RV Park | 19.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lake Wateree State Park | 19.7 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Carolina Mobile Court RV Park Sumter Sc | 20.5 mi | 4.1 | Dump Station | Varies |
Hermitage Farms
2.7 miColumbia Camden RV Park
6.9 miLake Wateree Clearwater Cove
11.2 miWateree Recreation Area
11.7 miBethel Campground
13.4 miFreeway Mobile Home Park
14.3 miWateree Lake RV Park & Marina
16.3 miTerwood Mobile Home And RV Park
19.1 miLake Wateree State Park
19.7 miCarolina Mobile Court RV Park Sumter Sc
20.5 miTraveling to Camden by RV
Camden sits just north of I-20, with exits at US-521 (exit 92) and US-1 (exit 98), so most RVers drop off the interstate and reach a park within ten to fifteen minutes. US-1 and US-521 run into and through town, US-601 comes up from the south, and SC-34 crosses east to west. These are open state and federal highways with no notable low bridges or weight limits, so a 40-foot rig tows in comfortably.
The one place to leave the coach behind is historic downtown Camden itself, where the narrow, tree-lined streets are tight for a big rig; park at the campground and drive in. Fuel up on diesel or gas at the truck-friendly stations near the I-20 interchanges, and stock up at the full-size supermarkets and big-box stores along US-1. Larger RV service and the bigger stores of Columbia are about 35 minutes west on I-20. For public camping, reserve Lake Wateree State Park through the South Carolina State Parks site or by calling the park tackle shop.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Camden
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in South Carolina
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Camden, SC
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Camden, South Carolina, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Camden
Camden is an easy stop on the wallet. Lake Wateree State Park runs around $50 a night for its paved, water-and-electric sites, with the 28 full-hookup sewer sites at the top of that range. The private parks sit in a similar band, generally in the $40s to $50s per night for full hookups, and both Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina and Columbia / Camden RV Park offer weekly and monthly discounts that pull the effective nightly rate down for a longer stay.
The real savings come from length of stay and from Camden being a service hub rather than a resort town. Fuel off I-20 is affordable, groceries and propane are easy to find, and several of the best things to do, from the Revolutionary War site grounds to the lake itself, cost little or nothing. Budget for a South Carolina State Parks camping fee if you choose Lake Wateree State Park, and if you plan to hit other state parks on the same trip an annual pass can pay for itself. A couple of days here costs a fraction of a coastal resort stay.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Camden
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Camden by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
33F - 56F
Crowds: Low
Mild for camping with the odd hard freeze. Most parks near Camden stay open year-round, so sites are easy to grab and rates are at their lowest, though pack for chilly nights.
Spring
Mar - May
48F - 74F
Crowds: High
The peak season and steeplechase time. Book well ahead for Carolina Cup weekend at Springdale Racecourse, when Lake Wateree State Park and the private parks fill fast.
Summer
Jun - Aug
70F - 92F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and humid with afternoon storms. You will want 50 amp and full hookups for the air conditioner, and lakeside sites at Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina help with the heat.
Fall
Sep - Oct
50F - 76F
Crowds: Medium
A quiet, comfortable sweet spot. September through November brings settled weather and thinner crowds, aside from the fall Colonial Cup race weekend, so midweek availability is easy.
Explore the Camden Area
A few things we would tell a friend heading to Camden. First, if you want a full-hookup site at Lake Wateree State Park, book early; only 28 of the sites have sewer and they go first for summer and holiday weekends. Second, watch the steeplechase calendar. Carolina Cup weekend in spring and the fall Colonial Cup at Springdale Racecourse fill every park in the area, so if your trip lines up with a race, reserve a month or more ahead.
Third, if fishing is the goal, base at Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, where you can launch or slip a boat steps from the rig and chase catfish and bass on Lake Wateree. Bring a South Carolina fishing license. Fourth, park the big coach at your campground and drive the compact historic downtown rather than fighting its narrow streets. Finally, take advantage of the mild shoulder seasons and the weekly discounts at the private parks; Camden is an inexpensive place to slow down, and there is enough history and lake time to justify two or three nights instead of a single quick overnight.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Camden
What are the best RV parks in Camden, SC?
The top picks around Camden are Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, a lakeside private park just outside town with roughly 74 full-hookup sites and a marina, and Columbia / Camden RV Park in nearby Lugoff, which has 83 full-hookup sites with big-rig pull-throughs and easy I-20 access. For a public option, Lake Wateree State Park sits across the lake with paved pads, water and electric on every site, and full sewer hookups on 28 of them. Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree is a resort-style choice about 25 minutes north for longer stays.
Do RV parks near Camden have full hookups?
Yes. Both of the main private parks offer full hookups. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina has water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric on its lakeside sites, and Columbia / Camden RV Park runs 83 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. On the public side, Lake Wateree State Park gives every RV site water and 30/50 amp electric, and 28 of those sites add full sewer hookups. If sewer at the site matters to you, ask for one of those 28 when you book, or pick either private park where full hookups are standard.
How much does RV camping cost in Camden?
Camden is an affordable Midlands stop. Lake Wateree State Park charges around $50 a night for its RV sites, which includes the paved pad, water, and electric, with the full-hookup sites at the top of that range. The private parks near town sit in a similar band, generally in the $40s to $50s per night for full hookups, often with weekly and monthly discounts that lower the effective nightly rate for longer stays. Add cheap fuel off I-20 and several free or low-cost attractions in town, and a few nights here costs far less than a coastal resort.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Camden?
For most of the year you can book a private park like Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina or Columbia / Camden RV Park a week or two out and be fine, and midweek you can sometimes roll in. Lake Wateree State Park books further ahead, especially the 28 full-hookup sites, which go first for summer and holiday weekends. The big exception is steeplechase season: Carolina Cup weekend in spring and the fall Colonial Cup fill every park in the area, so reserve a month or more ahead if your trip lines up with a race.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Camden?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. March through May brings warm, green weather and the steeplechase races, though race weekends draw crowds and fill parks. September through November is quieter, with settled, mild days and easy availability outside the fall race. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, so you will want 50 amp for the air conditioner and a shady or lakeside site. Winters stay mild enough for comfortable camping, most parks near Camden run year-round, and you will find the lowest rates and the most open sites in the cool months.
Can big rigs camp near Camden?
Yes, this is easy big-rig country. Columbia / Camden RV Park is built for larger coaches and fifth wheels with 83 full-hookup pull-through sites and simple in-and-out off Fort Jackson Road near I-20. Lake Wateree State Park handles rigs well too, with about 50 sites that fit RVs up to 40 feet and paved pads throughout. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina works for bigger rigs on its lakeside loops. The one thing to skip in a big coach is historic downtown Camden itself, where the narrow tree-lined streets are tight; park at the campground and drive in.
Is there public or state park RV camping near Camden?
Yes. Lake Wateree State Park is the go-to public campground, set on the far shore of Lake Wateree within a reasonable drive of Camden. It has 72 RV sites, all with paved pads, water, and 30 or 50 amp electric, and 28 of those add full sewer hookups. You get hot showers, a tackle shop, and a boat ramp, and the setting is quieter and more natural than the in-town parks. A South Carolina State Parks camping fee applies on top of your reservation, which you can make online or by calling the park tackle shop.
Are there full-hookup lakeside sites near Camden?
Yes. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina is the standout for waterfront camping, with roughly 74 sites on Lake Wateree, full hookups including 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer, plus a marina, bath house, and laundry right on site. It is a favorite with anglers who want to fish for catfish and bass and step from the rig to the boat. Lake Wateree State Park also offers lake-adjacent camping with full-hookup sites, and Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree adds a resort-style lakefront option about 25 minutes north if you want a pool with your water view.
What highways lead into Camden for an RV?
Camden sits just north of I-20, with exits at US-521 (exit 92) and US-1 (exit 98), so most RVers drop off the interstate and reach a park within ten to fifteen minutes. US-1 and US-521 carry you into and through town, US-601 comes up from the south, and SC-34 runs east to west. These are open state and federal highways with no notable low bridges or weight limits, so a 40-foot rig tows in with no drama. Columbia and its larger stores and RV services are about 35 minutes west on I-20 if you need to stock up first.
What is there to do in Camden for RVers?
Camden packs a lot of history into a small town. The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is a 107-acre outdoor museum with restored log houses, the reconstructed Kershaw-Cornwallis House, and a longleaf pine preserve. Camden calls itself the Steeplechase Capital of the World, so time a visit around the spring Carolina Cup or fall Colonial Cup at Springdale Racecourse, or stop by the National Steeplechase Museum any time. The Camden Archives & Museum covers local history and genealogy. Add fishing and boating on Lake Wateree and you have an easy two or three day stay.
Are the RV parks near Camden open year-round?
Mostly yes. The private parks like Columbia / Camden RV Park and Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina generally stay open all year, which makes Camden a comfortable cool-season and snowbird pass-through stop since Midlands winters are mild. Lake Wateree State Park also operates year-round, though its full-hookup sites are in highest demand from spring through fall. Always confirm hours and site availability directly with the park by phone or through its website before you arrive, especially in winter when some parks reduce staffed hours even if the sites themselves remain open for camping.
Can I fish or boat while camping near Camden?
Absolutely, Lake Wateree is the draw. The reservoir is known for catfish, bass, and crappie, and several of the RV parks put you right on the water. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina has its own marina so you can launch or slip a boat steps from your site, and Lake Wateree State Park has a boat ramp and a tackle shop where you can also handle your camping reservation. Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree offers lakefront access as well. Bring a South Carolina fishing license, and plan for the best action in spring and fall when the water and the weather cooperate.
How many days should I plan for a Camden RV stop?
One night works if you are just breaking up an I-20 drive, but two or three days lets Camden show itself. Spend a day on the Revolutionary War history at Historic Camden and the downtown museums, a day on Lake Wateree for fishing and boating, and, if your timing is lucky, a steeplechase race weekend at Springdale Racecourse. The mild shoulder-season weather and the mix of lakeside and full-hookup parks make it an easy place to linger, and the weekly and monthly discounts at the private parks reward a longer, slower stay if you are in no rush.
What are the best RV parks in Camden, SC?
The top picks around Camden are Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina, a lakeside private park just outside town with roughly 74 full-hookup sites and a marina, and Columbia / Camden RV Park in nearby Lugoff, which has 83 full-hookup sites with big-rig pull-throughs and easy I-20 access. For a public option, Lake Wateree State Park sits across the lake with paved pads, water and electric on every site, and full sewer hookups on 28 of them. Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree is a resort-style choice about 25 minutes north for longer stays.
Do RV parks near Camden have full hookups?
Yes. Both of the main private parks offer full hookups. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina has water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric on its lakeside sites, and Columbia / Camden RV Park runs 83 full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer. On the public side, Lake Wateree State Park gives every RV site water and 30/50 amp electric, and 28 of those sites add full sewer hookups. If sewer at the site matters to you, ask for one of those 28 when you book, or pick either private park where full hookups are standard.
How much does RV camping cost in Camden?
Camden is an affordable Midlands stop. Lake Wateree State Park charges around $50 a night for its RV sites, which includes the paved pad, water, and electric, with the full-hookup sites at the top of that range. The private parks near town sit in a similar band, generally in the $40s to $50s per night for full hookups, often with weekly and monthly discounts that lower the effective nightly rate for longer stays. Add cheap fuel off I-20 and several free or low-cost attractions in town, and a few nights here costs far less than a coastal resort.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Camden?
For most of the year you can book a private park like Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina or Columbia / Camden RV Park a week or two out and be fine, and midweek you can sometimes roll in. Lake Wateree State Park books further ahead, especially the 28 full-hookup sites, which go first for summer and holiday weekends. The big exception is steeplechase season: Carolina Cup weekend in spring and the fall Colonial Cup fill every park in the area, so reserve a month or more ahead if your trip lines up with a race.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Camden?
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. March through May brings warm, green weather and the steeplechase races, though race weekends draw crowds and fill parks. September through November is quieter, with settled, mild days and easy availability outside the fall race. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, so you will want 50 amp for the air conditioner and a shady or lakeside site. Winters stay mild enough for comfortable camping, most parks near Camden run year-round, and you will find the lowest rates and the most open sites in the cool months.
Can big rigs camp near Camden?
Yes, this is easy big-rig country. Columbia / Camden RV Park is built for larger coaches and fifth wheels with 83 full-hookup pull-through sites and simple in-and-out off Fort Jackson Road near I-20. Lake Wateree State Park handles rigs well too, with about 50 sites that fit RVs up to 40 feet and paved pads throughout. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina works for bigger rigs on its lakeside loops. The one thing to skip in a big coach is historic downtown Camden itself, where the narrow tree-lined streets are tight; park at the campground and drive in.
Is there public or state park RV camping near Camden?
Yes. Lake Wateree State Park is the go-to public campground, set on the far shore of Lake Wateree within a reasonable drive of Camden. It has 72 RV sites, all with paved pads, water, and 30 or 50 amp electric, and 28 of those add full sewer hookups. You get hot showers, a tackle shop, and a boat ramp, and the setting is quieter and more natural than the in-town parks. A South Carolina State Parks camping fee applies on top of your reservation, which you can make online or by calling the park tackle shop.
Are there full-hookup lakeside sites near Camden?
Yes. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina is the standout for waterfront camping, with roughly 74 sites on Lake Wateree, full hookups including 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer, plus a marina, bath house, and laundry right on site. It is a favorite with anglers who want to fish for catfish and bass and step from the rig to the boat. Lake Wateree State Park also offers lake-adjacent camping with full-hookup sites, and Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree adds a resort-style lakefront option about 25 minutes north if you want a pool with your water view.
What highways lead into Camden for an RV?
Camden sits just north of I-20, with exits at US-521 (exit 92) and US-1 (exit 98), so most RVers drop off the interstate and reach a park within ten to fifteen minutes. US-1 and US-521 carry you into and through town, US-601 comes up from the south, and SC-34 runs east to west. These are open state and federal highways with no notable low bridges or weight limits, so a 40-foot rig tows in with no drama. Columbia and its larger stores and RV services are about 35 minutes west on I-20 if you need to stock up first.
What is there to do in Camden for RVers?
Camden packs a lot of history into a small town. The Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site is a 107-acre outdoor museum with restored log houses, the reconstructed Kershaw-Cornwallis House, and a longleaf pine preserve. Camden calls itself the Steeplechase Capital of the World, so time a visit around the spring Carolina Cup or fall Colonial Cup at Springdale Racecourse, or stop by the National Steeplechase Museum any time. The Camden Archives & Museum covers local history and genealogy. Add fishing and boating on Lake Wateree and you have an easy two or three day stay.
Are the RV parks near Camden open year-round?
Mostly yes. The private parks like Columbia / Camden RV Park and Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina generally stay open all year, which makes Camden a comfortable cool-season and snowbird pass-through stop since Midlands winters are mild. Lake Wateree State Park also operates year-round, though its full-hookup sites are in highest demand from spring through fall. Always confirm hours and site availability directly with the park by phone or through its website before you arrive, especially in winter when some parks reduce staffed hours even if the sites themselves remain open for camping.
Can I fish or boat while camping near Camden?
Absolutely, Lake Wateree is the draw. The reservoir is known for catfish, bass, and crappie, and several of the RV parks put you right on the water. Wateree Lake RV Park & Marina has its own marina so you can launch or slip a boat steps from your site, and Lake Wateree State Park has a boat ramp and a tackle shop where you can also handle your camping reservation. Sun Outdoors Lake Wateree offers lakefront access as well. Bring a South Carolina fishing license, and plan for the best action in spring and fall when the water and the weather cooperate.
How many days should I plan for a Camden RV stop?
One night works if you are just breaking up an I-20 drive, but two or three days lets Camden show itself. Spend a day on the Revolutionary War history at Historic Camden and the downtown museums, a day on Lake Wateree for fishing and boating, and, if your timing is lucky, a steeplechase race weekend at Springdale Racecourse. The mild shoulder-season weather and the mix of lakeside and full-hookup parks make it an easy place to linger, and the weekly and monthly discounts at the private parks reward a longer, slower stay if you are in no rush.
Are there free dump stations in Camden?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Camden.
All Dump Stations Near Camden (77)
RV ParkHermitage Farms
RV ParkColumbia Camden RV Park
RV ParkLake Wateree Clearwater Cove
RV ParkWateree Recreation Area
RV ParkBethel Campground
RV ParkFreeway Mobile Home Park
RV ParkWateree Lake RV Park & Marina
RV Park



