Tucked into South Carolina’s horse country and steeped in history, Camden offers a rich blend of outdoor adventure, heritage, and small-town charm that’s perfect for families. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a quick day trip, this friendly Southern town has something for everyone — from paddling beneath cypress trees to exploring Revolutionary War history.
Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family
Just minutes from downtown, Goodale State Park is one of South Carolina’s most underrated parks and one of Camden’s natural treasures. With a 140-acre mill pond, canoe and kayak access, and a three-mile canoe or kayak trail winding through tall cypress trees, it’s a scenic escape that kids will love. Bring a picnic, rent a kayak, and make a full day of it.
If your family prefers a larger body of water, Lake Wateree is a top destination for boating, tubing, kayaking, and fishing. With over 13,000 acres of lake to explore, it’s perfect for both thrill-seekers and families looking to relax by the shore.
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, the Margaret H. Lloyd Preserve offers peaceful walking trails through forests and wetlands, ideal for exploring and reconnecting with family. The Camden Riverfront Environmental Park also features walking paths, observation decks, and a canoe/kayak launch — perfect for an easygoing nature adventure close to town.
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park
Step Back in Time: History, Museums & Learning
Camden, South Carolina’s oldest inland city, has history woven into every corner. Families can dive right in at the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site — an open-air Colonial Village where reconstructed dwellings, fortifications, and living history demonstrations bring the 18th century to life. Kids can run, explore, and imagine what life was like during the Revolution.
Continue your historical journey at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, where exhibits, films, and interactive displays tell the story of the Southern Campaign in a way that’s engaging for visitors of all ages.
If your family loves animals or sports, make a stop at the National Steeplechase Museum. This unique attraction showcases Camden’s equestrian heritage with exhibits on horse racing, local champions, and the long-standing tradition of steeplechase in the region.
National Steeplechase Museum
Sports, Games & Active Family Fun
For families who love staying active, the Tennis Center of Camden & Pickleball Plaza offers world-class courts, walking trails, and plenty of open space to play. For families with younger children, Party Barn Play Adventure is your one-stop shop to battle boredom. Ideal for children 7 and under, they specialize in pretend play and climbing structures in a vibrant play area. And if your crew is older and craves excitement, head to Carolina Motorsports Park for safe, high-speed fun on the track. It’s a memorable experience for those over the age of 18 who love a little friendly competition.
Downtown Charm, Culture & Strolling
After a morning of adventure, slow things down with a walk through Camden’s charming downtown. Spend the afternoon exploring the Camden Cultural District, where galleries, antique shops, small museums, and local eateries invite you to linger. Don’t miss Antique Street, lined with vintage stores, boutiques, and locally made crafts — perfect for browsing treasures while the kids enjoy a sweet treat or ice cream break. Another fun way to experience Camden is to go on a scavenger hunt to see if you can find all 12 of the Boykin Spaniel statues scattered about town.
Boykin Spaniel Statue at Revolutionary War Visitor Center
Family Travel Tips for Visiting Camden, SC
A few tips to make the most of your family adventure in Camden:
Start early for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially for outdoor and water-based activities.
Pack for the weather, including sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and water shoes for paddling adventures.
Mix up your schedule with both active and calm experiences to keep everyone happy.
Check Camden’s event calendar — the city’s festivals and events often include kid-friendly music, arts, and food.
Plan Your Family Getaway to Camden
From paddling and hiking to history and hometown charm, Camden, South Carolina, is a family-friendly destination where adventure and relaxation meet. Every trail, museum, and meal invites you to slow down, explore, and make memories together.
If you’re looking for how best to craft an unforgettable weekend in Camden, SC, grab a snack and your coffee, this is gonna be a long one! October 9 – 12 is shaping up to be packed for events that folks of all ages can enjoy! The big highlights are the Camden Jazz Festival, the Southern Gothic Festival and the Camden Horse & Hound Expo.
Here’s a quick look at how these three events overlap in Camden on the same weekend in October:
Camden Jazz Fesitval | October 9 – 11, 2025
Southern Gothic Festival | October 10 – 11, 2025
Camden Horse & Hound Expo | October 10 – 12, 2025
📆 Itinerary: How to experience them all in one weekend
If you’re interested in experiencing all three spectacular events, we’ve put together a suggested play-by-play to help make the most of your time.
Grab a relaxed dinner downtown — Camden has cozy Southern spots and local restaurants. Or, venture a little farther out to experience a unique and serene dining experience at Mill Pond Steakhouse, where the views rival the flavors.
Jazz Festival Opening Night: The festival begins the evening of the 9th at Gallery 537, a vibrant arts hub in the heart of downtown Camden. Plan to arrive early enough to catch one of the opening sets.
Explore any number of activities to be found in Camden and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re into nature, history or shopping and strolling your way through a destination, Camden has what you’re looking for.
History buffs can deep dive into a mecca for Revolutionary War history, culture, artifacts and lore. Camden brings history to life in indoor and outdoor museums, archives, battlefields, exhibits and markers, tours and trails, interactive educational programs and workshops, and expert storytellers who you will meet along the way.
Looking for a little retail therapy? Check out Broad Street, better known to those in the know as “Antique Street,” with shops filled to the brim with treasures waiting to be discovered. Or, explore our cultural offerings in fine art galleries, artist studios and cooperatives, pottery studios and more.
Jazz Festival Night 2: The festival continues at Gallery 537. Expect soulful sounds, cool vibes and unforgettable memories.
Southern Gothic Night 1:
Folklore & Legends Lantern Tour: From 7 – 8 pm, step into the shadows of Camden’s storied past with this guided lantern tour through Historic Camden Foundation’s haunted grounds. You’ll hear chilling tales of ghosts and ghoulish stories passe down through generations of Southern folklore.
Spooky Street Concert: From 7:00 – 9:30 pm, there is a haunting street concert on Rutledge Street to open the festival proper. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy special menus and festival discounts at participating downtown businesses.
Wind down with night cap at Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge or Broad & Vine or a quiet stroll through downtown Camden, perhaps with a ghost-lit walk or haunted-history reflection in mind (since you’ll be in Gothic mode anyway).
Saturday, October 11 — The Big Overlap Day
This is your “all-in” day — plan early, move efficiently, and pace yourself.
Morning
Horse & Hound Expo opens at 9:00 AM at Springdale Racecourse, home of the legendary Carolina and Colonial Cup Steeplechase Races. Expect a full day of programming across the grounds, featuring live demos, family-friendly activities and expert presentations. Explore the lively vendor marketplace featuring tack, gun dog gear, handmade goods and apparel, and more.
Midday
Around lunchtime (11 am – 5 pm), carve out a break to head back toward downtown Camden and stop by the Revolutionary War Visitor Center to catch a Southern Gothic panel, author talk, or book signing. The Saturday schedule includes panels, readings, and possibly ghost or folklore-themed sessions.
The Jazz Festival’s The Finale on the Town Green kicks off at 3 pm. Kids are free, so bring the whole family if you’re looking to enjoy some smooth or upbeat jazz, depending on the artist.
Evening
Southern Gothic evening events — the After Party will begin at 7 pm at Greener Pastures Brewing Company, featuring Backline performing a gothic-bluegrass set. Enjoy drink specials at the brewery and surrounding participating downtown businesses. Bring your Southern Gothic Festival Passport and you could receive a free festival tote bag. Prefer to keep the spookiness going? Head back down to Historic Camden Foundation for a Haunts & Spirits Tour from 7:00 – 8:30 pm to immerse yourself in Camden’s haunted past.
The Jazz Festival’s The Finale on the Town Green: the Jazz Festival’s final day runs from 3 pm until 10 pm. Wind down a fun-filled Saturday with the rhythm and melody of The Delegation Quartet, RAPHA and The Dick Goodwin Band. Kids are free.
Sunday, October 12 — Wind Down with Polo & Reflection or Seek Thrills
Horse & Hound Expo
Start your morning with a leisurely brunch at B.Colson in Camden, reflect on the weekend’s highlights, or revisit a favorite spot downtown.
From 11:30 am until 4 pm, head out to the Camden Charity Polo Cup, typically beginning at 1:00 PM. Enjoy the match, the halftime “divot stomp,” and the genteel atmosphere of polo at the Camden Polo Field. Proceeds go to benefit the mission of Hickory Top Farm.
Have a need for speed? Head out to Carolina Motorsports Park, the road racing center of the Carolinas, and hop in a go-kart. Kart rentals are open to the public from 12 – 5 pm on Sunday, October 12.
All the spookiness got you in the Halloween spirit a little early? Take the kids over to Trick or Treat in the haunted Colonial Village at Historic Camden Foundation. The event runs from 4 – 7 pm and will feature a nature trail scavenger hunt, games, stories and hay rides. There will be live music in McCaa’s Tavern by Jim Graddick & Michael “Covey” Covington and admission is free! Food & Drinks available for purchase.
Depart Camden at your leisure, perhaps with a lingering stop at a local café or a final stroll through historic streets.
🚗 Logistics & Tips for Making It Work
Here are tips to make this ambitious weekend smoother:
Tickets & Entry
Southern Gothic: Most panels and talks are free and first-come, first-served. The Ghost Tours are ticketed and tend to sell out—reserve early.
Horse & Hound:
Denim & Diamonds Gala (Friday evening, October 10): ~$150 per ticket.
Expo (Saturday, October 11): General admission ~$25, children 12 & under free.
Polo Match (Sunday, October 11): general admission ~$30, tailgate and hospitality packages also available.
Jazz Festival: Thursday and Friday tickets are $25 per person and include heavy hors d’oeuvres by local favorite Every Day Gourmet. Seating inside Gallery 537 is limited, so purchase your tickets early. Saturday tickets at Town Green are $15 for adults and kids are free.
What to Pack / Wear
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be moving between venues, downtown streets, and Expo grounds).
Layers — October can be warm by day, cool at night.
A small backpack or tote for carrying water, snacks, and any books or festival swag.
A lawn chair or blanket for attending outdoor events.
A camera or smartphone for capturing moments.
✍ Final Thoughts & Recommendations
If your goal is to experience all three events in one weekend, here’s what I’d recommend as a mindset:
Prioritize quality over quantity: It’s better to fully enjoy a few flagship panels or performances than to frantically race from one to the next.
Be flexible: Allow room for spontaneity — maybe a book signing runs late, or you overhear a local musician downtown and stop in.
Plan early: Reserve the Ghost Tours or ticketed performances in advance. Know your routes between venues.
Recharge between events: A quiet pause over coffee or an early evening stroll can help you reset for the next session.
Embrace the experience: One weekend like this is a sensory overload — the flicker of Gothic tales, the clip-clop of hoofbeats, the saxophone’s murmur. Let yourself slip into the rhythm.
Camden, South Carolina is full of charm, and our coffee scene is no exception. Whether you’re looking for a locally roasted brew, a cozy reading spot, or a friendly neighborhood café, these three coffee shops need to be on your list.
Camden’s only roastery, APC takes coffee seriously. Beans are roasted in-house each week, ensuring peak freshness and bold flavor. Pair your drink with a pastry, fresh salad or sandwich made right in their kitchen, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere created by the trio of sisters behind another local favorite, Three Sisters Essentials, who purchased APC at the beginning of 2025. With historical themes like the Revolutionary Roast, Patriot Blend, Powder Keg and Minute Man Roast, you may even be inspired to explore some of Camden’s historic offerings.
This independent bookstore and café offers a calm, inviting space to sip a latte or cappuccino while browsing the shelves. Along with coffee, you’ll find smoothies, bagels, and baked goods — the perfect fuel for a morning of exploring downtown Camden. Once you’ve filled up, head out to peruse the many shops on Antique Street, stop in to chat with the artists and creators in the Cultural District or simply boost the local economy with a little retail therapy. This fall, be sure to check out their new seasonal menu, featuring the caramel apple and pumpkin spice flavors you know and love.
Books on Broad
Not A Corner Cafe 🌿
📍 1003 Church Street, Camden, SC
A true neighborhood gem, Not A Corner Café is known for its seasonal lattes and sweet treats. With friendly staff and a cozy setting, it’s a great spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment midday. If you want to stretch your legs and take your cup o’ joe to-go, head to one of Camden’s museums to pass the time and learn something new about the area.
Your Coffee Crawl Itinerary 🗺️
Start strong at American Patriot Coffee Company for the freshest roast.
Slow down at Books on Broad & Coffee with a good book in hand.
Finish sweet at Not A Corner Cafe with a seasonal latte and muffin.
Notice is hereby given of a public hearing to be conducted by the City of Camden Planning Commission in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1000 Lyttleton Street, Camden, South Carolina on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
402 Bishopville Highway – Tax Map Number C286-00-00-019
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to R-E. Documentation regarding this request is available for public review at City Hall.
• Amendments to Sections 157.094(B)(12) and 157.095(B)(9) to remove slab on grade foundations as an allowable foundation type for residential units
Copies of the proposed ordinance amendments and rezoning request documentation are available for public review at the Planning & Development Department at City Hall or in the agenda packet posted here. Anyone having questions about the rezoning, needing assistance due to sight impairment hearing impairment, or disability should contact Shawn Putnam at 432-2421 prior to the date of the meeting so that arrangements can be made to provide the specific assistance required.
Another public hearing will be conducted by the Planning Commission in the Council Chambers on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:15 PM for the purpose of obtaining public comments concerning rezoning of the following property:
2200 Carter Street – Tax Map Number C270-00-00-013
The request is to rezone property from R-15 to RE. Documentation regarding this request is currently available for public review at City Hall, and will be made available online in the coming days.
Public Encouraged to Line Route and Honor Fallen Heroes
Kershaw County, SC – September 4, 2025– Firefighters from the Lugoff and Camden Fire Departments will lead a Walk of Remembrance on Thursday, September 11th, 2025, marking the 24th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. First responders from across Kershaw County will walk five miles from Camden Fire Station I at City Hall to Lugoff Fire Station, 892 Highway 1 South.
This marks the fifth annual Walk of Remembrance, a tradition begun in 2020 by Firefighter Dejuan Warren when pandemic restrictions canceled other 9/11 events. Participants this year include members of: Camden Fire Department, Camden Police Department, Kershaw County Detention, Kershaw County Dispatch, Kershaw County EMS, Kershaw County Fire Services, Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office, and Lugoff Fire Department.
“Walking together each year reminds us that remembrance is not just about honoring the past, but about inspiring our community to stand united in courage and service,” said Camden Fire Chief Eddie Gardner. “We encourage everyone to come out, line the route, and show support for those honoring the heroes of 9/11.” While the walk is led by first responders, the public is invited to line Highway 1 South, wave flags, and cheer on participants as a tribute to the 2,977 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the bravery of first responders. Residents are encouraged to bring American flags and patriotic displays along the route.
For more information, contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson, Public Information Officer Email: djohnson@camdensc.org Phone: 803-243-5204
The City of Camden is actively seeking applicants for the newly established Camden Public Art Committee, created as a cornerstone initiative of the public art policy recently approved by City Council.
Under the terms of the approved policy, the Camden Public Art Committee is comprised of seven members, each appointed by City Council to serve two-year terms with the opportunity for renewal, not to exceed three consecutive terms. City Council reserves the authority to designate the Committee Chair from among the appointed members. The committee is looking for representatives from the following groups:
• Arts Leadership: The Director or designated representative from the Arts Center of Kershaw County • Creative Professionals: Active members of Camden’s art community, encompassing artists, gallery owners, art dealers, and cultural industry professionals • Community Advocates: Engaged citizens and business owners from the City of Camden and surrounding unincorporated areas who reflect our community’s rich diversity and share a genuine passion for public art • Philanthropic Partners: Individuals with demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors and supporters who share our vision for public art excellence
This exciting opportunity offers committee members the chance to shape Camden’s cultural landscape while fostering community engagement through meaningful public art initiatives.
How to Apply: Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Boards and Commissions – Experience Camden, South Carolina to download and submit their application online. Applications are also available for pickup at City Hall’s Finance Department, located at 1000 Lyttleton Street.
Join us in creating a more vibrant, culturally enriched Camden through the transformative power of public art.
