Camden
Urban, Sustainable, Green
Camden, South Carolina, boasts a thriving urban forest, recognized as a “Tree City USA” for over 35 years, with the City’s parks department maintaining nearly 20 parks and over 1,000 acres of grass along streets. Trees help to form our city-wide forest, which is the combination of all vegetation (trees, shrubs and turfgrass) within our community. Our parks and green spaces allow citizens and visitors to form connections with nature.
Visit Our Parks
With so many amazing parks to visit, you’ll need to spend a few days! With 20 city parks and 15 Kershaw County parks, you’ll get to experience nature right in your own back yard. Want to know where your nearest city park is located? Check out the link below! Or download our parks brochure!
Camden’s Urban Forest
Camden has been designated as “Tree City USA” for over 35 years! Our community forest provides shade, energy conservation, stormwater management, air pollution filtration, bird and wildlife habitat, aesthetics and much more!
Good Trees and Bad Trees
What you plant and support matters! Looking to know what tree species are welcomed and which ones are prohibited? Check out our recommended and prohibited list of species below. Download our helpful guide below.
Tree Checks!
Request a Tree Check via our Connect Camden SC app or by submitting this Tree Exam Form via email or in person at City Hall, to the attention of Planning & Development Director, Shawn Putnam. The site visit is free of charge within the city limits. If your concern is urgent, please call the Parks & Streets Department directly at 803-425-6045.
Tree Permits:
Submit a Tree Permit application if you or your organization has a need or desire to remove, prune and/or plant trees on public property, including City-owned rights-of-way or South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT)-owned rights-of-way. You may submit the application via email or in person at City Hall, to the attention of Planning & Development Director, Shawn Putnam. The application may require review by the Parks & Trees Commission.
Caring For Trees
If you’re passionate about “nurturing our nature” and want to learn more about how to plant, maintain and care for Camden’s Urban Forest, explore this wonderful tree care guide from our sustainability partners at The South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Sustainability Planning
Interested in Camden’s future growth, development, sustainability and vibrancy? There are two must read resources to explore.
Comprehensive Plan
Check out The Comprehensive Plan, designed to serve as a guide to the physical, social, and economic growth, development and redevelopment of the city.
Parks & Tree Commission
Want to get the latest info on efforts to support our parks & trees? Head on over to our Parks & Trees Commision page to review meeting agendas, minutes and key decisions.
Water Quality & Green Infrastructure
Looking for information on the region’s vision for water quality, green infrastructure and more? Explore the Santee-Lynches COG planning site where you can learn about these topics and more.