Where to Stay In Experience Camden, SC: Hotel Edition🏨🌿

Where to Stay In Experience Camden, SC: Hotel Edition🏨🌿

If you’re traveling along I-20 through South Carolina, Exit 98 is your gateway to one of the state’s most charming small towns — Camden, SC. Just a few minutes from the highway, you’ll find a variety of hotels, local dining, and easy access to everything that makes Camden so much more than just a stopover. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, business trip, or family adventure, this exit offers convenience without sacrificing comfort or Southern hospitality.

🏨 Where to Stay on Exit 98

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Camden (NEW!)

📍 140 Wall Street, Camden, SC
Fresh, modern, and all-suite — this brand-new property sets a new standard for comfort in Camden. Each suite offers separate living and sleeping areas, a mini-fridge, and a microwave – perfect for families, business travelers, or longer stays. Guests will love the spacious layout, free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, and fitness center.
Best for: Longer stays, families, or travelers who love modern design.

Hampton Inn Camden

📍 122 Wall Street, Camden, SC
A favorite among Hilton loyalists, the Hampton Inn offers bright, inviting rooms, a hearty hot breakfast, heated indoor pool, and fitness center. You’re minutes from downtown Camden but close enough to hop back on the interstate with ease.
Best for: Business travelers or weekenders who enjoy trusted Hilton comfort.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Camden-I-20 / Hwy 521

📍 419 Sumter Highway, Camden, SC
Classic comfort and convenience meet here. With complimentary breakfast, parking, and an outdoor pool, this IHG property is ideal for travelers looking for value and ease. The friendly staff and clean, modern rooms make it a reliable favorite.
Best for: Overnight road-trippers or those wanting reliable, familiar service.

Comfort Inn & Suites Camden

📍 220 Wall Street, Camden, SC
Pet-friendly, family-friendly, and easygoing, this hotel provides a welcoming stay with free breakfast and fitness facilities. It’s a great all-around option right on the Exit 98 corridor, just minutes from Camden’s Broad Street.
Best for: Pet owners and families looking for flexibility.

🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink Nearby

When it’s time to refuel, Camden’s food scene won’t disappoint. Within minutes of any of the above hotels, you’ll find a range of local favorites:

  • Sam Kendall’s – A downtown staple serving steaks, seafood, and cocktails in a historic building with Southern charm. Perfect for date night or dinner after exploring. 🍖
  • Camden House of Pizza – Family-friendly and casual, offering pizza, Greek, and Italian classics locals have loved for decades. Now with expanded hours to serve you better! 🍕
  • Steeplechase Sports Bar & Grill – Great for a laid-back lunch or watching the game with a burger and local beer. 🍺
  • Blackmon’s Little Midget Family Drive-In – Family owned and operated in the same location for 70 years. Stop by during lunch hours to try their twist on drive-in food the old fashioned way 🌭
  • Salud! – Looking for a little spice after a relaxing day exploring? Salud! is an upscale Mexican food destination celebrating the bold flavors of Mexico, including an endless spirit list. 🍋‍🟩
  • Mill Pond Steakhouse – A steakhouse offering a unique and serene dining experience, where you may see wildlife in the pond while you enjoy your meal. Great for unwinding with a glass of wine after a full day of fun. 🍷
  • The Loopy Lemon Café – A cheerful spot for breakfast or lunch, known for fresh, creative bites with a Mediterranean twist. 🍋

Time to wet your whistle? There’s a growing beverage scene in town, too! Check out one of the options below to help you quench your thirst, whatever your preference may be:

  • Greener Pastures Brewing Company — The newest spot on the block, check out this locally-owned brewery, restaurant and beer garden on Broad Street. Serving an Italian-inspired food menu and cold beer, this is a great place to connect with loved ones.
  • Silver Leaf Cigar Lounge — Experience a diverse selection of top-noch cigars paired with delicious food and traditional and specialty cocktails.
  • Broad & Vine — Nestled in the heart of historic downtown, this wine bar offers a cozy and stylish space to relax, sip, and savor. Explore the thoughtfully curated selection of wines, small bites, and warm hospitality.
  • Gorget Distillery — Gorget is a craft distillery producing small batch spirits. Venture a little farther out to Lugoff in surrounding Kershaw County to sample their offerings or have a specialty cocktail at their bar.

🌳 Things to Do While You’re Here

Once you’ve checked in, don’t just hit the pillow — Camden’s charm deserves a little exploration.

  • Historic Camden Foundation & the Revolutionary War Visitor Center – Conveniently located next to one another, these two facilities will take you back in time to discover where pivotal battles shaped early America. Wander through reconstructed buildings and scenic grounds.
  • Goodale State Park – A peaceful escape for kayaking, hiking, and picnicking — just 10 minutes from the interstate and downtown Camden.
  • Downtown Camden – Browse the Cultural District to check out the plethora of art galleries and antique shops, hunt for new wardrobe staples at local boutiques, or simply stroll past the iconic clock tower with a cup of coffee from American Patriot or Books on Broad.
  • Camden Horse Country – As South Carolina’s oldest inland city and equestrian hub, Camden celebrates horses year-round — from scenic pastures to events at the South Carolina Equine Park or the Colonial Cup, taking place this year on Sunday, November 23 🐎
    • Pssst: If you’re planning your trip soon, check out our recent blog on Revolutionary November to see all that’s happening in and around Camden throughout the month of November.

🗝️ Why Stay at Exit 98

  • Unbeatable Convenience: All hotels are within minutes of I-20, making check-in and check-out easy for travelers.
  • Plenty of Choices: Whether you want an all-suite setup, pet-friendly rooms, or a trusted brand, there’s a perfect fit.
  • Close to Everything: Downtown, historic attractions, and local dining are all less than 10 minutes away.
  • Southern Hospitality: Each hotel delivers friendly, genuine service — something Camden is known for.

🌟 Ready to Plan Your Stay?

From sleek new hotels to trusted favorites, Camden, SC is more than a highway stop — it’s a comfortable, convenient base for exploring the heart of South Carolina.

Book your stay today at:
👉 SpringHill Suites Camden Marriott
👉 Hampton Inn Camden
👉 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Camden-I-20
👉 Comfort Inn & Suites Camden

How to Discover Camden, SC: A Family-Friendly Guide

How to Discover Camden, SC: A Family-Friendly Guide

Experience Family Fun in Camden, South Carolina

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.

Start planning your family-friendly getaway today at ExperienceCamdenSC.com.