Top Places to Visit
Find Your Perfect Place in Camden, SC
Camden’s Best Places to Visit
There’s a reason visitors keep coming back to Camden and Kershaw County. Our people and places nourish your nostalgia with memories and experiences that won’t soon be forgotten. Come for history, horses and the outdoors…or just a lovely stroll in Downtown Camden’s Cultural District. Camden has a place for your next adventure.
Camden’s Cultural District
A Haunt for Hospitality and Creative Vibes
Camden’s Cultural District comprises several blocks that have organically become home to many artistic and creative spaces, including galleries and artist studios, theaters and other live performance venues, public art, museums, and arts education centers. It’s also home to quiet green spaces, bustling markets, and restaurants and eateries to keep any food lover busy! Get your arts and culture fix in Camden’s Cultural District today.
Lake Wateree
Wander The Waters of Wateree
With 242 miles of shoreline covering more than 13,000 acres, Lake Wateree has served as one of the state’s premier fishing and boating destinations for almost 100 years. Large Mouth and Stripped Bass, Bream, Catfish, and Crappie fishing abound in one of South Carolina’s oldest man-made lakes. Anglers searching for that special location to reel in the big fish will discover a wide range of fishing opportunities. Lake Wateree also provides a setting for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, diving, tubing, water skiing, wind surfing, site seeing, and just cruising. And don’t forget about Lake Wateree State Park! Spend your day or your weekend on the lake!
Goodale State Park
It’s All Good at Goodale State Park
Located just minutes outside of downtown Camden, Goodale State Park features tall cypress trees that enchant the eye, a Civil War-era mill pond that abounds with wildlife and some of the best kayaking in South Carolina. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking the 1.5 miles sandy nature trail on the lookout for alligators, egrets, otters and the elusive bald eagle. Jump in a canoe or kayak and head out on the “Water Trail” – recognized by Canoe Magazine as a “Top 25 Scenic Canoe Route” – as you paddle – not hike – into the forest. A truly magical experience. Goodale awaits!
The National Steeplechase Museum at Springdale Racecourse
Horses, History and Hospitality Are On The Menu
There’s a reason Camden is called the “Steeplechase Capital of the World”. For a first-class, one of a kind experience, a visit and tour of Camden’s National Steeplechase Museum is essential. Here you will step into the world of steeplechase racing and learn about the incredible athletes – the breeders, jockeys and horses that have made glorious contributions to one of America’s grandest sports. Come and enjoy the numerous exhibits and displays, constantly evolving, that tell the rich history of our sport. Want more? Schedule a tour and watch the early morning workouts from the back terrace of the Museum.
Camden Riverfront Environmental Park
The Natural Side of Our Riverside
Camden’s newest investment in bringing people and nature together; the Riverfront Environmental Park, is a 26-acre ecotourism destination. The park features a half-mile meandering waterway, hiking and walking trails, observation areas, wildlife demonstration areas and a riverfront canoe & kayak launch. Bring your binoculars, walking shoes or your favorite canoe or kayak and experience the natural side of Camden, SC.
Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden
A Simply Revolutionary Experience
Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden is the nation’s first permanent exhibit dedicated to telling the story of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in turning the tide of the war for independence. The center not only serves as the gateway to the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and the Liberty Trail in South Carolina, it also is the gateway to all Camden and Kershaw County have to offer. Your best visit to Camden starts here!
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Park and Colonial Village
110 Acres of Revolutionary War History
One of the most significant attractions in Kershaw County, Historic Camden’s Revolutionary War Park. The 110-acre park includes the Historic Camden Colonial Village with furnished period houses, reconstructions of some of the 18th century military fortifications, tours, educational programs, and the Joseph Kershaw mansion, used as headquarters by the British army in 1780. Also included is the region’s newest national attraction; The Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden.
Camden Battlefield Site and Longleaf Pine Preserve
Nature, History and War Collide at the Battle of Camden
On August 16, 1780, more than 2000 British and Loyalist troops under Lt. General Lord Cornwallis met and defeated over 4,000 American troops commanded by the “Hero of Saratoga,” General Horatio Gates. The Battle of Camden was the worst Patriot defeat of the American Revolution. Known as the Camden Battlefield and Longleaf Pine Preserve, the site offers 3 miles of walking trails with interpretive signage. Guided tour tickets available at Historic Camden’s Cunningham House.
Antique Street, Downtown Camden
Unique Finds and Hunting Down History
Looking for undiscovered treasures and unique finds? Look no further than Camden’s “Antique Street” district; a collection of fabulous antique stores all located within Camden’s Cultural District. Work up an appetite while rummaging through the district’s varied antique stores then bounce to your favorite local eatery for treats of another kind. Experience history and hunting (for treasure) in Camden, SC.
Camden Archives & Museum
Immerse Yourself in History, Lore and More
Learn about the people and stories that shaped our community at the Camden Archives & Museum. With its extensive and diverse collection of artifacts, local historical and genealogical records, the Archives is recognized as one of the finest genealogical research facilities in South Carolina. Visitors can view both permanent and rotating exhibits; peruse artifacts on display as diverse as traditional Native American items, china from Camden’s great hotel era, and General Patton’s saddle. The hanging exhibit gallery presents a fresh look many historical moments and you can learn about the Beard Gun Collection, one of the best gun collections in the south.
Arts Center of Kershaw County
The Heart of Art in Kershaw County
Visit the artistic hub of Kershaw County with a trip to The Arts Center. Expanded programming, a campus expansion and a new generation of leadership are behind the Arts Center’s trajectory as a major tourist attraction for visitors to Camden. The center hosts major multi-day performances on stage, within its museum and galleries, and throughout Downtown Camden. A not to miss stop for lovers of the arts.
Events & Happenings
Camden offers myriad ways to enjoy our city’s rich hospitality with a full calendar of arts, culture, outdoors, equine, history and related events. Find your “thing” in Camden, SC. All Events →