Camden, SC

Camden (official website) is South Carolina’s oldest inland city and it sits nestled in the hillsides northeast of the capital city of Columbia. Camden is the county seat of Kershaw County and maintains a population of about 7,000 people at any given time. The city itself was founded on March 22nd, 1786 but its history stretches back over 50 years earlier when it was first named Fredericksburg and then later Pine Tree Hill.

It is a true Southern town with a unique flair thanks to the equestrian industry. The residential areas of Camden are made up of a wide range of homes from antebellum plantation mansions to modern subdivisions like Southern Oaks and South Haven. Camden provides quick access to jobs through the local industrial parks, proximity to Columbia, and thriving local business scene. Camden also offers access to two nearby military bases: Shaw Air Force Base (Sumter) and Fort Jackson (Columbia).

Camden itself is regarded as a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina with about a 25-40 minute commute to most points in the city. Fort Jackson can be reached in about 25-30 minutes, the Northeast Columbia area in about 25-30 minutes, downtown Columbia in about 35 minutes, and the Harbison area in about 35-40 minutes. Camden is roughly 30-40 minutes away from Sumter and Shaw Air Force Base. It is just about 45 minutes away from Florence, South Carolina. There is only about an hour’s commute to Charlotte, North Carolina.

A well-kept little secret about Camden’s location is its proximity to both mountains and beaches. Both Myrtle Beach and Charleston (including places like the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island) can be reached in about 2.5 hours. The mountains of South Carolina can be reached in about 2.0 to 2.5 hours and Asheville, North Carolina is less than three hours away. Major interstates including I-20, I-95, I-77, and I-26 can all be reached in 45 minutes or much less. If you’re looking for a great place to bring your family or retire, Camden affords quick access for great trips!

Prefer to stay local? No problem! Camden offers great restaurants, a small music scene, movie theater, a bowling alley, plenty of golfing and lots of gorgeous countryside. Beautiful Lake Wateree is a short car ride away. Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities abound in the area. Enjoy quick access to Historic Camden, Historic Boykin, the Fine Arts Center, Carolina Motorsports Park, Hanging Rock, 40 Acre Rock, the Wateree River, and the famous Camden antique experience. The community boasts many parks including several large state parks which are very close in by for a day of fun. Camden is also home to the National Steeplechase Museum. Local events abound with the Carolina Cup, Colonial Cup, Blues Festival, Jammin’ in July, Revolutionary War Field Days, the Elgin Catfish Stomp, and the Bethune Chicken Strut.

It really seems like there is something to do for everyone who lives in Camden. Whether you prefer to have quick access to the Capital City or want to move away from the hustle and bustle, Camden affords an excellent choice. Taxes are among the lowest in the state and the City of Camden handles the utilities in one nice neat package if you live in the city limits.